ThunderBug Dives into Adventure at The Florida Aquarium for the Historic Stadium Series
February 2, 2026
Share Story
Fans watching yesterday’s NHL’s Stadium Series coverage may have seen videos of beloved Tampa Bay Lightning mascot ThunderBug exploring Tampa Bay in search of hidden treasure. As part of the excitement surrounding the NHL’s first-ever outdoor hockey game in a Florida football stadium, ThunderBug made a memorable stop at The Florida Aquarium, where his treasure hunt took him beneath the surface of one of the Aquarium’s most iconic habitats.
In behind-the-scenes video released today, ThunderBug can be seen wearing a special Lightning wetsuit and fins as he dives into The Florida Aquarium’s 500,000-gallon Coral Reefs habitat, surrounded by stingrays, sharks, and vibrant marine life as part of his Tampa Bay adventure.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO & PHOTOS OF THUNDERBUG’S UNDERWATER ADVENTURE AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
The underwater excursion was featured during Stadium Series coverage, tying ThunderBug’s treasure hunt into the weekend’s Gasparilla pirate festivities. The moment showcased the region’s unique spirit, wildlife, and sense of fun on a national stage, while shining a spotlight on Tampa Bay and highlighting how far the sport has grown in the Sunshine State.
The Latest from The Florida Aquarium
-
April 7, 2026
AquaFence Donates Engineered Flood Barrier System to Help Protect The Florida Aquarium
AquaFence this morning announced the donation of an engineered flood mitigation barrier system to The Florida Aquarium, providing the nonprofit organization with the same proven level of flood protection used at Tampa General Hospital during major storm events. The initiative also includes financial support from Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and Strategic Property Partners (SPP), reinforcing…
Read More -
March 24, 2026
Students from East Tampa and Sulphur Springs Dive into Marine Science at The Florida Aquarium
Three middle and high school students from historically underserved Tampa neighborhoods swapped backpacks for dive helmets at The Florida Aquarium on Thursday. As part of the Teen Achievers AQUA Experience, they explored the Aquarium’s 500,000-gallon Heart of the Sea habitat during the SeaTREK underwater walking adventure, coming face-to-face with rays, a rescued sea turtle, and…
Read More -
March 17, 2026
Spring Break ’26 in Full Swing at The Florida Aquarium
Spring Break is officially underway at The Florida Aquarium, where families are spending the week immersed in marine life while enjoying up-close animal experiences, extended hours, and interactive activities. With air-conditioned indoor exhibits, the Aquarium is the perfect place to stay cool, dry, and entertained—no matter what the weather. Located in downtown Tampa in the…
Read More
Stay Up to Date
Want to know what’s happening below the surface? Sign up to receive our email newsletter, “The Current”, and dive into the latest news, events, and exhibit updates happening here at the Aquarium.