Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel have made a friendly wager on the outcome of the Stanley Cup Finals playoff series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks.
Mayor Buckhorn has put a case of Cigar City Invasion Pale Ale as well as 122 Cuban sandwiches – the official sandwich of City of Tampa – and the Original “1905” Salad from Tampa’s 110-year-old Columbia Restaurant up for grabs, against Chicago’s 122 slices of Eli’s cheesecake, a case of craft beer from Slap Shot Brewing, a mustard fried catfish and peach cobbler from BJ’s Market and Giordano’s best deep-dish.
The first Stanley Cup was first awarded in 1893, 122 years ago.
“Tampa is electrified with excitement for our Tampa Bay Lightning. All season long, the team has made us proud, and they have what it takes to bring the Stanley Cup back to Tampa Bay,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “I’ve offered up to send some of Tampa’s best beer and best food to Mayor Emanuel should the Lightning not prevail, but candidly, my staff is already looking forward to enjoying Chicago pizza and cheesecake.”
Both mayors have also agreed to make a contribution to an organization of the winning mayor’s choice. Mayor Emanuel has chosen Becoming A Man – BAM – an organization for at risk young men in grades 7 through 12. Mayor Buckhorn as selected the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay.
The first game of the seven-game Stanley Cup Finals series is Wednesday, June 3, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Amalie Arena in Tampa.
