TBL-Jeff-Vinik-promo

Jeff Vinik: Chairman and Governor

Jeff Vinik purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 3, 2010, promising a comprehensive transformation of the franchise while pledging to make a significant positive impact in the Tampa Bay community, and he has delivered.

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Upon acquiring the Lightning, Vinik vowed to make the organization "world-class," creating an unrivaled fan experience while putting together a team of which Tampa Bay sports fans would be proud, on and off the ice. Vinik and his franchise became Stanley Cup Champions on September 28, 2020 when the Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars in six games after spending 65 days in the pandemic-induced NHL "Bubble." The Lightning repeated the feat, becoming just the second team since the turn of the century to go back-to-back, after downing the Montreal Canadiens in five games to capture a second-straight Stanley Cup on July 7, 2021.

As Vinik enters his 12th year of ownership, the Lightning are recognized nationally as one of the top organizations in North American sports, having appeared in the National Hockey League's Eastern Conference Final/Stanley Cup Semifinal six times (2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020 & 2021), advancing to the Stanley Cup Final three times (2015, 2020 & 2021), winning hockey's ultimate prize in 2020 and 2021. Off the ice, the Lightning brand has been completely revitalized and transformed, having been lauded by both ESPN as the No. 1 team in professional sports in the media giant's Ultimate Standings (also ranking in the Top 10 in six of seven years), as well as by the Sports Business Journal as one of five finalists for Sports Team of the Year in 2016 and 2020. The Lightning enjoyed 234-consecutive sellout crowds at AMALIE Arena from 2015-2020, a streak that was halted only by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vinik now sits as a member of the Executive Committee of the National Hockey League's Board of Governors.

In executing his plan to bring a world class franchise to life in Tampa Bay, Vinik has invested more than $100 million in private funding into the publicly owned AMALIE Arena to create a guest-first facility recognized as one of the finest in the NHL. Additionally, under the umbrellas of the Vinik Family Foundation and the Lightning Foundation, Jeff and his wife Penny have invested nearly $40 million in Tampa Bay area charities through a variety of programs and donations, the most notable being the Lightning Community Heroes program, in which $50,000 is donated to worthy individuals and their non-profits of choice at each Bolts home game. Through the 2020-21 season, more than $23 million has been donated through the Community Heroes program to more than 750 local non-profits. He pledged another $10-million to continue the Hero program in the summer of 2021.

The Lightning's success under Vinik has coincided with the emergence of a development company, Strategic Property Partners (SPP), LLC and its plan to develop approximately 60 acres in downtown Tampa's south core into a new district entitled 'Water Street Tampa'. SPP, a partnership between Vinik and Cascade Investment, LLC of Kirkland, Washington, is expecting to deliver approximately $3 billion in investment to bring Water Street Tampa to life and reinvent the blocks surrounding AMALIE Arena into a walkable, 24-7 live, work, play and stay wellness district. With construction of phase one already underway, the district includes a School of Medicine for the University of South Florida, corporate office buildings, three Marriott hotel properties, residences, retail, restaurants, entertainment, and improved infrastructure.

Vinik is also the impetus behind Embarc Collective, an innovation hub which opened in downtown Tampa in 2019. Embarc formally brings together startup companies, venture capitalists, academic resources, and startup-focused partners in a central physical hub to help open opportunities, inspire iteration, push progress, and put Tampa Bay on the map as a prime destination for diverse startup talent to make an impact.

Jeff and Penny Vinik continue to personally invest in the community, bringing one-of-a-kind art installations "The Beach," "Art of the Brick," and "Love is Calling" to the city of Tampa. The Beach came to AMALIE Arena in 2016 and featured 1.2 million translucent white balls, creating an indoor beach for nearly 100,000 patrons. Art of the Brick, the first exhibit to focus exclusively on the use of LEGO bricks as an art medium, was brought to downtown Tampa in 2017. Love is Calling, an iconic infinity room, made by Yayoi Kusama, considered the best female artist in the world, was the featured exhibit at the Tampa Museum of Art for six months during 2018-19.

The Vinik family has also directly contributed to several local non-profits, including the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art, the United Way of Suncoast, Metropolitan Ministries and Tampa Preparatory School and Jeff served as the Chairman of the American Heart Association's 2018 Tampa Bay Heart Walk.

In August of 2018, the Viniks helped cut the ribbon on the $2.5 million Jeff and Penny Vinik Family Winston Park Boys and Girls Club in east Tampa. In 2017, the Viniks donated $1 million to relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey struck the state of Texas and another $1 million (through the Lightning Foundation) after Hurricane Irma devastated much of the state of Florida. In September 2017, the University of South Florida's Muma College of Business renamed its dual-degree sport-focused graduate program the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Program, a result of Jeff and Penny's support of the University and this field of study.

In September of 2019, through the Vinik Family Foundation, the Viniks donated $5 million to help IDEA Public Schools, a network of nationally acclaimed, tuition-free college preparatory public charter schools, launch four new schools in the Tampa Bay area.

