About Me

My name is Lauren Burg and I am a writer and photographer. Since I was little, sports have been a wonderful outlet for me to turn to when I need a few hours away from the stress of everyday life. I grew up as a huge football fan, always rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, USF Bulls and Auburn Tigers. During the 2004 Stanley Cup run, I became a fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team. When I went to my first hockey game the following season, I became hooked. Hockey remains a major part of my life. I also have recently become a big fan of Tampa Bay Rays baseball.

I started out wanting to be an author, finding writing to be another outlet for my feelings. Since then, beginning in earnest when I became a hockey fan in April 2004, I have realized that everyone, including athletes, have some sort of story to tell. In order to get their story out, they need the help of writers and photographers to tell their story in a way that is compelling to the reader.

At Largo High School, I was first given the chance to try my hand at writing for publication, first as a Staff Writer and then as the Sports Editor of the Packer Press, Largo High's student publication. In the spring of 2003, I did an internship with the Largo Leader as part of one of my final courses before graduation. In the fall of 2004, I enrolled at St. Petersburg College and quickly found the composition classes to be my favorite. I graduated from St. Petersburg College with my associates degree in July of 2006 and immediately enrolled in the Journalism and Media Studies program at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. In my second year at USF, I was given the opportunity to become a high school sports correspondent for the St. Petersburg Times. I am grateful for this as I still work there today. Finally, this past summer, a good friend told me of a job writing blogs for the Tampa Bay Rays. I quickly inquired and was given the job covering Tampa Bay Rays games, helping me to expand my sports knowledge.

In my portfolio, I have included works I have done while a student at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, along with St. Petersburg Times Prep Sports articles and blogs I did for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. Feel free to take a look at my work and enjoy!

Below are a few quotes I like to try to live by:

"Desire, desire- not having "quit" in you. It's easy to quit, it's easy to say it's too hard. Champions are winners. It's the "hard" that makes it great."

-Chris Dingman, member of the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

"Be determined, keep your confidence, and keep your courage and good things will happen."

-Vincent Lecavalier, member of the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and one of only two players remaining from that championship team.

Largo-17, Gibbs-14

This article was written in my first year working for the St. Petersburg Times High School Sports section.


http://www.sptimes.com/2007/11/03/Sports/Largo_17__Gibbs_14.shtml

Hockey Photographs

Alternate Captain and Tampa Bay Lightning player Martin St. Louis answering questions from fans at the 2009 Tampa Bay Lightning FanFest which was held August 29th, 2009 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

Tampa Bay Lightning players warming up before the October 22nd, 2009 game versus the San Jose Sharks at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. The Lightning won that game 5-2.

SunSports Lightning TV analyst Rick Peckham interviews former Lightning player and Captain of the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning Dave Andreychuk during a charity hockey game to benefit fallen Tampa police officer Cpl. Mike Roberts at the 2009 Lightning FanFest on August 29th, 2009 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

Current Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier signs autographs for fans after a February 2009 Tampa Bay Lightning practice at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa that was open to the public.

2008-2009 Colorado Avalanche players (from left to right) Chris Stewart, Darcy Tucker and Ian LaPerriere watch from the bench during the December 2008 game between the Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Lukas Krajicek skates with the puck during a December 2008 Tampa Bay Lightning game at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Andrej Meszaros stretches before a December 2008 game at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

Members of the 2008-2009 Detroit Red Wings warm up prior to the start of their game versus the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 13th, 2008 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

Tampa Bay Lightning players Martin St. Louis, Evgeny Artyukhin and captain Vincent Lecavalier warm up before a November 2008 game at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

Former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Mark Recchi gets ready for his turn to take a shot on goal during warm-ups before a November 2008 game versus the Carolina Hurricanes at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

NOTE: All of these pictures were taken during either the 2008-2009 or 2009-2010 season. Therefore, some of the players in these photographs are not still with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mark Recchi was traded midway through the 2008-2009 season to the Boston Bruins. Dave Andreychuk has retired from hockey but still remains the face of the Lightning franchise seen at many Tampa Bay Lightning games. He also owns a restaurant(Andreychuk's) in Channelside across from the Forum. Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis are the only remaining pieces on the 2009-2010 roster from the 2004 Stanley Cup Championship team.

Photojournalism Photographs

The photograph above shows a Chicago White Sox player up to bat in the game that took place on April 19th, 2009 between the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox.

This photograph was taken as one of my feature photos. It is of the outside of Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater, home to the Clearwater Threshers minor league baseball team and the spring training home of Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies.

This photograph was also taken as one of my feature photographs. It is of the outside of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg which serves as home to the 2008 American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays.

This photograph was taken as part of my Depth of Field assignment. It is of a boater boating in Tampa Bay near Clearwater Beach and Sand Key in the Clearwater area.

This photograph is one I took for my Depth of Field assignment. It is of the Clearwater Causeway Bridge that connects mainland Clearwater to the Clearwater Beach area.

