(via Tampa Bay Lightning Communications) - The Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio WDAE (95.3FM & 620AM) will honor Tampa Bay radio legend, the late Steve Duemig, during Saturday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets at AMALIE Arena. They will officially re-name the IHeartMedia Tampa Bay suite as the “Duemig Den” in a ceremony during the first period.
“’The Big Dog was an icon across the Tampa Bay sports media landscape,” Lightning chief executive office Steve Griggs said. “Steve was never afraid to tell it like was while still serving as a proponent for all local teams, including the Lightning. That transparency earned him the trust and adoration of fans throughout the Bay Area and the country. We are proud to honor Steve and his legacy with a permanent space inside AMALIE Arena where he will always be among the fans that he enjoyed broadcasting to so much.”
“Steve Duemig was a legendary, one of a kind talent that created a bond with his fan base like few others have.” iHeartMedia Market President Chris Soechtig said. “The Big Dog was a true champion for Tampa Bay Sports and is deeply missed by his iHeartMedia family. We are honored to join the Tampa Bay Lighting to create a permanent tribute at Amalie Arena.
Duemig, affectionately known as “The Big Dog”, was often honest, tough and opinionated. He didn’t pull punches when it came to Bay Area sports and it was that authenticity that earned the respect and the listenership of fans in Tampa Bay. Duemig was a radio staple for nearly three decades, starting his career with WFNS from 1991 through 1996, and then hit the airwaves on WDAE in 1996 through his final show in February of 2018. Duemig also served time as the Lightning’s radio color analyst for two seasons, hosted a weekly call-in program on nationally syndicated Fox Sports Radio and also co-hosted a program on The Golf Channel. Before his time in radio, Steve spent 13 years as a professional golfer with the PGA of America.
Duemig passed away this past May after a fierce battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife Jennifer, daughter Jill and siblings Ken and Lisa.
In his honor, the Lightning and WDAE are honoring Duemig’s lasting impact as a Tampa Bay sports icon by placing a permanent bronze plaque in the newly named Duemig Den, located at Section 108 of AMALIE Arena, forever immortalizing “The Big Dog” at every Bolts home game.
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