<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>You can feel the excitement the moment you walk up to Thunder Alley. With bright lights and people chatting and prepping for the big event, everyone’s here to have a good time at a Tampa Bay Lightning game, concert, or comedy show.
We're showing you where to eat, Benchmark International Arena parking info, seating charts, and more, so get ready for a great date night!
(Amalie Arena was renamed Benchmark International Arena in August 2025)
Edited in August 2025 by Hailea Boykin
Benchmark International Arena Photos and Info
Pre-Event Fun: Thunder Alley
Before stepping inside the arena, peruse the main plaza, Thunder Alley. Walk through the city’s tallest sculpture, the 75-foot Lightning bolt sculpture, built by Jonathan Borofsky.
Climb up one of the oversized lawn chairs adorning a Tampa Bay Lightning bolt and snap a photo. Grab a frozen drink at the Corona Bolts Bay bar. Then, walk up the steps to the arena displaying “Welcome.” You’ll go through security and the staff will scan your electronic ticket. Then, you’ll be in inside!
Dining Options
Once inside Benchmark International Arena, the dining options are endless. You’ll find something to satisfy your appetite, from local eateries to fast food favorites. Keep an eye out for special-themed drinks at certain events as well.
- Cur(ate) TPA
- Features local food and beverage options, including, but not limited to:
- Bolts Bites: Features a signature dish from a notable Tampa Bay chef
- Bowl’d Over: Pasta bowls
- Budweiser Biergarten: Wings and tots
- Easy Sliders: Chicken and cheddar sliders
- Steak Station: Cheesesteak options
- Features local food and beverage options, including, but not limited to:
- Market on Four
- Includes five local tastings on the fourth floor:
- Malio’s: Prime rib sliders
- Zukku Sushi: Sushi burrito and rolls
- King of the Coop: Chicken sandwich and tenders
- Bavaro’s: Pizzeria with options for subs, pasta, and meatball
- Bake’n Babes: Sweets & milkshakes
- Includes five local tastings on the fourth floor:
- Quick Service
- PDQ
- Outback Steakhouse
- Papa Johns Pizza
- Glory Days Grill
Purchasing Benchmark International Arena Event Tickets
You have a few options to search for and purchase event tickets:
Tampa Bay Lightning Games:
- Benchmark International Arena
- On Tampa Bay Lightning game days, the box office opens 3 hours before puck drop and stays open until the end of the second period.
- NHL website
- Here, you’ll find offers, such as Blue Line Bites, which offers a game ticket and a PDQ Chicken Tender basket.
- Ticketmaster
- For Lightning games, the NHL website will also take you to Ticketmaster with the non-offer tickets, or you can search for games on Ticketmaster.
- Lightning Games, Concerts, Comedy Shows
- Benchmark International Arena
- The box office opens on event days, so you can purchase tickets for any current or future event at that time.
- On concert nights, the box office opens 3 hours before the show
- The venue uses Ticketmaster to process ticket orders, and the tickets will be electronic.
- Although the venue uses Ticketmaster, you might be able to save on a few fees by buying tickets in person.
- The box office opens on event days, so you can purchase tickets for any current or future event at that time.
- Ticketmaster and/or the performer’s website
- This is the most obvious and quickest way to purchase tickets and sometimes the only option if it’s a popular event or if tickets will sell out quickly.
- Keep in mind that you’ll pay Ticketmaster fees.
- Plus side for getting concert tickets here: You can preview the stage setup on your phone or computer and get an idea of your seating options.
- Some performers will have multiple stages or elaborate stage setups, which could enhance or obstruct certain sections.
- Benchmark International Arena
Preview Seating Charts
Just about any seat in the arena is a great option. You can preview different seating options with the Benchmark International Arena virtual venue seating chart, check A View From My Seat, or use a combination of the two websites to decide on your seats.
The virtual venue seating chart will give you a realistic, up-close look at the rink as you select different sections to preview, which is best for previewing a Lightning game. On the other hand, A View From My Seat includes fan-submitted photos of their views right from their seat in the arena for both concerts and hockey games, which might help you visualize where you’ll be in relation to the game or stage.
Benchmark International Arena Parking
There are plenty of parking options. The Pam Iorio Parking Garage will be your closest covered parking option. Skip the valet and purchase pre-paid parking online for the event, or arrive early and pay the hourly rate.
There are nearby lots as well with hourly and flat rate parking:
If you’re staying at one of the nearby hotels, the arena is a quick 3-5 minute walk from Tampa Marriott Water Street and JW Marriott Water Street and a 5-7 minute walk from the Tampa EDITION Hotel.
Arena Policies
Door Opening Times
Depending on the event, the door opening times may vary. Doors open for the Tampa Bay Lightning games 60 minutes before the game starts. For other events, such as concerts and comedy shows, doors usually open 60-90 minutes before the event starts. Check your tickets and the arena website for the most updated information.
Bag Policy
Check the Benchmark International Arena website for the latest bag policies and guidelines.
Things to Do Nearby Benchmark International Arena
While there are plenty of dining options at the arena, check out these restaurants and spots before or after the event:
- Cigar City Brewing Taproom Downtown
- Hattricks: Sports bar in a historic building
- Yard House: Sports bar with game day specials
- The Sail Plaza: Waterside patio bar
- Sparkman Wharf: Live music, restaurants, and entertainment
- Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park
- Tampa Riverwalk
- TECO Streetcar
After the event, if you’re staying at a hotel nearby, you can comfortably walk back through the well-lit streets with the crowds.
Now it’s time to plan your visit! Pick the event you can’t miss, check seating options, order your tickets, and head to the Benchmark International Arena. The lights, music, and vibrant atmosphere are waiting for you!
Benchmark International Arena
401 Channelside Dr.
Tampa, FL 33602
https://www.benchmarkintlarena.com/