References:

Mark and Pamela Iusi, Neighbor
727-445-1193

Traci Johnson, Regional Sports Editor
St. Petersburg Times, St. Petersburg, FL
727-892-2900 (Office)
tjohnson@sptimes.com

Dr. Robert Dardenne, Director and Associate Professor, Department of Journalism & Media Studies
University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Florida
727-873-4613 (Office)
dardenne@mail.usf.edu

 

Lauren E. Burg

1010 Regent Ave, Clearwater, Florida 33764

Website: Lightninggirl09.blogspot.com, E-mail:lburg@mail.usf.edu

Mobile: 727-644-5562, Home: 727-441-8162

Education:

B.A., University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Florida
Mass Communications with an emphasis on News-Editorial journalism, Expected December 2009

A.A., St. Petersburg College, Clearwater, Florida
Mass Communications, July 2006

21^st Century Learning Center and Teaching Arts Academy, Largo High School, Largo, Florida, May 2003

Related Work Experience:

St. Petersburg Times, Correspondent, August 2007-present
Cover high school sporting events, interview coaches and submit game summaries and statistics for newspaper publication.

Tampa Bay Rays, Blog Writer- unpaid, July 2009-present
Cover Tampa Bay Rays games and write blogs for publication on MVN.com.

Internships:

Largo Leader , Largo, Florida, Sports Writing Intern, March 2003-May 2003
Interviewed athletes, coaches and general public to write community sports articles.
Worked with News and Editorial Staff to produce accurate, timely and interesting work.

Volunteer Work:

Friends of the Library Bookstore-Clearwater Main Library, Clearwater, Florida, June 2007-2008
Stocked shelves ran the cash register and helped customers with whatever they needed.

Sawgrass Lake Elementary, St. Petersburg, Florida, August 2006-present
Assist with classroom activities, grade papers and read with children.

Leadership Largo, Workshop Leader, Largo High School, Largo, Florida, May 2000 and May 2001
Created effective lesson plans and developed creative learning aids for up to three classes of 30 students per day.

Skills:

Key team member in facilitating a variety of leadership courses including Time Management and Team Building.
Interviewed athletes, coaches and general public to write community sports articles for the Largo Leader.
Created a Power Point presentation in high school for one of my courses.
Wrote articles for my high school newspaper, the Packer Press.

Achievements/Organizations:.

Harborside Activities Board, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, 2008/2009.
Freshman Representative, Student Government, St. Petersburg College, Clearwater, Florida 2004.
Principals Advisory Council, Largo High School, Largo, Florida, 1999-2003.

Women's vote goes both ways

In one week, residents of St. Petersburg’s Midtown neighborhood will join people all across the nation and vote in what has become this country’s most historic election. However, some of these Midtown residents supported Hillary Clinton and must now decide who to give their vote to now that she has withdrawn from this election. Presidential candidate John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin, the female governor from Alaska, has not attracted women in Midtown to vote for him. An unofficial survey of residents of Midtown, a predominantly black neighborhood in St. Petersburg, reveals no women voters supporting McCain because of Palin’s presence on the ballot. Urban League volunteer worker and registered independent Edvyonne Hopkins said, “I will not vote based solely on a candidate’s sex and race.”
People are voting on issues, not whether one candidate is black or the other is a woman. According to most of the Midtown residents interviewed, “The main problems this country faces deals with either the economy or the war.” Hopkins, an Urban League volunteer worker and registered independent, stated that “she will vote for Obama because he (Obama) is against the war.”
According to Urban League of St. Petersburg director Ludell Hill, “Many Midtown residents will probably vote for Obama because they feel he (Obama) is the best candidate to get more jobs for people.”
Many residents in Midtown, whether registered or not, seem to vote more on the basis of what’s best for this country as opposed to the sex or race of the candidates running and their running mates. Midtown resident and unregistered voter Mayre Garcia said that “she would vote for John McCain because she feels that the society would take things too far out of context and riots could happen if Obama were to be elected.”
Unregistered Midtown resident and mother of three young children Stephanie Six said, “If I were to vote, I’d vote for Obama because he is looking out for the broker people whereas McCain wants women to make less money.”
However, husband and unregistered voter Steven Six said, “I would probably vote for Obama because he believes in more of the same things that (Hillary) Clinton believed in.”
Unfortunately, however, most of the Midtown residents I spoke to were either unregistered or choosing not to vote for a variety of reasons. Hopkins feels that residents choose not to vote because they are either “uneducated or don’t have the time to make an educated decision.” She (Hopkins) was careful to say, however, that “a majority of voters are educated” and that “those with a college education are more likely to vote than those without a college education.”
It can be said that the sex of the candidate, in this case Palin on McCain’s ballot, does not sway the voters in St. Petersburg’s Midtown neighborhood, even those voters who had previously supported (Hillary) Clinton, as much as the issues that particular candidate supports and what may happen to our country in the years to come if that particular candidate were to be elected into office.

