Over the course of the 2017-2018 NHL season, The Identity Tampa Bay was created by a team of individuals within the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Leadership Line program. It was as simple as a great idea conceived by a group of bright people, admired enough within the organization to give the upstart digital media concept a full send.
The Identity was a lot of things by the time I arrived. We wrote and talked about sports, food, music and local art. We livestreamed high school football games while simultaneously starting a craft beer club and writing oddball comedy sketches. If we had one goal, it was to have as much fun as possible with the city that we lived in and loved.
Recently, Vinik Sports Group made the tough decision to sunset The Identity Tampa Bay and shift the majority of its assets to the group’s NHL franchise, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Clear heads have now settled into new routines with new horizons. But if there’s one resounding emotion that remains for all of us at The Identity, it’s that we’re beyond thankful for our loyal audience, local partnerships and amazing readers over the years. Celebrating the Tampa Bay area’s sports, lifestyle and culture with you was nothing short of spectacular. If there was ever a window in history in which The Identity could exist, we remain content with the one wherein the Lightning won two Stanley Cups, the Rays broke records on the way to a wild World Series berth, and the greatest football player of all time apparated out of thin air to give the Bucs their second Super Bowl ring.
If you’re so inclined to reminisce with us today, remember IDTB for the good times. Remember the memes. Remember Florida Man. Remember the absurd parody songs and Tom Brady hangs and days spent stalking the Bolts. Remember the late nights, Backing the Bay and live shows at 727to813.
But it’s also important to note that the voice that helped craft those moments will live on over at tampabaylightning.com, and we very much hope you continue to enjoy our work through broader channels like the Lightning Insider newsletter, Tampa Bay Lightning social and other Vinik Sports Group endeavors.
Thank you so much for sharing the last five years with us. It was a great run.