Tampa Hockey Team Shows Up in NFL Uniforms for Outdoor Game

When hockey meets football, you get players in full padding showing up to an ice rink wearing the wrong sport's uniform.

The Tampa Bay Lightning turned heads Sunday night when they arrived at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wearing complete throwback "Creamsicle" Bucs uniforms. We're talking helmets, shoulder pads, jerseys with their own names and numbers, the whole package.

Fans roared as the hockey players strutted into the stadium in those bright orange uniforms that Tampa sports fans love. Leading the way were actual Bucs stars Baker Mayfield and Tristan Wirfs, who wore Lightning jerseys to complete the swap.

The Bruins matched the energy with their own tribute. Players arrived dressed as Colonial Patriots, honoring their New England Patriots teammates heading to the Super Bowl next week.

This wasn't just fun and games. Both teams came to win, each riding an 8-1-1 record over their last 10 games. The Lightning lead the Eastern Conference at 34-14-4, while the Bruins sit close behind at 32-20-3.

The Ripple Effect

These creative stadium entrances show how sports teams are finding new ways to connect with their communities and celebrate local pride. By honoring Tampa's football heritage, the Lightning brought two fan bases together for one unforgettable night.

The crossover also highlights how outdoor hockey games are bringing the sport to new audiences in unexpected places. Playing at an NFL stadium in Florida, where it was an unusual 40 degrees, the NHL needed heaters to keep the ice at the right temperature.

When athletes have this much fun celebrating their cities, everyone wins.