NOTE: Stephanie and Steven Six and Mayre Garcia were interviewed with Director Ludell Hill present at the Urban League of St. Petersburg office.

Game

Photo courtesy of Google Images

It was a punt return with eight seconds left in the game, ninety yards to go and I could smell victory literally seconds away. All we had to do was keep the Florida Gators out of the end zone. They tried everything possible-laterals, backward passes and forward passes. They could not get anything to work. Instead, they fumbled one of the laterals and we picked it up and ran it into the end zone as the clock reached 0:00 which made the game look as though we were beginning to run away with it instead of fighting for our lives the entire game. Oh well, we will take the style points.
Once the clock reached 0:00, I could taste the victory and it was the sweetest taste ever in my life. We had just knocked the Florida Gators from the realm of the unbeaten and back down to Earth. We had also, in a sense, put ourselves right back in the thick of things and in National Title contention.
I could hear the Auburn fans, or maybe that was my mom and I, going crazy knowing that we had damaged not only the pride of the Gators but also hurt their chances of making it to the National Title Game in Pasadena, California. I could also hear Coach Tommy Tuberville’s words after the game, which still ring in my ears today. “This is the first time one of my half-time speeches worked!” Well Tubby, it worked and you might have given your team new hope for this season-a hallmark of a wonderful coach!
I just saw my team knock off the lone unbeaten team in the Southeastern Conference and it was wonderful. We played our butts off-in the second half especially-and it paid off. We were rewarded with not only a win, but a win over our second rivals and a much needed win at that. We shut up all the nay-sayers-at least for a little while- who said that we could not beat the Number 2 team in the nation, at least not after being outplayed and beaten badly on our home field by then un-ranked Arkansas. This goes to show that you can’t take anyone in the SEC lightly or you will be beaten!
Finally, I can feel the excitement in the air at Auburn’s Jordan Hare Stadium. We have just put ourselves smack dab in the center of the National Title race again. Sure, I feel for the Gators-it happened to us the week before. Our previously unbeaten season-gone up in smoke. However, I will enjoy this victory and hold it in my back pocket and Gators, I hope to see you again in Atlanta for the SEC Title Game! For now, though, I will take this win and store it as a memory of a wonderful birthday weekend given to me!

Where Am I?

It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon in late October and I am peering out my window at the cars passing by us. As we exit off Ashley Drive, I can see the house standing there alone to our right, crying out for neighbors. As we weave our way throughout the streets, barely missing pedestrians by the skin of our teeth, I see more and more people walking towards the big building which now looms straight ahead, towering over all others in that same area.
As we get closer, I begin to hear music floating through the crowds of people and hitting my ears like an angel singing to me. Outside the St. Pete Times Forum, I got so many black beads I began to look like the bead lady. We also walked over to the shark tank and watched all the little kids who wanted to pet the sharks for some reason and their parents telling them “No. The sharks aren’t for petting.”
Next, we went to go inside and, of course, had to get patted down first like we were fugitives on the run or something. They then checked my purse and also patted me down to make sure I wasn’t hiding anything under my clothes, as if you wouldn’t be able to see that from further away. Heck, I’m surprised we weren’t forced to strip right then and there!
Once we were finally allowed to enter the building, we stopped by the team store-upon my request, of course before heading to find our seats. I found three different shirts that interested me, and I wanted to buy them, but they were so expensive I could have bought three or more of the exact same thing at either Target or Wal-Mart for the price it cost to buy one there. We then quickly left and went to find our seats before I could find something else I wanted, or claimed to want, so very badly. As I sat down in my seat, I was so excited I felt like a little kid back at the circus again. At that time, I also noticed people all around me screaming-or was that me? I dug around for my camera as the lights dimmed and Thunder bug appeared. He was riding a tricycle around the ice and reminded me of the four-wheelers at the three ring circuses I went to when I was little. I began to snap photographs of him, all the while feeling like a little kid at her first circus. A few minutes later, the lights came on, practically blinding me and I heard the announcer say “Here are YOUR Tampa Bay Lightning…and the San Jose Sharks.” My boys then stepped onto the ice as everyone screamed crazily and busily snapped photographs of them, all the while acting like this were the last time they would ever see them.

