Even though there was no NFL game at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, many Patriots and Buccaneers were on hand.
The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning continued the tradition of themed costumes before NHL outdoor games, just hours before the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series.
Lightning players paid tribute to their hosts, donning the famous orange “creamsicle” uniforms that the Buccaneers wore from 1976 to 1996. The team made the transition to red and pewter in 1997, but brought back the orange uniform to celebrate the past in 2009.
Each Lightning player wore full equipment, including helmets adorned with the old Buccaneers logo.
The team arrived at the stadium by streetcar and was accompanied by Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield and star offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs. Mayfield wore the Lightning’s Stadium Series jersey while Wirfs opted for the black jersey that the Lightning wore from its inaugural season in 1992-93 until 2006-07. The name behind Wirfs’ back? That of the current head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, with his number 26.
“It was very meaningful to us that these guys wanted to accompany us and lead the march. And like Victor (Hedman) said, we thank them for agreeing to do this for us today, said defenseman Ryan McDonagh. Everyone loves the ‘creamsicle sweater. It’s so much fun playing here, living here and supporting each team during the season, so this is our way of showing them our respect. »
