It’s a great time
My husband and I are huge hockey fans. Because we live in the northeast, we typically watch NHL games from home. During the hockey season, the weather tends to be extremely cold and snowy. We don’t dare buy tickets ahead, because the day of the game the roads could be dangerous. Blizzard conditions, black ice, sleet, white-outs and driving bans are often a part of the forecast. Even if we brave the commute to the game, we then need to park and walk through snow and bitter wind chill to reach the arena. It’s necessary to dress in heavy boots, hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters and wool coats. The inside of the arena is rarely much warmer than the outdoors. A few years ago, my son moved to Tampa, Florida. He has become a big Tampa Bay Lightning fan. Because of him, my husband and I have started following the team. Every year, we travel to Tampa several times per year to catch a Lightning game. They are a super successful team and recently won two Stanley Cups in a row. Attending an NHL game in Florida is much different than in the northeast. We usually drive to the game with the air conditioner blowing. We dress in shorts, T-shirts and sandals. The walk from the parking lot to Amalie arena is enough to work up a sweat. There are always a lot of people and activities going on in the area directly in front of the arena. It’s a great time. As soon as my husband and I retire from our jobs, we plan to relocate to the Tampa Bay area. We love the weather, the proximity to the water and the people.