2007-2008 Student Government Elections

It’s that time of year again. Time for you to fish out your student ID’s and go down to the student lounge and vote for your student government president for the 2007-2008 school year.
One candidate is Christopher Buckler. Buckler joined USF St. Petersburg Student Government in 2003, when he promptly gained respect as a College of Business Representative on the Capital Investment Trust Fund committee, where the Residence Hall One and Parking Structure were birthed. In his participation in the Athletic Fee Committee, Chris Buckler worked to moderate an athletic fee increase proposed by Lee Roy Selmon. Towards the end of 2003, Buckler was a founding member of SAFE TEAM, a student run program that works with University Police to help promote and ensure campus safety, at USF St. Petersburg. Buckler was also among the legislators that brought the SAFE TEAM proposal to the table. From 2003 onward, Buckler earned the respect of his constituents and peers.
In 2006, Buckler established the Student Government Department of Marketing and Public Affairs, enabling a new era of marketing within SG. The department will be responsible for promotions about student events and SG sponsored projects.
When students demanded more campus improvement, Buckler took initiative as a founding member of the Outdoor Recreation Courts Workgroup to establish a campus beautification project that includes two sand volleyball courts and two basketball courts, where the rubble from the Fountain Inn demolition once was.
The other candidate running for presidency is Mindy Smith. Mindy started out as a senator in the 2005/2006 term. Along with the rest of Student Government, she had a hand in the building of Residence Hall One and the new parking garage. They also surveyed students and got the ball rolling again with the concept of a much needed Student Union. They lobbied senators in Tallahassee, and finally they believe they are being heard!
During the 20065/2007 term, she started out as Secretary and was later voted to serve as Vice President of Student Government. While serving in this position, she chaired the Homecoming Committee and Community Outreach Committee.
To build a better bond with our community and share our Bull Pride, she, along with the rest of Student Government and the USF community, incorporated a food drive into the homecoming festivities. They received hundreds of cans of food that were donated to a local women’s shelter. Student Government also made relationships with several businesses in our local area, which they nurtured throughout the year, in hopes of starting their own version of Tampa’s “Bull Market” next year, which she hopes will eventually generate more revenue for students to use.
She also worked closely with the Ronald McDonald House, Junior Achievement, local charities and shelters, the Museum of Fine Arts, Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Race for the Cure and several others to increase the awareness and student involvement in volunteering and the outside community. She put in several hours and helped many in need with these organizations.
She was also in charge of the Clubs and Organizations Council. In 2006/2007, they created an incentive program for new clubs and organizations on campus and far have over 30 registered groups. However, they are working hard to increase this number continuously. Anyone who has been around for the last two years can tell you there has been a drastic change in student life. We are quickly and surely getting out of that “commuter campus” status.
Finally, Mindy also worked hard to help build the outdoor recreation facility. With the addition of the two basketball courts and two sand volleyball pits, USF is now able to hold more intramural activities and host tournaments with fellow area teams. There is also room for other ideas in the grassy area, such as a picnic area, grills and seating.
Mindy also says that if she is chosen as the next Student Government President, she will try and do the following things to help better the USF St. Petersburg community and campus:
--Continue to work hard to increase student activities and participation.
--Work with the USF St. Petersburg Police and others to increase campus safety.
--Work closely with the treasurer, senate, students and administration to work through our current budget, working to make it more cost sufficient and geared to what’s best for all students at USF St. Petersburg.
--Push hard for a much needed Student Union, the living room of the campus.
--Continue to help our awesome intramural, fitness, waterfront and sailing programs grow.
--Continue to help our clubs and organizations flourish. Create incentives for volunteering to increase community outreach.
--Encourage the improvement of student facilities currently on campus. (gym, club room, game room)
--Help to straighten out the structure of our current Student Government to make ourselves more efficient, credible and more student-centered.
--Create more opportunity for students to get involved and be heard.
Students, it’s time to make your decision and go vote for your Student Government president for the 2007-2008 school year.

Palm Harbor University=29, Clearwater=14

Here is the link to another one of my St. Petersburg Times high school football articles!

http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2009/nov/06/4642-palm-harbor-university-29-clearwater-14/

