The Tampa Bay Lightning and IKEA Tampa have joined forces for the 2009-10 hockey season. On Friday, October 2 at 7 p.m. inside IKEA, together, the organizations will announce a partnership designed to support the economic development of the Channelside/Ybor City residential and entertainment districts through unique cross-promotions.

The October 2 announcement kicks off the “Lightning Family Weekend” at IKEA, 1103 North 22nd Street, at the intersection of Adamo Drive. On Friday, October 2 from 6-8 p.m., at IKEA Tampa, the Bolt Brigade, Lightning Girls, and Lightning fan-favorite Dave Andreychuk will be in attendance to usher in a commemorative puck drop signaling the start of the 2009-10 Tampa Bay Lightning hockey season. In addition, fans will receive an opportunity to check out the brand new Lightning mobile marketing truck and trailer, an interactive unit which brings Lightning hockey right into the Tampa Bay community. The Lightning sales staff will also be present, offering fans with chances to win Lightning prize giveaways and Lightning game tickets courtesy of IKEA Tampa.

A special appearance by Thunderbug on Saturday, October 3 from 2-4 p.m. at IKEA promises more fun for the whole family.  The Bolt Brigade will also be in attendance and fans will be provided with additional opportunities to win Lightning prize packs and tickets. Sunday, October 4, from 1-3 p.m., is the last opportunity for fans to score free tickets and Lightning prizes during the “Lightning Family Weekend” at IKEA.

In November, the Lightning and IKEA Tampa will host Swedish Night to honor not only IKEA’s roots, but also Tampa Bay Lightning members Victor Hedman and Mattias Ohlund. On Monday, November 30 at the St. Pete Times Forum, activities will include Swedish music and Swedish food and drink on the VIP West Plaza before the team’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. During the game, fans will receive a pair of IKEA Thunderstix. One week prior to IKEA Swedish Night at the Forum, IKEA customers will have the chance to win all-inclusive suite tickets and a post-game meet and greet with Lightning personnel. Additionally, Swedish native and the 2009 second overall draft pick, Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, is scheduled an appearance at IKEA Tampa on Sunday, December 6, from 2-4 p.m.

The Lightning and IKEA are also proud to welcome all college students to enjoy Lightning home games for a reduced price at games designated as IKEA College Nights, which will take place every Saturday night throughout the season. A more detailed schedule is as follows:

10/10 vs Carolina               1/2 vs Pittsburgh

10/24 vs Buffalo                 1/23 vs Atlanta

10/31 vs New Jersey             2/6 vs Calgary

11/14 vs Los Angeles           3/6 vs Atlanta

12/5 vs NY Islanders             3/20 vs Washington

12/26 vs Atlanta                 4/10 vs Florida

Just $50 nets college students a Club level endzone seat, food and drink specials, and a $20 IKEA Gift Card, while just $12 gets a Terrace seat in the last seven rows, food and drink specials, and a $5 IKEA Gift Card.

For more information on the Tampa Bay Lightning and IKEA 2009-10 promotional partnership, please contact (813) 301-6896.