Tampa Bay Lightning
Tribune staff
TAMPA — It’s still more than one hour before faceoff for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but there’s barely a seat to be had in Hattricks, the traditional pregame watering hole for Tampa Bay Lightning fans on Franklin Street.
Outside, fans are tailgating in the bar’s small parking lot, supping beer, rum and tequila and gnawing on wings before they head to the game.
It’s a similar story in the new Ferg’s Live bar on Channelside Drive in the shadow of Amalie Arena with Bolts fans, many decked out in the Lightning’s distinctive blue jerseys, chugging down last-minute beers before the game.