Curtis Hixon Park was packed with hockey fans and music lovers alike for the first night of the National Hockey League’s All-Star Weekend in downtown Tampa.
Why come out to the free concert at @MyCurtisHixon for #NHLAllStarWeekend ?? “To be around all the other hockey idiots,” says this group of diehard @TBLightning fans! #NHLAllStarFriday pic.twitter.com/U3f6IROwqv
— WUSF (@wusf) January 27, 2018
Fans gathered for a free concert featuring the alternative rock bands Moon Taxi and Fitz and the Tantrums.
Music has begun! @MoonTaxi opening for @FitzAndTantrums at @MyCurtisHixon for #NHLAllStarFriday #NHLAllStarWeekend pic.twitter.com/isAVLUxhtm
— WUSF (@wusf) January 27, 2018
It’s a party here at @MyCurtisHixon for #NHLAllStarFriday - @FitzAndTantrums coming up next #hockey #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/WfmoDeobiv
— WUSF (@wusf) January 27, 2018
The park and its neighboring Riverwalk were a sea of hockey jerseys – most, but not all, supporting the Tampa Bay Lightning – and gray foam pirate hats brandishing the NHL logo.
Some #TampaBay locals sporting their foam pirate hats and @TBLightning jerseys at @MyCurtisHixon for #NHLAllStarFriday pic.twitter.com/Lzebbnj73R
— WUSF (@wusf) January 27, 2018
The hats were a gift for people taking pictures next to a giant NHL sign surrounded by treasure chests and a parrot – a nod to Tampa’s annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which will further add to the city’s crowds Saturday.
Pirates with Ye Mystic Crew of Gasparilla were at @MyCurtisHixon for #NHLAllStarFriday reminding people what other major event is going on this weekend... #Gasparilla2018 takes over downtown Tampa tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/HZI1KugRQ9
— WUSF (@wusf) January 27, 2018
Also appearing at the event were some hockey All-Stars themselves. P.K. Subban of the Nashville Predators, who will play defense on the Central Division team, served as emcee. He was joined on stage by the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Captain Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point. Stamkos also will be Captain of the Atlantic Division team for Sunday’s game.
It’s official: The fans at @Enterprise #NHLAllStarFriday Night love their captain @RealStamkos91. #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/NMRsftyHn6
— NHL (@NHL) January 27, 2018
While crowds were large, security at the event ran smoothly. There were plenty of metal detectors and bag check stations open so people didn’t have to wait too long to gain entry into the park. The setup was similar to concerts held last year when Tampa hosted the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.
We talked to a few people at tonight’s #NHLAllStar kick-off concert about their love of #hockey: pic.twitter.com/iVDhReD55R
— WUSF (@wusf) January 27, 2018
WUSF will bring you digital coverage of more of this weekend’s events, including Gasparilla Pirate Fest Saturday and the NHL All-Star Game Sunday. Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @wusf and stay tuned for more stories on wusfnews.org.
