It is no surprise that Star Wars is taking audiences by storm in its 3D debut. The first episode is just the tip of the iceberg because George Lucas has already announced he is planning on releasing other films in the franchise in 3D as well. However, what makes this debut interesting for Florida viewers is that an NHL team is helping to promote the film.

TheForce reports that the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL hockey team has partnered with a couple different Star Wars organizations in the promotional effort. The promotion occurred on Feb. 16, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

According to the report, “The Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Hockey team partnered with the Star Wars Grand Florida Alliance and the 501st Legion Florida Garrison to bring fans an epic evening filled with Star Wars goodness to help promote and celebrate the theatrical release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D.”

The Florida Garrison is a Star Wars costume organization dedicated to the costumes of Star Wars. The Star Wars Grand Florida alliance is another Florida-based group dedicated to George Lucas’ franchise. The groups have various meetings scheduled and are dedicated to promoting the message of Star Wars.

The promotion that took place with the three groups resulted in fans being offered special VIP packages. These packages included an NHL ticket, access to a buffet, and an exclusive licensed hockey puck. Opportunities to take pictures with Star Wars characters was also there.

Mixing hockey and sci-fi cinematography seems a bit odd. It may appear at face value, that fans of films like Star Wars, or 3D technology, wouldn’t necessarily be the same fans that go to live hockey games. However, judging by the images taken at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (available from  TheForce’s report) there may be a lot of overlap between hockey and Star Wars fans.