Bay Walk Revitalization Article

The sidewalk on the Second Avenue North side of Bay Walk has always been a popular gathering place for St. Petersburg residents, but the city would like to make it easier for patrons to access other attractions in downtown St. Petersburg.
Some of the attractions the city is referring to include the waterfront district, the shops along Beach Drive, etc. They would also like to make Bay Walk an easier place to access. In a July 14, 2009 memorandum between Rick Mussett, senior administrator for the city of St. Petersburg and current St. Petersburg mayor Rick Baker, Mussett outlines what the city envisions doing with the revitalization of Bay Walk.
On page six of this memorandum, Mussett states that, “The sidewalk area on the south side of Second Avenue is an important link to program and manage. This can be achieved by granting Bay Walk a Special Event Permit to use the portion of the sidewalk within the right-of-way on the south side of Second Avenue North.”
Mussett then goes on to state that “it is thought that the Special Event Permit would be available during Bay Walk’s high-utilization periods, which are as follows: Thursday and Friday evenings beginning at 5 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday.”
The city is also pushing to have the sidewalk on the north side of Second Avenue vacated. According to Mussett on page six of his July 14, 2009 memorandum to Baker, “C.W. Capital would like to manage the sidewalk area along the north side of Second Avenue North between First and Second Streets North.”
Mussett then added on page six of his memorandum that “East and west pedestrian access would be kept along the south side of Second Avenue North.”
Basically, the city is trying to fill the upstairs section of Bay Walk to make it a better place to visit. If all goes smoothly, the upstairs part of Bay Walk should be filled by the end of next summer. On page eight of the memorandum between Mussett and Baker, it is stated that “C.W. Capital is considering investing up to $6 million to revitalize Bay Walk.” The plan involves possibly turning the outside ticket booth at Bay Walk into something else or at least relocating it to a different area.
Many St. Petersburg residents are in favor of vacating the sidewalk on the north side of Second Avenue. Gregory K. McNutt, Property Manager of Ciminelli Real Estate Services at Bay Walk said, “We started enforcing the curfew (that says that if you are under 18 years of age without an adult, you can’t be on the Bay Walk premises after 9 p.m. and if you are between 18 and 21 years of age without an adult, you can’t be on the Bay Walk premises after 10 p.m.) because a lot of guests of Bay Walk quit coming because of teenage loitering.”
According to Rick Mussett, Senior Administrator for the city of St. Petersburg, “We recommended it (the Bay Walk revitalization) because we think that the vacation (of the north side of Second Avenue) is crucial to get more tenants into Bay Walk. This would allow Bay Walk’s customers to get in and out without obstruction. It isn’t hurting First Amendment rights (of the people of St. Petersburg) because the residents can still gather across the street.”
Owners of shops along Beach Drive and the downtown waterfront area are also in favor of Bay Walk’s revitalization. They, however, would like to see more of the residents of St. Petersburg visit their shops.
According to Philip Anthony Weber, a St. Petersburg resident and co-owner of Davis Anthony Home and Garden on Beach Drive, “There is a huge sign for Bay Walk on the interstate.” “It (the Bay Walk advertisement) needs to say that St. Pete has great shops that are privately owned. In other cities, small shops lose their character to big chains,” he said. Weber also adds that “we have an urban vibe here (in St. Petersburg). We are very pedestrian friendly and offer products and service.” He sums everything up by saying that “consumers need to support the small businesses along with the big chains because supporting us keeps us in the community.”
Finally, the city of St. Petersburg city council will be voting on the issue of vacating the sidewalk on the north end of Second Avenue on October 1, 2009 beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the public hearings beginning at 9 a.m. The city urges all residents who have any interest in the Bay Walk revitalization project to attend this meeting. If you have anything to say regarding this project, you are also urged to attend this meeting and speak your mind.

Tampa Bay Rays Blog Entry!!

Hey all. Here is the link to one of my Rays blog entries I did during Summer 2009! Enjoy!

http://mvn.com/theraysparty/2009/08/pitching-again-fails-rays-in-8-7-loss.html/

Indian Rocks Christian-37, Shorecrest-0

Heres another article I wrote for the Times on Oct 2nd, 2009. http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2009/oct/02/6350-indian-rocks-christian-37-shorecrest-0/

Hope you enjoy!

St Pete Times Article

Hey. Posted below is a link to one of my St Pete Times articles from Fall 2009. Enjoy!

http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2009/sep/17/9121-palm-harbor-u-31-seminole-8/

Introduction to my blog!

Me at a Tampa Bay Lightning game this season!!

Hi everyone!My name is Lauren Burg and I am a senior in the journalism program at USF St. Petersburg. This semester, I took a Sports Journalism course and at the end of the semester our class was asked to take the stories we wrote throughout the semester and put them in either a blog or website format. I have wanted to be a writer since I learned to write and I have always had a great passion for sports. The stories I wrote for my Sports Journalism course have to do with hockey and the Tampa Bay Lightning because that is where my passion lies. I also work for the St Petersburg Times as a high school sports correspondent and have published the links to some of the articles I have written for them. Finally, I am a passionate photographer,mainly photographing sporting events and plan to publish a blog with all photographs sometime in the near future!Anyways, I really enjoyed making this blog and I hope you enjoy reading it!

Palm Harbor U-42, Pinellas Park-6

Here is a link to one of the many games that I have covered over the past two years for the St. Petersburg Times Prep Section.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/footballpreps/article904130.ece?comments=legacy

St Pete Times Forum

Me in front of the St Pete Times Forum in Tampa, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning!