Penny Vinik is the chair of a community arts initiative which is enabling Tampa Bay-based artists to display their works throughout AMALIE Arena. She is a member of the Board of Trustees at Tampa Preparatory School and a board member of Tampa Museum of Art, where she led the search to select its Executive Director.

After growing up in New Jersey and attending high school at Riverdale Country School in New York City, Vinik graduated from Duke University (1981) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and Economics. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration degree from the Harvard Business School, graduating in 1985.

Vinik was awarded Duke University's Distinguished Young Alumni Award in 1994, and he later served on the Duke University Board of Trustees. In May 2012, the family made a $10-million donation to Duke to establish a faculty challenge fund that is being used to hire and retain professors who focus on complex societal challenges such as engineering and related areas in energy, global health, brain sciences and the environment.

In addition to his primary business interests in Tampa Bay, Vinik maintains interests in several other entities, including aXiomatic, a Los Angeles-based esports and gaming company of which he is co-executive chairman. Founded in September of 2016, aXiomatic is the majority owner of the Team Liquid franchise, a stalwart esports franchise, which won DOTA2's The International 2017 and secured back-to-back North American championships in 2018 for League of Legends' North American League Championship Series.

Jeff and Penny reside in South Tampa and have four children: Danny, Jared, Kyra, and Joshua.

TBL-Steve-Griggs-promo

Steve Griggs: Chief Executive Officer/Vice Chairman

Steve Griggs assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Vinik Sports Group on July 24, 2015. His role was elevated to the position of Vice Chairman in 2024.

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Steve Griggs assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Vinik Sports Group on July 24, 2015. His role was elevated to the position of Vice Chairman in 2024. Griggs oversees all of Vinik Sports Group’s divisions, inclusive of VSG Live, VSG Commercial Sales, and VSG Facilities, leading all business operations for several influential brands, comprising of the Tampa Bay Lightning, AMALIE Arena, USF Athletics, Yuengling Center, Tampa Bay Sports retail and more.

Under his leadership, the Lightning have achieved unprecedented success, including winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021 and being named the 2022 Sports Business Journal Team of the Year. Griggs is also known for his work in the community, including spearheading the Community Hero program and the Vinik Sports Group’s CHARGE volunteer program and for his efforts to grow the game of hockey and teach life skills to youth in the Tampa Bay community.

A veteran of the sports and entertainment industry, Griggs has also worked for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the Minnesota Wild, and the Orlando Magic playing an instrumental role in opening new venues in all three locations.

Senior Management

Chairman and Governor
Chief Executive Officer/Vice Chairman
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Venue Officer
Chief Commercial Officer
Chief Marketing Officer
Executive Vice President, Corporate & Community Development
Executive Vice President of Community Development and Social Impact
Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service
Senior Vice President of Legal and Business Affairs
Senior Vice President of People Operations
Vice President of Corporate and Community Affairs
Vice President of Corporate Relations
Senior Vice President of Game Presentation
Vice President of Premium Seating and Group Sales
Vice President of Facility Operations/Assistant General Manager Amalie Arena
Vice President of Partnership Development and Activation
Vice President of Communications & Content
Vice President of Event Management
Vice President of Marketing
Vice President of Venue & Capital Projects
Senior Manager of Business Operations
Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant

Arena Management

Senior Director of Facility Services, Assistant General Manager Yuengling Center
Director of Security & Transportation Services
Director of Facilities
Director of Premium and Guest Services
Senior Manager of Engineering
Assistant Manager of Engineering
Executive Producer/USF Digital Network
Sr. Manager, Facility Services
Facility Services Shift Manager
Facility Services Shift Manager
Facility Services Shift Manager
Facility Services Shift Manager
Facility Services Shift Manager, Yuengling Center
Facility Services Shift Supervisor
Facility Services Shift Supervisor
Facility Services Shift Supervisor
Facility Services Shift Supervisor
Facility Services Shift Supervisor
Facility Services Shift Supervisor
Facilities Services Shift Supervisor
Supervisor of Facility Services, Yuengling Center
Manager, Ice Operations
Assistant Manager, Ice Operations
Manager of Security & Transportation Services
Manager of Security & Transportation Services
Manager of Security & Transportation Services
Safety & Security Supervisor
Overnight Safety & Security Supervisor
Overnight Safety & Security Supervisor
Shipping Coordinator
General Facilities Mantenance Technician
Crew Lead
Crew Lead
Engineer
Engineer
Building Engineer, Yuengling Center
Electrician
Electrician
Carpenter
HVAC Technician
HVAC Technician
HVAC Technician
HVAC Technician
Painter
Painter
Plumber
Plumber

Events

Director of Event Marketing
Director of Event Services
Senior Manager of Booking and Venue Scheduling
Manager, Premium Service
Manager, Guest Experience
Manager, Event Marketing
Manager, Booking
Manager, Event Services
Manager, Event Services
Event Coordinator
Event Coordinator
Event Marketing Coordinator

Lightning Vision

Director of Game Presentation
Director of Video and Media Production
Sr. Manager, Production Operations
Motion Graphics Manager
Sr. Motion Graphics Designer
Senior Video Coordinator
Video Coordinator
Video Coordinator
Sr. Coordinator, Game Presenation
Motion Graphics Coordinator
Motion Graphics Coordinator
Display Systems Coordinator
Video Production Assistant

Broadcast

TV Analyst
Dave Randorf
TV Analyst
Brian Engblom
TV Analyst
Bobby Taylor
Radio Play-by-Play Announcer
Dave Mishkin
Radio Color Commentator
Phil Esposito
Broadcast Manager
Steve Versnick

Technology & Innovation

Director of Technology Services
IT Infrastructure & Operations Manager
Software Development Manager
Technical Production Manager
Production Systems Engineer
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineer
Production Systems Engineer
Data Engineer
Software Developer
Systems Administrator
Service Desk Analyst
IT Network Administrator

Lightning Foundation and Community Relations

Director, Lightning Foundation & Community Events
Sr. Coordinator, Foundation, Community Relations & Social Impact
Coordinator, Community Relations & Social Impact
Coordinator, Community Relations & Social Impact
Community Relations Representative
Director, Community Hockey
Director, Community Hockey
Assistant Hockey Director
Manager, Community Hockey
Manager, Community Hockey
Hockey Development Coordinator
Community & Hockey Development Coordinator
Community & Hockey Development Coordinator
Community & Hockey Development Coordinator
Hockey Development Coordinator

Partnership Development and Activation

Director, VSG Properties and Engagement
Director, Partnership Marketing and Activation
Director, Partnership Development
Sr. Manager, Partnership Strategy & Insights
Sr. Manager, Partnership Development
Sr. Manager, Partnership Development
Account Manager, Partnerships
Account Manager, Partnerships
Account Manager, Partnerships
Account Manager, USF Partnerships
Manager, Partnership Development
Sales Executive, Partnership Development
Account Executive, Partnerships
Account Executive, Partnerships
Senior Account Coordinator, Partnerships
Account Coordinator, Partnerships
Account Coordinator, Partnerships

Executive Suite Sales

Director of Business Development
Senior Manager of Suite and Loge Services
Senior Manager of Suite Services and Corporate Hospitality
Manager, Loge Services
Front Desk Administrator

Finance

Sr. Director, Corporate Finance
Director, Accounting
Manager of Corporate Finance
Accounts Payable Manager
Sr. Financial Analyst
Sr. Financial Analyst
Sr. Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Financial Analyst

People Operations

Director of Training & Experience
Sr. Manager, Recruiting & Engagement
Sr. Manager, Payroll & Benefits
Talent Acquisition Manager - Arena Operations
People Operations Coordinator - Arena Operations
People Operations Coordinator - Business Operations
Recruiter
Sr. Counsel
Corporate Counsel

Marketing

Director of Digital Marketing
Director, Marketing & Fan Engagement
Sr. Manager of Marketing
Sr. Creative Project Manager
Sr. Manager, Graphic Design
Digital Media Manager
Social Media Manager
Sr. Digital Marketing & Brand Editor
Sr. Social Media Coordinator
Sr. Social Media Coordinator
Sr. Digital Marketing Coordinator
Digital Media Coordinator
Mascot Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
Fan Engagement Coordinator
Digital Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer - Partnership Development
Graphic Designer

Content Strategy

Marketing Content Manager
Marketing Content Strategist

Public Relations

Director of Corporate Communications
Manager, Communications
Hockey Reporter
Sr. Video Coordinator
Alumni Coordinator
Communications Coordinator

Membership Sales and Service

Sr. Director, Season Ticket Membership

Sr. Manager, Membership Sales & Service

Sr. Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service
Sr. Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service
Sr. Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service
Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service
Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service
Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service
Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service
Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service
Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service
Account Executive, Membership Sales & Service

VSG Academy

Manager, VSG Academy
Business Development Representative
Business Development Representative
Business Development Representative
Business Development Representative

Business Strategy and Analytics

Director of Strategy and Analytics
Sr. Manager, Market Intelligence
Sr. Manager, Business Intelligence
Sr. Digital and Consumer Strategist
Business Intelligence Analyst
Consumer Intelligence Analyst
Sales Operations Analyst

Ticket Office

Director of Ticket Operations
Sr. Manager, Strategic Ticketing
Sr. Manager of Lightning Ticketing
Sr. Manager, Event Ticketing
Event Ticketing Manager
Sr. Lightning Ticket Coordinator
Event Ticket Coordinator
Event Ticket Coordinator

Group Sales

Director, Group Sales
Premium & Group Event Executive
Premium & Group Event Executive
Premium & Group Event Executive
Ticket Sales Coordinator
Premium & Group Event Executive

Retail

Sr. Director of Retail
Sr. Manager of Retail
Retail Buyer
Retail Operations Manager
Assistant Operations Manager
Store Manager
Retail Warehouse Manager
E-Commerce Coordinator