The Tampa Bay Lightning today announced the launch of the Patch with a Purpose program, which features the National Hockey League’s first dedicated jersey patch with a $1 million club donation. In an effort to expand the organization’s impact beyond the ice and into the Tampa Bay community, the program will see the Lightning pledge more than $1 million to support local nonprofit organizations over the program’s first five years.
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA And AdventHealth will be founding partners of the Patch with a Purpose program and will be a significant contributor to Bay Area fundraising initiatives.
The Patch with a Purpose program focuses on improving the lives of local residents and reflects the Lightning’s core values as a community-focused organization. It leverages the strength and reach of the Lightning brand to support local, nonprofit organizations and their community-based programs. All proceeds from the Patch with a Purpose program stay in the Tampa Bay Area and help expand programs that focus on important community needs.
“We are excited to introduce the Patch with a Purpose program and welcome our founding partners Tampa YMCA and AdventHealth to the Lightning’s uniforms this season and beyond,” said Steve Griggs, CEO of VSG & Lightning. “Both share our commitment to a better future in Tampa Bay and we look forward to making a meaningful impact together. On behalf of the Lightning and Vinik Sports Group, I want to thank the teams at Tampa YMCA and AdventHealth for being part of this inspiring, innovative initiative.”
Beginning in the 2024-25 season, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and AdventHealth will be the first Lightning jersey partners to sign multi-year agreements, with the all-new jersey patch concept worn at every preseason, regular season and Stanley Cup Playoff game. This will provide tremendous visibility on regional, national and international television broadcasts in all 32 NHL markets and beyond, as well as exposure on digital and social media and other visible marketing efforts.
At each home game during the 2024-25 season, the Bolts will wear a Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA jersey patch located on the right chest of the team’s blue primary sweatshirt and black third jersey. When the Lightning take to the ice on the road, the team’s white away jerseys will feature an AdventHealth jersey patch, also located on the right chest of each player.
Through the Patch with a Purpose program, the Lightning will make an initial six-figure donation this season to support social impact areas that focus on youth and community well-being.
While Patch with a Purpose’s $1 million financial pledge is fully funded by the Lightning organization, the program invites everyone to unite behind this shared commitment to positive change in Tampa Bay. Together, we can make a difference. Bolts Nation can support the cause in a variety of ways, including direct donations, volunteering and more.
Beginning September 20, all new blue, black and white Fanatics jerseys sold at Lightning retail stores will feature the new YMCA home jersey patch and the new AdventHealth away jersey patch at no additional cost. Fans who would like to add a patch to an existing jersey can visit the arena retail store and our team will apply the patch to their jersey at no additional charge.
Through their Patch with a Purpose program, the Lightning will have a lasting, positive impact on the Tampa Bay community while addressing a variety of important issues and needs throughout the region.
