From Expo Hall to Amalie Arena: A Chronicle of Lightning Legends Brian Bradley and Rick Peckham
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s inaugural season in 1992-93 was a far cry from the glitz and glamour of today’s NHL. Playing in the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds, a venue more accustomed to livestock shows than professional hockey, the fledgling franchise, led by founder Phil Esposito, battled not only opposing teams but also the unorthodox challenges of their temporary home. Brian Bradley, drafted from Toronto, recalls the peculiarities of that first season, including witnessing teammate Roman Hamrlik fishing outside the arena. Despite the unconventional setting, the Lightning’s first game, a resounding 7-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, ignited a spark of excitement in Tampa Bay. Chris Kontos’s four-goal performance, a feat rarely replicated in franchise history, instantly etched his name in Lightning lore.
The transition from the Expo Hall to the ThunderDome, the then-home of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, marked a significant step up for the Lightning, although still a less-than-ideal hockey venue. Three seasons were spent playing under the dome’s expansive roof before the team finally found its true home in the gleaming new Ice Palace, now known as Amalie Arena, in downtown Tampa. The opening night on October 20, 1996, was a night of celebration, a culmination of years of anticipation and a symbolic arrival for the franchise. Bradley, a two-time All-Star and original Lightning member, had the honor of scoring the first goal in the new arena, a moment forever etched in team history. The fact that the legendary Wayne Gretzky scored the second goal only added to the night’s historical significance. The Lightning’s victory over a star-studded New York Rangers team featuring Gretzky and Mark Messier made the evening even more memorable.
Rick Peckham, the voice of the Lightning for 24 seasons, vividly remembers the inaugural game at the Ice Palace. From his perch high above the ice in the television booth, he witnessed the eruption of cheers as Bradley’s goal lit the lamp and the excitement reverberated through the brand-new arena. The formal attire of the press box, the palpable energy of the crowd, and the historical weight of the moment combined to create an unforgettable experience.
Bradley’s journey with the Lightning extended beyond his playing days. Forced to retire due to injuries in 1999, he transitioned into a team ambassador role, fostering relationships with sponsors and season ticket holders, and witnessing the growth of hockey in the Tampa Bay area. He reflects with pride on the expansion of youth hockey programs and the increasing number of local players drafted into the NHL, a testament to the impact the Lightning has had on the community.
Peckham’s broadcasting career began humbly in the American Hockey League, where he juggled multiple responsibilities, from writing press notes to handling public relations. His first NHL game, calling a Hartford Whalers versus Boston Bruins matchup at the historic Boston Garden, was a nerve-wracking experience, though thankfully his on-air debut went smoothly despite a wardrobe malfunction. He spent 11 seasons with the Whalers before joining the Lightning in 1995-96, their final season playing in the ThunderDome.
Peckham’s tenure with the Lightning coincided with the team’s growth and maturation. He witnessed the franchise’s first playoff appearance in 1996, a hard-fought series against the Philadelphia Flyers, and he called games during the lean years of the late 1990s, when the Lightning struggled to find their footing. The 1999-2000 season, with its revolving door of 54 players, provided a unique challenge for Peckham, requiring him to familiarize himself with a constantly changing roster. However, the instability eventually gave way to an era of success, culminating in the Lightning’s first Stanley Cup championship in 2004.
Peckham’s final call for the Lightning came from a studio in Amalie Arena as the team competed in the 2020 playoff bubble in Toronto. The Lightning’s thrilling overtime victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round was a fitting sendoff for the veteran broadcaster, who witnessed the team’s journey from the unconventional confines of Expo Hall to the pinnacle of NHL success.
Both Bradley and Peckham, inducted into the Tampa Bay Lightning Hall of Fame, represent the enduring spirit of the franchise. Their intertwined stories, spanning from the humble beginnings to the championship glory, embody the resilience, growth, and community impact that have defined the Lightning’s remarkable journey. From fishing pucks out of nets in Expo Hall to hoisting Stanley Cups in Amalie Arena, their contributions have shaped the Lightning’s identity and solidified their place in Tampa Bay sports history. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the team and the community.
