Lightning change policy, will allow fans to wear opponent jerseys
The Tampa Bay Lightning have changed their policy that restricts fans from wearing opposing teams' jerseys in certain seating areas at Amalie Arena, the team confirmed to The Athletic's Joe Smith.
"We realize we have grown as an organization and as a hockey market since (the policy was instituted) and it is no longer necessary," the team said in a statement to The Athletic.
The decision to do away with the policy comes after a video surfaced showing arena employees telling a man and his son that they could not wear Florida Panthers gear at their seats, which were in the second row behind the glass.
The employees offered to relocate the fans if they continued to wear their Panthers jerseys. One employee threatened to get the Tampa Police Department involved.
The Bolts' jersey policy began in 2015 at the request of premium ticket holders. It applied to the first three rows of seating behind the glass and part of the Chase Club area.
The Lightning hosted three games at home during their first-round series against the Panthers. They will face the top-seeded Carolina Hurricanes in round two and host Games 3, 4 and 6 (if necessary).
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