The Tampa Bay Lightning drop the puck on preseason play next week, so what better way to get ready than with three days of fan events? The Lightning Launch includes a free Family Fun Night at 6 p.m. Friday at Sparkman Wharf, with music, contests, bubble hockey tournaments and prizes. A free public skate from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Amalie Arena will be held in five 45-minute sessions and limited to 200 people for each. Fans can claim their time and mobile ticket by visiting nhl.com/lightning . The weekend culminates with the team’s annual free Fan Fest at 11 a.m. Sunday. Fans get their first chance to see and interact with the 2019-20 club through autograph and photo stations. The fest will include a merchandise sale, a kids zone and more. Fans must obtain a mobile ticket by visiting the launch weekend link above. The Bolts take on the Carolina Hurricanes at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Ticket prices vary. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 301-6500. ticketmaster.com .The University of South Florida Bulls (0-2) are off to a rough start this season, so show the home team some love when their second Horns Up Rally hits Pinellas County. The rallies, a new effort to connect Bulls football to Tampa Bay area fans, take place before each home game. (This week, the opponent is lesser-division South Carolina State, so maybe we’ll see the Bulls’ first win?) Expect Rocky the Bull, the USF Spirit Squads, the Herd of Thunder Marching Band, DJ music, interactive games, a kids zone, giveaways and more. Free. 5 p.m. Friday. Pier 60, 10 Pier 60 Drive, Clearwater. (813) 974-4086. USF takes on South Carolina State at 6 p.m. Saturday. Ticket prices vary. Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. ticketmaster.com .Still smarting over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ’ 31-17 opening loss? Take heart. You won’t have to wait a week to see if the team can bounce back as the Tampa Bay travels to Carolina for a prime-time game on Thursday. 8:20 p.m. TV/radio: NFL Network; 97.9-FM. And if you still need a Bucs weekend fix, there is one exhibition that won’t feature a Jameis Winston pick-six. As part of the Smithsonian’s “Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America” traveling exhibit, there will be a Bucs Experience. It will include the Street Team RV, a Madden gaming station, quarterback challenge inflatable, Bucs swag and the chance to win a football autographed by Jason Pierre-Paul. Free. Noon Saturday. Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center, 1101 E River Cove St., Tampa. (813) 935-9402. sulphurspringsmuseum.org .Want to be part of a possible world record? Bring your yoga mat and join an attempt to set a Guinness record for largest-ever goat-yoga session . It’s an opportunity that can’t be bleat, er, beat. Benefits the Grady Goat Foundation for children facing adversity. $35 tickets have sold out on eventbrite.com but there is a waiting list. 9 a.m. Saturday. 12551 Franklin Road, Thonotosassa. (813) 752-9100.
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