For more information about becoming an Investor, please contact:

Craig Richard
President & CEO

(813) 518-2620
crichard@tampabayedc.com

Tampa Bay Lightning

 

 

The Tampa Bay Lightning, the leasehold rights to the Tampa Bay Times Forum and approximately six acres of adjacent land were purchased by an entity controlled by Jeff Vinik in March 2010. Vinik later added the Tampa Bay Storm to his portfolio and commenced a complete transformation of the sports and entertainment business, highlighted by a more than $60 million renovation of the Times Forum, an extensive charity campaign highlighted by a $2 million annual giveback to Tampa Bay nonprofits through the Lightning Community Heroes program, and redesigned identities for both teams. The Lightning, led by Hockey Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman, are now recognized as one of the leading franchises in the National Hockey League, while the Storm, with future NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks at the helm, are emulated throughout the Arena Football League.




Jeff Vinik

Jeff Vinik purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning in March 2010, promising a comprehensive transformation of the franchise and aiming to secure its place as a leader in the community. Vinik pledged to make the organization “world-class,” creating a first-rate fan experience while putting together a team of which local sports fans would be proud, on and off the ice. Vinik and his wife, Penny, made an impact on the local community by pledging more than $10 million to be donated through the Lightning Foundation over five years to the Lightning Community Heroes program. They both served as the chairs of the American Cancer Society’s 2012 Cattle Baron’s Ball, and the family has extended its charitable giving in the community as well. Vinik graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s in engineering and economics. He went on to earn his master’s of business administration from the Harvard Business School. Vinik was awarded Duke University’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award in 1994 and serves on the Duke University Board of Trustees.

Jeff Vinik
Chairman and Governor