ThunderBug Dives into Adventure at The Florida Aquarium for the Historic Stadium Series
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.
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