Nestled deep in downtown Tampa is a building that rises high above most others. It is surrounded by restaurants and Tampa Bay to one side and a university and performing arts center to the other side. It is known as home to the National Hockey League (NHL)’s Tampa Bay Lightning and the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm. However, it has also served as host to many concerts and basketball tournaments over the years.
It is one of the few places you will find that has a sports bar on-site, along with many across the street and even next to it. It is also located within walking distance from the Florida Aquarium, the Port of Tampa and the Channelside District. According to USF St. Petersburg journalism major Sara Palmer, “I like that it is surrounded by other things to do; you can really make a day of it. You can go to the aquarium, see the Lightning play and then go grab a few beers in Channelside after the game. I enjoy places that have a variety of good fun all within a few blocks.”
It also features good parking, located either on-site or within five blocks of it. According to Jerald Cardin, a 69 year old retired school principal from Alabama, “I like how the parking deck opens right out to the entrance to the arena. Also, it is large enough to accommodate any sporting event or concert and all of the seats (in the arena) are good seats.”
The inside features three main levels of seating. Also, if you go to a Lightning game, there are suites. Many of these are sponsored by players and the Foundations they started. If you are lucky, you are given the chance to sit in the player’s suite and sometimes even meeting the player themselves. There are also close to four televisions that hang from the ceiling. These help those people in the upper deck see what is happening below without needing binoculars. According to USF St. Petersburg senior mass communications major Kaeli Conforti, “I like how it is big enough to hold so many thousands of people but at the same time it’s roomy enough that you don’t notice the crowds as much. I went to the Billy Joel & Elton John concert and even though we were sitting in the “nosebleed section” the big screen TV helped us to see their performance as if we were in the front row. There doesn’t seem to be a bad view in the place and the tickets for their events are always reasonably priced.”
This building is mainly known for its sports, however. From early October to early April, sometimes even later if the team makes the playoffs, it’s home to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Afterward, the ice comes up and is usually replaced with the fake turf of an arena football field. Even during the season, the ice will come up and be replaced by tile floors for a basketball tournament or a stage for a concert. According to USF St. Petersburg journalism major Olivia Huff, “I like the fact that no matter where you are sitting, you have a great view. It kind of reminds me of a basketball stadium.”
Outside of it is also very nice, especially after a night game. It features a stage area often used during concerts after Tampa Bay Lightning games. Even if the team got killed, it is nice to walk out into the night and hear music hit your ears like an angel singing to you. It also has plenty of room, allowing you to move freely along with a big screen TV that shows the games on the wall of the parking garage. According to Lauren Jackson, a St. Petersburg College graduate student and Registered Nurse, “I like the Tampa Bay Lightning games. All the excitement that they have before the game and interactive things the fans can do are really awesome.”
As you can see, this building is well located. If you aren’t interested in paying up to go see the hockey team play, you can enjoy it in other ways. You can watch the game at a sports bar across the street or even the one located on-site. Afterward, you can catch the post game concert or go down to Channelside for a few drinks. Where am I? Welcome to the St. Pete Times Forum!

Sports and the Economy

Me in front of the St Pete Times Forum holding up the poster I made for the final Fan Appreciation Day to show my appreciation for the Lightning!

Tampa Bay Lightning players saluting fans after the final home game on April 9th, 2009!

During tough economic times, everyone is pinching pennies as much as possible. Many sports teams realize this and try to help out their fan base by providing them with discounts. However, the Tampa Bay Lightning has decided to go above and beyond by offering Student Discounts to current students who possess a student identification card and Fan Appreciation Days to be held during the final four home games of the season. According to Kayla Mosley, “(Tampa Bay Lightning) Fan Appreciation days have been taking place here at the Forum for multiple seasons. These Fan Appreciation days are truly days in which our (the Tampa Bay Lightning) club can thank the fans for a great season and their unyielding support.”
Some people may ask why the Lightning offers more ways to reach out to fans as opposed to other teams. There are a few different theories on this question. People sometimes look at a team’s performance to help decide whether they will spend the money or not to see their favorite team play up close and personal. Others just decide to cut out the fun stuff altogether because they just can’t afford it in this struggling economy.
According to USF St. Petersburg Journalism major Jordan Gault, “I think that the economy, as well as the Lightning’s performance, has a large affect on the attendance at games.” He (Gault) then added, “Going to a Lightning game is one of the greatest bargains in the NHL (National Hockey League). Other teams in greater and more natural hockey markets pay a lot more for tickets and still fill the seats because of the tradition. All in all, I think the Lightning organization is doing well to think of the fans in these tough economic times.”
On the other hand, USF St. Petersburg Mass Communications major Jamie Kennedy had this to say in regard to the Student Discounts. “I think they (the ticket discounts) are geared more towards the community than the team.” She (Kennedy) then went on to mention that “granted the team does benefit from playing in an atmosphere where they feel everyone is supporting them.” However, according to Kennedy, “The tickets are more to get bodies in the door and get them spending money right away. In the box office there is even a merchandise store. There are also stores and concessions throughout the entire Forum. By saving (money) on a ticket you then have a little extra cash for a t-shirt or a second beer maybe.”
USF St Petersburg Business Major Christine Uphoff agreed with Kennedy, saying, “I think they (the ticket discounts) are very helpful for the team.” Uphoff then went on to add that, “Not only will they (the Lightning) bring in more people because of the discounted prices but I could see this as broadening a new target market by hitting the college students who are known as beer drinkers that will purchase more at concessions when they pay a lower ticket price. They (college students) are also more willing to go to games at a cheap price.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning also offers Fan Appreciation Day promotions to help make the game day experience of all fans’ more enjoyable before the regular season ends and there are no more hockey games to enjoy for a few months. This year’s Fan Appreciation days took place March 24th versus the Columbus Blue Jackets, March 29th versus the Ottawa Senators, April 7th versus the Pittsburgh Penguins and April 9th versus the Washington Capitals. Each had lots of events for fans to take part in. According to Mosley, “They (Tampa Bay Lightning) have created a diversified list of events, giveaways, raffles and unique experiences for fans that revolve around the last four games of the season. Therefore, with such unique experiences such as sitting in the press box to pressing the goal horn for a Tampa Bay Lightning goal these events are truly once in a lifetime. In addition, fans are able to socialize and receive autographs from players as they walk the red carpet of the St. Pete Times Forum. Lastly, one of the most popular events takes place at the end of the final home game and fans that were selected from a raffle are escorted onto the ice and are literally given the jersey off the players’ back.” Sports teams are like retail stores and the Lightning is no exception. Student discounts and Fan Appreciation days are the best way that they (the Lightning) can think of to thank the fans for their support and also gain some added revenue in these difficult economic times. Mosley then added, “(The) Tampa Bay Lightning takes great pride in our fan base and their continued support (of us). These days are truly a time in which we can say thank you and hopefully fulfill a few dreams and create memories for these fans.”

