Who is the Tampa Bay Lightning mascot Thunderbug?

Last Modified Feb 6, 2024 07:23 GMT
Tampa Bay Lightning mascot Thunderbug
Tampa Bay Lightning mascot

The Tampa Bay Lightning, affectionately known as the Bolts, is a professional ice hockey team situated in Tampa, Florida. Competing in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a proud member of the Atlantic Division within the Eastern Conference, they call Amalie Arena in Downtown Tampa their home turf.

Boasting an impressive record, the Lightning clinched three Stanley Cup championships in 2004, 2020, and 2021, with additional appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2015 and 2022. Under the ownership of Jeffrey Vinik and the strategic guidance of General Manager Julien BriseBois, the team has seen enduring leadership from Head Coach Jon Cooper since March 2013, making him the NHL's longest-tenured active head coach.

Tampa Bay Lightning mascot Thunderbug

Thunderbug serves as the mascot for the Tampa Bay Lightning, embodying a black and yellow Lightning Bug donned in a jersey bearing the number 00. As part of the pre-game spectacle, Thunderbug orchestrates a thunderclap simulation by playing a bass drum, synchronizing with the beats of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck."

Throughout the game, Thunderbug engages with fans, strolling through the stands to launch T-shirts and contributing a bass rhythm to coordinated cheers and chants. In a notable incident in 2012, a video featuring Thunderbug playfully spraying silly string on a Boston Bruins fan gained viral attention. Subsequently, the performer, identified as a female, faced consequences, although her departure wasn't exclusively linked to this particular incident.

Tampa Bay Lightning Mascot History

The Tampa Bay Lightning's mascot, Thunderbug, has been an integral part of the team's identity and fan engagement since its introduction. Thunderbug, a black and yellow Lightning Bug, made its debut as the official mascot of the Lightning, entertaining fans with its energetic and spirited presence. Sporting a jersey with the number 00, Thunderbug is not just a symbol of the team but also a dynamic performer.

During games, Thunderbug actively engages with fans, traversing the stands to launch T-shirts and contributing a bass rhythm to organized cheers and chants. The Lightning Bug's charismatic and interactive approach adds to the vibrant atmosphere of Tampa Bay Lightning events. Throughout its history, Thunderbug has remained a beloved figure among Lightning fans, embodying the team's spirited and entertaining persona, both on and off the ice.

Thunderbug Funny Incidents

While Thunderbug, the Tampa Bay Lightning's lively mascot, is known for bringing joy and excitement to fans, there have been a few funny incidents that added unexpected twists to its performances. One notable incident occurred in 2012 when a video went viral showing Thunderbug playfully spraying silly string on a Boston Bruins fan during a game. The light-hearted moment captured the spontaneity and playful spirit of Thunderbug, creating laughter among spectators and showcasing the mascot's entertaining antics.

Embracing the light-hearted moments, Thunderbug remains a cherished and dynamic symbol of the Lightning, contributing to the team's vibrant game-day experience with its energetic pre-game rituals, engaging interactions with fans, and, of course, the occasional unexpected and amusing surprises that keep the atmosphere lively.

FAQ's On Tampa Bay Lightning mascot Thunderbug

A. Thunderbug is the Tampa Bay Lightning's official black and yellow Lightning Bug mascot, known for its engaging presence and entertaining antics during games.

A. Thunderbug plays a bass drum to simulate a thunderclap during pre-game rituals, adding excitement to the lead-up of Lightning games.

A. Throughout games, Thunderbug interacts with fans, launching T-shirts, contributing to A: cheers, and creating an energetic atmosphere in the stands.

A. In 2012, a viral video showed Thunderbug playfully spraying silly string on a Boston Bruins fan, showcasing the mascot's spontaneous and amusing nature.

A. Thunderbug has been a cherished part of the Tampa Bay Lightning's identity, embodying the team's spirit and engaging fans with its lively presence since its debut.

Related Stories

In Photos: Flames' Anthony Mantha and Justin Kirkland play games with Alberta Children's hospital mental health unit patients In Photos: Flames' Anthony Mantha and Justin Kirkland play games with Alberta Children's hospital mental health unit patients
In Photos: Flames' Anthony Mantha and Justin Kirkland play games with Alberta Children's hospital mental health unit patients
3 least impressive Edmonton Oilers players from 4-3 loss to Dallas Stars feat. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 3 least impressive Edmonton Oilers players from 4-3 loss to Dallas Stars feat. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
3 least impressive Edmonton Oilers players from 4-3 loss to Dallas Stars feat. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets: Game preview, predictions and odds | March 28, 2025 Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets: Game preview, predictions and odds | March 28, 2025
Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets: Game preview, predictions and odds | March 28, 2025 
1d
3 least impressive Boston Bruins players from 6-2 loss to Anaheim Ducks feat. Casey Mittelstadt 3 least impressive Boston Bruins players from 6-2 loss to Anaheim Ducks feat. Casey Mittelstadt
3 least impressive Boston Bruins players from 6-2 loss to Anaheim Ducks feat. Casey Mittelstadt 
"A really bittersweet day": John Tortorella's replacement Brad Shaw reveals details of a "tough morning" after being named Flyers interim HC "A really bittersweet day": John Tortorella's replacement Brad Shaw reveals details of a "tough morning" after being named Flyers interim HC
"A really bittersweet day": John Tortorella's replacement Brad Shaw reveals details of a "tough morning" after being named Flyers interim HC
1d
Rookie Lane Hutson makes his thoughts extremely clear on Canadiens' first-period struggles after fourth straight loss Rookie Lane Hutson makes his thoughts extremely clear on Canadiens' first-period struggles after fourth straight loss
Rookie Lane Hutson makes his thoughts extremely clear on Canadiens' first-period struggles after fourth straight loss
1d
Is Brad Marchand playing tonight against Utah? Panthers HC Paul Maurice gives big update on star winger’s Florida debut Is Brad Marchand playing tonight against Utah? Panthers HC Paul Maurice gives big update on star winger’s Florida debut
Is Brad Marchand playing tonight against Utah? Panthers HC Paul Maurice gives big update on star winger’s Florida debut
1d
Ryan McDonagh's kids hold up adorable handwritten signs after reading out Bolts' starting line on his 1000th NHL game Ryan McDonagh's kids hold up adorable handwritten signs after reading out Bolts' starting line on his 1000th NHL game
Ryan McDonagh's kids hold up adorable handwritten signs after reading out Bolts' starting line on his 1000th NHL game
1d
Ryan Whitney incensed by Canada PM Mark Carney attending Oilers' pre-game skate Ryan Whitney incensed by Canada PM Mark Carney attending Oilers' pre-game skate
Ryan Whitney incensed by Canada PM Mark Carney attending Oilers' pre-game skate
1d
Former NHL AGM makes big claim about $65,408,000 Toronto Maple Leafs star joining San Jose Sharks in free agency Former NHL AGM makes big claim about $65,408,000 Toronto Maple Leafs star joining San Jose Sharks in free agency
Former NHL AGM makes big claim about $65,408,000 Toronto Maple Leafs star joining San Jose Sharks in free agency
1d
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications