Your Quick & Easy Guide To The Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL

Amalie Arena History

Opened in 1996, Amalie Arena is a first-rate entertainment venue on Channelside Drive in the heart of Tampa’s Water Street district. It’s best known as the home of the 2020 Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Originally called the Ice Palace, the arena was built to serve both the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm. The venue has changed names several times — to the St. Pete Times Forum in 2002, the Tampa Bay Times Forum in 2012, then to Amalie Arena in 2014.

Amalie Arena Performers

Besides hosting huge games and conventions, Amalie Arena has seen some of the greatest acts in music. Fans have caught such legendary performers as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Tom Petty, George Michael and Celine Dion.

Planning Your Visit to Amalie Arena

Amalie Arena is easily accessed by TECO Streetcar, as well as via the Selmon Expressway and Interstates 4 and 275. The Arena sits right at the heart of Tampa’s Water Street district, within walking distance of such attractions as Sparkman Wharf, the Tampa Bay History Center, the Florida Aquarium, and the American Victory Ship & Museum. Dining options include the Cigar City Brewing Taproom near the Pam Iorio Parking Garage, and the Corona Cantina, at the Arena.

Amalie Arena Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Amalie Arena parking options?

Several parking lots and garages are within a 10-minute walk of Amalie Arena. Directly to the west, the Pam Iorio Parking Garage is the most accessible, while there are TECO streetcar stops by the Ft. Brooke and Aquarium parking lots leading directly to the arena. Rideshare pickup locations are at Sparkman Wharf and the Tampa Convention Center, and a drop-off location sits between the Green Lot and the Amalie Arena Club Entrance.

Does Amalie Arena serve food?

Amalie Arena offers concessions throughout the venue, including local faves Mr. Empanada, Holy Hog Barbecue and Four Green Fields, plus national eateries like Ford’s Garage and Outback Steakhouse. The Budweiser Biergarten on the Terrace Level features outdoor dining and a view of the Tampa waterfront, and the Firestick Grill is open for Lightning games and select events.

What are the seating options at Amalie Arena?

Amalie Arena suite options may include Executive Suites, Super Suites, the RSM Lofts and Heritage Insurance Lofts, and the all-inclusive membership-only Vology Loge. ADA seating is available throughout the arena, including the Promenade Level, the IOA Suite Level, the Chase Club and the Trane Terrace Levels.

What are the Amalie Arena safety & security guidelines?

Backpacks, wrapped packages and bags larger than 12”x12”x12” are prohibited items, along with weapons, laser pointers, outside food and drink, and fireworks. Fans are prohibited from re-entry after leaving the arena. Visit the venue website for more information on Amalie Arena’s policies and updates on Covid-19 protocol.