Vincent Lecavalier Profile

Me with Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier during a Meet n Greet this past season!(My father got tickets from a client who works for All Childrens Hospital & Vinny's Foundation I do believe!)

Vincent Lecavalier. I’m sure you have probably heard the name before but what do you associate him with? People associate him with the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning for whom he plays. However, Lecavalier is more than just a hockey player in the Tampa Bay Area. Some might consider him a role model for all. He gives up a portion of his time and money to help children in Tampa Bay who are battling cancer and other types of blood disorders. According to Liz Willyoung, Executive Director of the Vinny Lecavalier Foundation, “Since early teens, Vinny has spent numerous summers working with physically challenged youth and at summer camps and as a result knew that later in life he would want to create a more formal program to give back and create a legacy in his name.”
Lecavalier’s on-ice statistics with the Lightning are enough to turn many heads around the NHL and in the community. According to vinny4.com, “Lecavalier ranked 9th among NHL rookies in points with 28, 8th in goals with 13 and 5th in shots with 125 in 1998-99. He also had a goal and two assists on February 12th, 2004, tying Brian Bradley for most career points with the Lightning and hitting 300 career points.” Lecavalier also, according to vinny4.com, “set new career playoff highs in games played, goals, assists, penalty minutes, power play goals and shots during the 2004 playoffs.” He did all this while helping to lead the Lightning past the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and culminating with a hard fought seven game series win over the Calgary Flames before capturing Lord Stanley’s Cup, the Lightning’s first ever. According to vinny4.com, “ Three seasons later in 2005-06’, Lecavalier set another record by notching 52 goals and 108 points, both a franchise best, leading to him capturing the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy given to the NHL’s goal-scoring leader.”
However, Lecavalier’s off-ice contributions to the community, in particular through his Foundation entitled the Vinny Lecavalier Foundation, are far more significant. According to Bill Varian in an October 17th, 2007 St. Petersburg Times article, “Since 2003, Lecavalier, in partnership with Kane’s Furniture, has donated nearly $70,000 to All Children’s Hospital, giving $1,000 for every goal he scores and $300 for each assist.” Even larger than this, however, was his 3-million dollar contribution through his Foundation toward the construction of a Pediatric Cancer Center at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. According to Willyoung, Executive Director of the Vinny Lecavalier Foundation, “Vinny and his foundation devoted two years to researching and meeting with local charities seeking a project deserving of a major, multi million dollar commitment. The Foundation hosted close to 30 different charities, and more than 800 youth and families at a Lightning home game during a two to three year period. The Foundation narrowed the search and ultimately made three site visits prior to selecting the Vinny Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer Center at All Children’s.”
Lecavalier planned to use a few different ways to raise the money that will go toward constructing the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at All Children’s Hospital. According to Varian in his October 17th, 2007 news article, “Lecavalier, along with ‘legacy partners’ in his Foundation, including Kane’s Furniture and DEX Imaging, will provide more than half the money and the remainder of the money will be raised in community fundraising efforts, such as Lecavalier’s annual Texas Hold Em’ Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.” Lecavalier’s Cancer Center will be located in half of the seventh floor of the new All Children’s Hospital which will open in fall 2009. It will also, according to vinny4.com, “include 28 individual patient rooms with accommodations that will allow parents to stay in their child’s room. There is also a HEPA filtered positive pressure airflow system that will allow those patients with a suppressed immune system to move freely throughout the center.”
Lecavalier’s giving goes far beyond what he has accomplished on the ice. He has not only brought a smile to the faces and won the hearts of many Lightning fans by playing his heart out every game, easily making him the face of the franchise. His off ice contributions also help to make Lecavalier so popular among those in the community and most likely a name that Lightning fans and players alike will not quickly forget, even after his career with Tampa Bay is over.
According to Vincent Lecavalier, “I love kids-and I love the Tampa Bay Area so this is a cause with great meaning to me,” explained Lecavalier, who hosts the families of children with cancer in his VIP suite at several Lightning home games each season. “I’ve been fortunate to get to know some of these families. It’s sad whenever you see kids that are sick. Coming to the games is an opportunity to put a smile on their faces but this is a chance to leave a legacy for them and so many others like them for years to come.”

