photo of kids playing around lightning bolt on the groundThe Tampa Bay Lightning previously sponsored an outdoor rink in Pinellas Park, as pictured in 2021. The Lightning donated $100,000 to the City for a new outdoor hockey rink.
Photo courtesy of the City of Pinellas Park

Hockey… outside… in Florida? Yes, that’s really something you can do, thanks to the Tampa Bay Lightning!

In September, the City of Pinellas Park announced plans to re-open an outdoor hockey rink at Sprowls Horizon Sports Park with a $100,000 grant from the Lightning Foundation.

“The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Lightning Foundation are proud to support the Pinellas Park community through the reopening and enhancement of the outdoor hockey rink,” Josh Dreith, director of Community & Hockey Development for the Tampa Bay Lightning, said in a media release.

New & Improved in Pinellas Park

The hockey rink at Sprowls Horizon Sports Park is part of a new and improved complex that features:

Six turf baseball/softball fields — modeled after Florida Major League spring training venuesSix batting cagesA grass multipurpose fieldA playground and additional premium amenities

“The City of Pinellas Park is beyond grateful to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Lightning Foundation, and Mr. Vinik for this transformational grant for our new outdoor hockey rink at Sprowls Horizon Sports Park,” said Bart Diebold, City Manager of Pinellas Park in a media release. 

Aerial terrain map showing property mentioned in storySprowls Horizon Sports Park will feature six youth baseball/softball fields
Photo courtesy of the City of Pinellas ParkGrant Money Led To Pinellas Park’s New Outdoor Hockey Rink and More

The City of Pinellas Park initially planned to renovate its existing sports complex. However, the plans expanded after receiving grants from the State of Florida, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Lightning Foundation.

The original vision evolved into a premier youth sports destination. The funding allowed the City to partner with the Sports Facilities Companies to construct this new complex.

Additionally, the venue will be available for various sports and age groups. It will also welcome regional and national visitors. The grand opening for the new facility is currently slated for February 2026.

Sprowls Horizon Sports Park, 4015 62nd Ave. N., Pinellas Park.

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