Benchmark International Arena Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Benchmark International Arena
Construction
Benchmark International Arena in November 2016
Benchmark International Arena Location in Florida Show map of Florida Benchmark International Arena Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Former names	Ice Palace (1996–2002) St. Pete Times Forum (2002–2012) Tampa Bay Times Forum (2012–2014) Amalie Arena (2014–2025)
Address	401 Channelside Drive
Location	Tampa, Florida, United States
Coordinates	27°56′34″N 82°27′7″W / 27.94278°N 82.45194°W / 27.94278; -82.45194
Public transit	TECO Streetcar at Benchmark International Arena
Owner	Hillsborough County, Florida
Operator	Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties, LLC, a division of Vinik Sports Group, LLC
Capacity	Ice hockey: 19,092 Basketball: 20,500 Concert: 21,500 Arena football: 18,500
Broke ground	April 14, 1994
Opened	October 20, 1996
Construction cost	US$139 million ($274 million in 2022 dollars )
Architect	Ellerbe Becket
Structural engineer	Walter P Moore
General contractor	Hunt/Morse Diesel
Tenants
Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) (1996–present) Tampa Bay Storm (AFL) (1997–2017) South Florida Bulls (NCAA) (2011–2012) Tampa Breeze (LFL) (2009–2012) Toronto Raptors (NBA) (2020–2021)

Benchmark International Arena is a large building in Tampa, Florida, USA. It's a place where many different events happen. You can watch exciting ice hockey games, basketball matches, and even arena football. It also hosts concerts and other fun shows.

This arena is the main home for the Tampa Bay Lightning, a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). The building first opened its doors in 1996. It has had a few different names over the years. It was first called the Ice Palace. Later, it became the St. Pete Times Forum and then the Tampa Bay Times Forum. From 2014 until August 13, 2025, it was known as Amalie Arena. Now, it is called Benchmark International Arena.

History of the Arena
- Arena Name Changes
- Cool Upgrades and Features
Exciting Events and Games
Gallery
See also

History of the Arena

Tampa Bay Times Forum logo (2012–2014)

Amalie Arena logo (2014–2025)

Benchmark International Arena is located in downtown Tampa's Channelside District. It was built because the city needed a big arena for major sports teams. The city of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Lightning team worked together to pay for its construction.

The arena first opened in 1996 as the Ice Palace. The very first event held there was a circus! Soon after, the Tampa Bay Lightning played their first hockey game there, winning 5–2 against the New York Rangers. Before this arena, the Lightning played in smaller venues. They even played in the "Thunderdome" (now Tropicana Field) in St. Petersburg, Florida, which is now home to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team.

Hillsborough County, Florida owns the arena. The Tampa Bay Lightning team manages and operates it. This means they are in charge of all the events and daily operations.

Arena Name Changes

The arena's name has changed several times because of "naming rights." This is when a company pays money to have the building named after them. The local newspaper, the St. Petersburg Times, bought the naming rights in 2002. That's why it became the St. Pete Times Forum. When the newspaper changed its name to the Tampa Bay Times in 2012, the arena's name changed too.

In 2014, Amalie Oil Company took over the naming rights, and the arena became Amalie Arena. Most recently, on August 13, 2025, a company called Benchmark International bought the naming rights. This is why the arena is now known as Benchmark International Arena.

Cool Upgrades and Features

In 2010, Benchmark International Arena was one of the busiest arenas in the United States. It's a popular spot for many different kinds of events.

Before the 2012 Republican National Convention, the arena got a big makeover. About $35 million was spent to make it even better. This included a new main entrance and improved seating. They also added more places to buy food and drinks. A large outdoor deck was built, offering great views of the city.

In 2012, the arena installed a huge new video screen. It was one of the biggest of its kind in North America! The two largest sides of the screen are about 28 feet tall and 50 feet wide. That's like having a giant TV screen for everyone to see the action up close.

In late 2014, the arena even started its own 1-acre organic vegetable garden! This garden uses special hydroponic towers to grow fresh vegetables. These fresh foods help feed both the players and the fans.

Exciting Events and Games

Benchmark International Arena hosts many exciting events throughout the year. From major sports championships to concerts, there's always something happening.

Hockey Championships

As the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the arena has seen many thrilling hockey moments. It hosted games for the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004, 2015, 2021, and 2022. The Lightning won their first Stanley Cup right here in 2004! They also won their third Stanley Cup on home ice in 2021.

The arena has also hosted the National Hockey League All-Star Game twice, in 1999 and 2018. This is where the best players from across the league come together to play.

College Sports Action

Benchmark International Arena is a popular place for college basketball tournaments. It has hosted early rounds for the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament several times. It also hosted the "Final Four" for the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament in 2008, 2015, and 2019.

The arena was also home to the South Florida Bulls men's basketball team for a season in 2011–12. This happened while their usual arena was being renovated.

College hockey's "Frozen Four" (the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament semifinals and final) has been held here multiple times. This includes tournaments in 2012, 2016, and 2023.

Other Major Sports Events

The arena used to be home to the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League. It hosted the league's championship game, the ArenaBowl, in 1998 and 2003.

In 2020–21, the Toronto Raptors NBA team played their home games at the arena. They couldn't play in Canada due to travel rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The arena has also hosted big UFC events and professional boxing matches. It has also been the site for major WWE wrestling events like Survivor Series (2000) and Extreme Rules (2011).

Concerts and Shows

Besides sports, Benchmark International Arena is a top spot for concerts. The famous band Coldplay performed here in 2012.

It also hosted the start of the Marvel Universe Live! national tour in 2014. Other events like AMSOIL Arenacross and the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions have also taken place here.

Gallery

St. Pete Times Forum in 2004
Exterior view in 2005 with old St. Pete Times Forum signage.
Inside the St Pete Times Forum, April 8, 2006.
St Pete Times Forum interior from near ice level in 2007.
Interior from concourse level during a Tampa Bay Storm game in 2017.
Watch party outside the entrance to the arena during game 6 of the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals