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Lightning journal: Vinik pushing for outdoor game

As he sat back in his chair facing the stands in the middle of the two benches, Lightning owner Jeff Vinik could not help but remember the first time he sat there.

A young Steven Stamkos sat next to him as he spoke in front of a crowd of about 30 people.

"We're going to change this," Vinik recalled thinking to himself.

And they did, if Sunday was any indication. Vinik spoke these words in front of not 30 fans, but thousands who attended Lightning Fan Fest at Amalie Arena.

10,164 to be exact.

Vinik, GM Julien BriseBois and a couple of players sat on the high chairs placed on a platform in between the two benches as he partook in a question and answer session with thousands of fans in attendance.