Home of the Tampa Bay Lightning

Exceed every expectation set at Benchmark International Arena (previously Amalie Arena), home of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Since 1996, the three-time Stanley Cup-winning Bolts have brought fans to the venue, formerly known as the Ice Palace, while boosted by a variety of year-round events and exhibitions. Before heading to the indoor iceplex in Tampa’s Channel District, find out everything you need to know about Benchmark International Arena below.

Benchmark International Arena History

Benchmark International Arena serves as the centerpiece of Tampa’s Channel District, along with its bustling attractions on Channelside Bay Plaza, Sparkman Wharf and the neighborhood’s titular Ybor Channel and Garrison Channel. Opened as the new permanent home for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1996, the team played their first game on October 20 in a 5-2 win over the New York Rangers. Originally called the Ice Palace until 2002, the venue was named the St. Pete Times Forum from 2002 to 2012, the Tampa Bay Times Forum until 2014 and Amalie Arena until 2025, when it received its new name.

After undergoing renovations from 2011 to 2013, the venue added two of its most distinct game day features: the Tesla coil hanging from the rafters, which produces actual lightning inside the arena during Lightning games, and the building’s Walker digital pipe organ, considered the largest in the NHL.

Benchmark International Arena has hosted the Stanley Cup Finals four times in its history, in 2004, 2015, 2021 and 2022. The decisive Game 7 in the 2004 Finals against the Calgary Flames resulted in the Tampa Bay Lightning winning their first Stanley Cup title on home ice, which they did again following their Game 5 home win in 2021. The NHL All-Star Game has also graced the arena twice — first in 1999 and again in 2018.

Beyond the Bolts, Benchmark International Arena also hosted the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm from 1997 to 2017, the South Florida Bulls men’s basketball team from 2011 to 2012 and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors during the 2020-21 NBA season. In college basketball, the arena has been host to the men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments three and four times, respectively. Additionally, the arena has the unique distinction of hosting three NCAA Frozen Four ice hockey tournaments 650 miles away from the nearest NCAA men’s hockey program.

Benchmark International Arena has also hosted some of the greatest acts in entertainment. In years past, music fans have seen such legendary acts as Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Billy Joel and more.

Parking and Admission at Benchmark International Arena

Benchmark International Arena is located at 401 Channelside Drive in Tampa, Florida. By car, the venue is accessible via Lee Roy Selmon Expressway and Interstates 4 and 275. Parking at Benchmark International Arena is reservable via ParkWhiz and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Nearby parking lots include the Tampa Convention Center Garage, Channelside Parking Garage and the Pam Iorio Parking Garage.

Visitors to the arena can also access the venue via Tampa’s public transportation, taking the free TECO Line Streetcar, which connects the Channel District to downtown Tampa and Ybor City. The TECO line runs every 15 minutes and extends service to midnight when there is an evening event. Rideshares can be directed for pickup and drop off at the intersection of Channelside Drive and Morgan Street.

Prior to the event, review the Benchmark International Arena bag policy and rules for permitted items. Benchmark International Arena does not allow purses, bags or backpacks larger than 12” x 12” x 12”. Prohibited items include:

Weapons
Drugs
Outside food and beverages
Professional recording devices
Laser pointers
Fireworks
Large banners

No re-entry is permitted after leaving the arena.

Benchmark International Arena Capacity & Seating Options

Benchmark International Arena seating hits a maximum capacity of 19,092 for hockey games, 20,500 for basketball games and 21,500 for concerts.

A variety of seating options are offered between Promenade, Suite, Club and Terrace levels. ADA seating is available at all levels. Meanwhile, VIP experiences are offered at the Executive Suites, Super Suites, the RSM Lofts and Heritage Insurance Lofts, and the all-inclusive membership-only UPEXI Loge. To request suite access, email the venue at premium@viniksportsgroup.com, call 813-301-2505 or submit an order on the venue’s website. VIP packages are also offered for select events via Ticketmaster.

Before grabbing your tickets, check out the Benchmark International Arena seating chart to find your preferred viewing area.

Food & Beverage Options at Benchmark International Arena

Benchmark International Arena offers a wide variety of concessions and beverage options throughout the venue, including Bowl’d Over, Bull Market, Cigar City Brewing Taproom Downtown, Corona Bolts Bay, Corona Cove, Glory Days Grill, J&J Snack Foods, Loli’s Tacos, Knead Italia, Market On Four, The Melt Away, Thunder Grill and Lightning Snacks on the Michelob Ultra Sky Deck, Moschella’s Italian Eatery, Outback Steakhouse, Papa Johns Pizza, PDQ, Portside Place, Portside Grill, Tampa Bay Market, Ybor City Saturday Market and Wicked Oak BarbeQue.

A complete list of concessions for guests with dietary restrictions — including gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options — can be viewed on the venue’s official website.