Tampa Bay Lightning to host '12 event at TPC Tampa Bay

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TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Pro-Am Foundation, Inc. has announced that the event formerly known as the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am, the premier Champions Tour event, is returning in 2012 with the new name Tampa Bay Pro-Am.

In addition, Tampa Bay Lightning have been added as host of the 2012 golf tournament. This partnership, born out of a mutual commitment to serving the Tampa Bay community, will join together two professional sports properties in the area, officially making it the Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning. Through this co-promotional marketing partnership Tampa Bay Lightning Day will be added to the schedule of events, as well as, free grounds admission will be offered to Tampa Bay Lightning season ticket holders. The 2012 Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates the tournament's 25th year of existence, April 9-15, at TPC Tampa Bay.

"We are committed to keeping this prestigious Champions Tour event in the Tampa Bay market and continuing our legacy of giving to our charitable causes each year," said Chris Sullivan, Outback Steakhouse Co-Founder and 2012 Tournament Co-Chairman. "Through the support of the Tampa Bay Lightning, PGA TOUR, our key community sponsors, and the strong community effort, we are excited to be moving forward in 2012 with a new name, but the same exceptional event," concluded Sullivan.

"We are proud to be partnering with one of Tampa Bay's most prestigious and visible events," said Tampa Bay Lightning Chairman and Governor, Jeff Vinik. "This event has contributed a tremendous amount of physical resources and exposure to some of the area's best charities and we look forward to helping elevate the event so that even more can be done for the good of the Tampa Bay community."

"The Tampa Bay area has continued to produce one of the most thriving and unique experiences on the Champions Tour. Our professionals look forward to playing in this event and city each year. We are excited to be coming back here in 2012 and we look forward to continued success in the Tampa Bay market with the Tampa Bay Pro-Am," said Champions Tour President Mike Stevens.

Tournament officials are still seeking a title sponsor for the 2012 event and beyond, however, through additional support from Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay & Company, and existing sponsors, the tournament will kick off its 25th year in the Tampa Bay area. As it moves forward without a title sponsor, the event is looking for support from the entire Tampa Bay community to insure its continued success and longevity.

"Tampa Bay & Company and the Pro-Am have been longtime partners," said Tampa Bay & Company CEO, Paul Catoe. "Taking our involvement to the next level is a great opportunity to highlight and promote our great destination. The Tampa Bay Pro-Am is just one more reason that Tampa Bay continues to be the premier destination for visitors."

"The Pro-Am will carry on the reputation of providing the best hospitality, fan interaction and party atmosphere on the Champions Tour," said Amy Hawk, tournament director of the Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning. "Spectators' will continue to feast on food from the various OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC concepts (Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill), as well as, Lee Roy Selmon's. We will work hard to continue the tradition of hosting high profile celebrities and the best professional golfers on the Champions Tour in Tampa this April," concluded Hawk.

Celebrities scheduled to appear include Ronde' Barber, Derrick Brooks, Craig T. Nelson, Joe Theismann, and Lightning Founder Phil Esposito, who will also serve as the Honorary Chairman of the event in 2012.

The 2012 Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning will take place on April 9-15 at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, FL. Tickets are available for purchase by calling the tournament office at 813-265-4653 or visiting www.tampabayproam.com.