TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning’s path back to the ice is officially set for this September. The club announced its complete four-game exhibition lineup for the upcoming 2026 preseason today, a slate that will be presented by Florida Blue.
The quick six-day stretch gives the team an even split of two games at home and two games on the road as they prepare for the regular season.
Hockey returns to Tampa on Sunday, September 20, when the Lightning open the preseason at home against the Nashville Predators. That initial puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Benchmark International Arena. Two days later, on Tuesday, September 22, the Lightning will travel to Tennessee for a rematch against the Predators at Bridgestone Arena, with game time set for 8 p.m.
The final two games of the slate will turn the focus toward a regional rivalry. On Thursday, September 24, the Lightning return home to host the Florida Panthers at 7 p.m. The team will then close out its preseason schedule on Saturday, September 26, traveling down to Sunrise for a 6 p.m. matchup against the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena.
While the dates and opponents are locked in, team officials stated that ticket information for the home contests at Benchmark International Arena will be made available at a later date. All listed game times are Eastern Standard Time and are subject to change.
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