The Tampa Bay Lightning is Tampa Bay's professional hockey team that is part of the Eastern Conference of the NHL. Fans are treated to action-packed games that offer special theme nights and promotions that include special ticket prices and various other giveaways. The Tampa Bay Lightning proudly won the Stanley Cup at the end of the 2003-2004 season. The sports team's home games are played at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.
The American Stage Theatre Company is considered to be the best theater organization in the area, and with good reason. It was founded in 1977 and has been staging impressive productions that feature the talents of area actors, directors and technicians. American Stage features a wide variety of entertainment that ranges from dramatic classics to the cutting edge as well as everything from musicals to Shakespeare. There are performances offered all year long as well as the popular "American Stage in the Park" in the Spring.
The injuries sustained by various birds in the area are seen as just temporary by the caring professionals at the Suncoast Bird Sanctuary. This prominent avian hospital rehabilitates thousands of feathered creatures who need a little extra care. Creatures from birds to raptors are treated and then released, but several of the injured specimens make their permanent home here. The sanctuary has gotten lots of attention for breeding Eastern brown pelicans in captivity. As many as 500 "patients" can occupy the facility at one time. When you visit this attraction, you can see an impressive variety of winged creatures that include herons, egrets, cormorants, seagulls and more.