Tampa Bay Lightning’s Game Presentation Crew Treats Fans Like ‘Extended Family’

Entertain. Involve. Inspire. These are the pillars upon which the Tampa Bay Lightning game presentation crew operates by producing a top-shelf product that is experienced by nearly 20,000 of the team’s fans even before they enter the Benchmark International Arena. That’s why the crew was recognized this summer by the National Hockey League for winning a 2025 Stanley Award for putting on the best show after being a finalist twice in the past three years.

“Fate smiled on us this year and we were fortunate to win the trophy,” said John Franzone, Lightning’s Senior Vice President of Game Presentation.

Maybe there was some luck involved. Perhaps most importantly, Franzone’s professional cast creates its own happiness when it comes to enhancing the fan experience. After all, it is an experienced group that knows how to read the temperature to deliver for the fans.

“What are you going to do now?” said Stephen Frey, in his sixth season producing the show and 12th with the Lightning. “We won this award, which is incredible, and then it’s, ‘Wait, how can we improve this?’ It is our fans who see us executed, so we do everything for them.”

Different teams do it in different ways. The Lightning prefers to engage whenever the opportunity presents itself, no matter how narrow the window opening.

“You get an opportunity at a sporting event with ebbs and flows,” said Franzone, who has been with the Lightning for 17 years and has four decades of industry experience. “When you see an opportunity, you’d be foolish not to take it. Some producers, some teams, choose to stay quiet and play some music. In general, when we get a window to tell some stories, a window to engage the fans or a window to inspire the fans, we choose to take the opportunity.”

Inspiration abounds, especially when a veteran stands next to a fellow veteran, retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Sonya Bryson-Kirksey, as she performs “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Or in-game staples like the Standing Salute, where an active or retired military member is recognized for career achievements. Likewise, community service efforts have their place at Tampa Bay Lightning games. The Community hero program was launched in 2011 and honors those who have gone above and beyond when it comes to volunteering and similar acts.

“When I got here in 2008, there weren’t necessarily many traditions outside of the game, and we created a few, which was great to be a part of,” Franzone said.

From season ticket holders who attend virtually every preseason, regular season and playoff game to the patron making his or her debut at a Lightning game, there truly is something for everyone. This primarily includes memories.

“There will be someone who comes to all 41 (regular) games and there will be someone who comes here once,” Franzone said. “You have to find a balance and keep it fresh for the people who come to almost every game, or make it memorable for the person who comes here for the first time. That underlines our philosophy, and it’s all based on making a memory, which you can do in different ways.”

Every fan is appreciated. The motto of the presentation team is: “One fan is every fan.”

“We always put our best foot forward,” Frey said. “The sport of hockey is exciting enough, and it is our job to paint a picture around it.”

Those who are heard and/or seen painting that picture during a game, such as announcer Greg Wolf, reporter Gabby Shirley, intermission host JP Peterson, organist Krystof Srebrakowski, broadcast announcer Paul Porter, who has been behind the microphone since the Bolts’ inaugural season at the Florida State Fairgrounds, plaza announcer Steve Arfaras and Deiah Riley, who introduces the community to Hero, combine to serve what Franzone calls “comfort food.” Their consistent presence and rhythm make customers feel at home.

“You have these elements of game night that are part of your extended family if you’re a Lightning fan,” says Franzone, recounting an experience with an award-winning video production team present from morning skate to post-game interviews. “We are all connective tissue in that respect, and our show is one of those elements.”

Thunder alley

The connectivity begins outside the Benchmark International Arena in the plaza known as Thunder Alley. What takes place long before the puck drops can be likened to a welcome mat that leads to the increased production in the 19,092-seat venue. Not that what happens along the square is necessarily the undercard. On the contrary, there’s a lot going on with bands, the Bolts Blue Crew, which includes throwing away t-shirts to get fans into game-time mode, and with sponsor activations.

This season marks the debut of Lightning games broadcast by Scripps Sports. At a time when other broadcast entities are finding ways to cut corners, Scripps Sports is going in the opposite direction in many ways, including having pregame broadcasts as part of the activity in Thunder Alley.

“It really gives the whole plaza a ‘College GameDay’ feel,” Franzone said.

Along with host Paul Kennedy, former Tampa Bay players Dave Andreychuk, Braydon Coburn and Adam Hall have been part of the pregame show, and this season they have been joined by a few other individuals who wore the bolt on the front of their jerseys, Pat Maroon and Ryan Malone. (Malone and his father, former NHLer, Greg, have done a great job helping veterans through hockey.)

“Before a fan sits down to watch the game, you have 60 to 90 minutes of atmosphere that takes you away from your daily routine and makes you feel like you’re in a new country,” Franzone said. “The basis of our presentation starts outside.”

A lot has been built on top of that foundation, which fans have long experienced in the arena.

“There are a number of people working very hard to bring it to life,” Franzone says.