Perfect Linemates: Bone & Bolts

• The NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and Cox Media Group Tampa announced a multi-year partnership that will make Hot Talk WHPT (102.5 The Bone)/Tampa Bay the official radio flagship of the team. This new partnership expands the listening area for Lightning games exponentially, with The Bone boasting the strongest signal in the state of Florida, blasting out 100,000 watts of power to serving Tampa Bay and Sarasota, and extending into Ft. Myers and Lakeland.

“Adding the Tampa Bay Lightning to the market-leading line up on 102.5 The Bone is a perfect fit,” said Jason Meder, VP/Market Manager for CMG Tampa. “Vinik Sports Group’s commitment to the community is the perfect match for those of Cox Media Group and we are honored to be partnered with this amazing and winning organization for years to come!”

“As we continue to grow our brand and fan base throughout the state, the Lightning are excited to partner with Cox Media Group to provide Bolts fans throughout Central Florida and beyond, the opportunity to hear all games on 102.5 The Bone,” said Mark Pitts, COO of Vinik Sports Group. “As the exclusive professional Tampa Bay sports team with Cox Media Group, we look forward to providing our fans with unfiltered access to all things Lightning, inclusive of our great game broadcasts on The Bone, sports talk and other new programming across all Cox platforms. We’d like to thank Keith Lawless, Jason Meder and the entire team at Cox for their support and look forward to a great partnership that will greatly benefit Bolts Nation in Tampa Bay and beyond.”

Bolts fans will continue to hear Dave Mishkin on play-by-play alongside Lightning founder and Hockey Hall of Famer, Phil Esposito, as color analyst. Greg Linnelli returns as the host for pre-game, intermission, and post-game, along with other talent and personalities. Fans will soon be able to hear exclusive Bolts content on 102.5 HD-2, along with original live programming, game replays, podcasts and more.