Benchmark International Arena — Benchmark International Arena’s full glass-fronted facade across the plazaPhoto: Elliot · CC BY 2.0 · edited
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Benchmark International Arena

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About

Benchmark International Arena is a sports and concert venue in Tampa’s Channel District and home arena of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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Benchmark International Arena — The arena’s broad facade seen across the water Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SA 3.0 · edited
Benchmark International Arena — The arena’s broad facade seen across the waterBenchmark International Arena — Waterfront view of the arena with boats in the foregroundBenchmark International Arena — The arena’s glass facade framed by palms and greeneryBenchmark International Arena — The arena beside the water and landscaped shorelineBenchmark International Arena — The arena’s exterior in warm sunset lightBenchmark International Arena — Wide waterfront view of the arena and nearby buildingsBenchmark International Arena — Inside the arena, the hockey rink beneath the central scoreboardBenchmark International Arena — Arena football game in progress on the indoor fieldBenchmark International Arena — Hockey action at the rink with fans watching from behind the glassBenchmark International Arena — Side entrance and glass facade of the arenaBenchmark International Arena — The arena across the water with Tampa buildings nearby

What's on here

Why go

  • The Lightning clinched the Stanley Cup on home ice here in 2004 and 2021.
  • The Toronto Raptors played their 2020–21 NBA home games here during Canadian pandemic travel restrictions.
  • The arena hosted the women’s NCAA basketball Final Four in 2008, 2015, 2019 and 2025.
  • The NCAA men’s hockey Frozen Four came here in 2012, 2016 and 2023.

The hall

Hockey
19,204 seats
Basketball
20,500 seats
Concerts
Up to 21,500 seats

Tickets and box office

  • The ticket office is on the building’s west side.
  • Event tickets are mobile-only.

Interesting facts4

1/4
  1. The building has three decks and seven separate levels.

    Benchmark International Arena - Wikipedia
  2. 41 metres

    It measures 41 metres high and 150 metres in diameter.

    Benchmark International Arena - Wikipedia
  3. 3,400 tonnes

    Its construction used 3,400 tonnes of steel, 22,900 cubic metres of concrete and 6,500 square metres of glass.

    Benchmark International Arena - Wikipedia
  4. Lightning Vision replaced the original octagonal scoreboard for the Lightning’s 15th anniversary.

    Benchmark International Arena - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

Built for the Lightning after their time at Tropicana Field in Saint Petersburg, the arena received $86 million from the city and $53 million from the team toward construction and infrastructure. The Lightning have extended their lease through 2037 to help fund future renovations.

  1. 1996The arena opened as Ice Palace with a Royal Hanneford Circus performance. Its first sporting event, on October 20, was a 5–2 Lightning win over the New York Rangers.
  2. 1999 and 2018The arena hosted the NHL All-Star Game.
  3. August 2012The arena hosted the Republican National Convention.
  4. September 2014The arena was renamed Amalie Arena after Amalie Oil Company became its sponsor.
  5. August 13, 2025The arena took the name Benchmark International Arena after the firm acquired its naming rights.

Facilities

  • Food and drink Dining, craft beverages and quick-grab options are available across every level.
  • Payment and pickup Arena-managed retail and concessions are cashless. Selected concessions offer mobile ordering, and express food and beverage pickup is available.
  • Sensory Room Located in the Suites entrance lobby, it provides a place to step away from the event.
  • Sensory bags Available at guest services in Section 101 while supplies last.
  • Closed captioning Available during hockey games through the Tampa Bay Lightning app.

How to get there

  • CarThe accessible drop-off area is on Channelside Drive beside the accessible entrance.

Accessibility

  • Step-free entry The arena has a barrier-free entrance.
  • Lift A dedicated accessible elevator serves event guests. Six guest elevators are also available.
  • Toilet Family restrooms designed for guests needing ADA-compliant facilities are in Sections 208 and 328.
  • Wheelchairs Available on request at the accessible drop-off area at no charge.

Sources: Benchmark International Arena - Wikipedia · Home - Benchmark International Arena · Ticket Information - Benchmark International Ar… · Accessibility - Benchmark International Arena · Benchmark International Arena - Wikipedia · Benchmark International Arena - Wikipedia · checked 11 Oct 2026

Where
401 Channelside Dr, FL, Tampa

Questions and answers

Which visiting team first lifted the Stanley Cup at Benchmark International Arena?

The Colorado Avalanche in 2022.

Which ArenaBowl championships took place at Benchmark International Arena?

The arena hosted the championship games in 1998 and 2003.

Has Benchmark International Arena hosted major volleyball events?

It hosted the NCAA women’s volleyball Final Four in 2009 and 2023.

Which other football teams have played at Benchmark International Arena?

The Tampa Bay Storm played here from 1996 to 2017, and the Tampa Breeze through the 2011/12 season.

What other sports has Benchmark International Arena hosted?

Tennis, wrestling, boxing, skating and rodeos have also taken place here.

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