Hockey Fights Cancer

Every year since 1998, all 30 National Hockey League (NHL) teams, players, management and fans have joined together with the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) to help raise awareness and funds for hockey’s most important fight. They host the Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Month one month out of each season. During the 2008-09 seasons, every NHL organization hosted a Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night where cancer patients from the area were given the opportunity to watch games from player suites, along with a chance to partake in player meet and greets and much more. (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=384306)
According to an October 1st, 2008 NHL.com News article, “Members of the hockey family, including NHL coaches, broadcasters and team personnel, will wear a commemorative Hockey Fights Cancer tie at games in October. The lavender tie features blue and pink stripes and an embroidered Hockey Fights Cancer logo. Also, in support of this initiative, all NHL players will wear a Hockey Fights Cancer decal on their helmets during all regular-season games in October.” Also during the month of October, the NHL along with some individual NHL teams will sell merchandise with the Hockey Fights Cancer logo embroidered on it, with part of the proceeds benefitting Hockey Fights Cancer. (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=384306)
Bernadette Mansur, Executive Director of the NHL Foundation, had this to say in an October 1st, 2008 NHL.com News article: “Last year we passed the $10-million milestone for money raised for cancer research through Hockey Fights Cancer.”
Some organizations and even individual players, such as John Cullen, Mario Lemieux, Saku Koivu, Phil Kessel and now Jason Blake, came together to help fight this deadly disease.
John Cullen thought he had it rough because of all the injuries he suffered through from 1991 to 1995 but nothing could compare to his diagnosis of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on March 27th, 1997. He knew that this challenge was going to be much greater than any he had faced so far in his hockey career. (http://mysite.verizon.net/creasemonkeyhockey/players/jcullen.html) Cullen had this to say in a March 4th, 2008 YouTube video, “It’s a tough thing to go through and people need hope, people need faith.” He then went on to add, “I had to work for every inch of ice and I think that’s the way I had to battle cancer too. I had to compete.” However, Cullen felt that his battling helped others who were battling the demons of cancer themselves. According to Cullen in a March 4th, 2008 YouTube video, “They see what I went through and got back to professional level. People must see that and be like ‘Hey. I can do that too.’
Saku Koivu was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on September 5th, 2001. (http://www.habsworld.net/SakuKoivu_02.php) He then, according to an October 18th, 2007 YouTube video, “battled through eight intense months of chemotherapy.” Through all this, Koivu kept a positive attitude and in a YouTube video published on October 18th, 2007 said, “I know that I will win this fight and I’ll be back on the ice before you even know it.” He held true on that promise and despite many doubters was back on the ice on April 8th, 2002 just in time to help the Canadiens make it to the second round of the 2002 playoffs before being ousted by the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes. (http://www.habsworld.net/SakuKoivu_02.php)
To help benefit Hockey Fights Cancer, the Montreal Canadiens, in conjunction with the “Jason Fund”, a foundation formed in memory of 18 year old Jason Gomez who died of stomach cancer in 2006, offered a select few adults who are battling cancer the chance to attend a Canadiens practice, followed by lunch with Canadiens players Saku Koivu and Georges Laraque,” said Kristin Falcao, a reporter for CBC News. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpnbvgbA8as&feature=related) Koivu had this to say to those people who were battling cancer themselves, “The message I guess I’m trying to get across is you got to fight, you got to stay positive. There’s some tough days. There’s no doubt about that but when you have friends-close ones with you- you can do it and I did it and there’s no reason why they can’t do it.” He also established the Koivu Foundation. According to an October 18th, 2007 YouTube video, “Koivu is the cornerstone, remains the cornerstone of the franchise and he is cancer free.” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQB4P14GT4Q)
Other cancer survivors, some who are still playing in the NHL, include Bruins center Phil Kessel and former Penguin captain Mario Lemieux. Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in 1993 and now, more than eight years after he was announced cured, established the Mario Lemieux Foundation to help support cancer research in the hopes of finding a cure for this deadly disease. (http://www.mariolemieux.org/medical/childrens.htm)
Meanwhile, Phil Kessel was diagnosed with testicular cancer during his rookie season in December of 2006 and underwent surgery. (http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2006/12/12/medical_issue_for_kessel/) When asked in an October 18th, 2007 YouTube video about how his experience with cancer has changed him as a person, Kessel had this to say. “I think it made me stronger as an individual going through something like that. It’s tough. You just got to stay positive all the time and think you’re going to get better.” In that same video published on October 18th, 2007 Kessel also said that, “Fighting cancer is a big motivation throughout my career and throughout my life. I’m going to spread the message that cancer’s beatable and a lot of people beat it in the world now today.”