TAMPA, Fla. — Stop us if you've heard this before — the Tampa Bay Lightning are the Stanley Cup Champions.
The Bolts secured their spot in NHL history Wednesday night when they became back-to-back Stanley Cup champs beating the Montreal Canadiens 1-0.
It wouldn't be a "Champa Bay" sports win without a victory boat parade.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Lightning Stanley Cup celebration.
When is it?
Fans will be able to celebrate their home team's victory along the Hillsborough River on Monday, July 12.
Beginning around 10 a.m., players will be ushered onto boats at Davis Islands. The goal is to have the parade off and sailing by 11 a.m.
The boat parade will end around noon or 1 p.m. at Rick's on the River to make way for the community celebration at Julian B Park afterward.
Where is it?
The boat parade is set to start when players board their boats at Davis Islands and sail down the Hillsborough River toward Armature Works.
Celebrations for 2021 will follow the same route as last year's boat parade, meaning fans will have several options to choose from when staking out a spot.
You can find a map of the parade route here.
What about parking?
The city says it will have all of its parking facilities and lots open on parade day. you'll want to remember that Monday is a work day for most people, meaning parking could be more congested than you think.
Officials recommend people park in the Ybor area or by the Port of Tampa Bay and hitch a ride on one of the city's free TECO streetcars to the parade route.
Fans will want to get off at either station 10 or 11, according to the city.
Below are some parking suggestions:
Armature Parking Lot
📍 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Tampa Convention Center Garage
📍 141 E Brorein St, Tampa, FL 33602
Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk
📍 200N N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Poe Garage
📍 800 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Street Side Riverwalk
📍 Various meter locations
South Regional Garage
📍 301 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Green Lot Amalie
📍 655 Eunice St, Tampa, FL 33602
Garrison Street Parking Lot
📍 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
SP+ Parking Garage
📍 201 Knights Run Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Post Harbor Place Parking Garage
📍 800 Harbour Post Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Will other boaters be allowed in the parade route?
That's going to be a hard no. The Tampa Bay Lightning shared that no "outside boats" will be allowed to participate in the parade. All fans are instead invited to watch via land.
Plus, if it's anything like last year's celebration, a large police marine presence will accompany the parade to ensure the safety of all on the Hillsborough River.
The Tampa Police Department did note boaters are allowed to be in the general area of the parade but must keep a safe boundary from the activity.
Are there any restricted areas?
The short answer is yes. Tampa police say the player unloading area at the end of the parade route will be reserved for personnel and family.
Also, if you planned on watching the festivities from an area bridge, you need to think again. The following bridges that cross the Hillsborough River (along the parade route) will be closed to fans:
- Laurel Street Bridge
- Cass Street Bridge
- Kennedy Boulevard Bridge
- Brorein Street Bridge
- Platt Street Bridge
Where will there be road closures?
Drivers in downtown Tampa should avoid the following routes:
- Laurel Street from North Boulevard to Doyle Carlton
- Green Street from North Boulevard to Laurel Street
Any safety tips?
- Stay hydrated and prepare for the Florida heat. If you need help, EMS will be stationed along the parade route and on the water.
- Drink responsibly and have a designated driver.
- Police are asking fans to say something if they see something.
- Take a photo of your child on the day of the parade to help law enforcement located them if they get lost.
- Take a photo of the cross street you park at to help you find your car following the parade.
Can I watch it from home?
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