Tampa Bay Lightning

Benchmark International Arena

Tampa, Florida

A Lightning game night or weekend at Benchmark International Arena.

The local take

A downtown arena on Channelside Drive, with the Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Bay History Center and Sparkman Wharf a few blocks away, and Ybor City’s cigar-district streets at the other end of the streetcar line.

Most Lightning home games fall on weeknights, so plan for a game night as well as a weekend. Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop, tickets are mobile only, and there’s no re-entry once you’re inside.

Benchmark International Arena

Your Tampa weekend

Pick your game, then your hotel, food and things to do, or let a quick start choose them with you.

Which game are you going to?

Tampa Bay Lightning

Exploring the weekend before choosing a game. Dates stay open.

Find your places.

Find your stay, your local pub, and everything around the game.

Each one picks a hotel and food that work together. Change anything below.

HotelSuggested

Water Street and downtown · 0.17 mi from the arena

A Water Street hotel the arena lists one block away, with the Columbia Cafe and The Pearl a short walk along Water Street.

There’s no streetcar, rideshare or garage to plan: the arena lists the hotel one block away. The Columbia Cafe and The Pearl are a short walk along Water Street, and The Pearl serves dinner until 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

Fees not published here

Check rooms

Details

Keep in mind: We couldn’t read Marriott’s own page for parking or fees, so confirm them with the hotel before you book.

On game day: On game nights you skip the garages and rideshare zones: the arena lists four hotels here one block away.

505 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

0.17 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions Official details

We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.

Hotel

Water Street and downtown · 0.10 mi from the arena

A hotel on Channelside Drive that the arena lists one block away, with Lilac, the Punch Room and a lobby bar on site.

Fees not published here

Check rooms

Details

Keep in mind: The hotel’s site doesn’t publish a parking price or destination fee, so ask before you book.

On game day: On game nights you skip the garages and rideshare zones: the arena lists four hotels here one block away.

500 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

0.10 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions Official details

We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.

Hotel

Water Street and downtown · 0.12 mi from the arena

The arena lists it one block away, and the Beacon rooftop bar is in the same building for the night before or after the game.

Fees not published here

Check rooms

Details

Keep in mind: We couldn’t read Marriott’s own page for parking or fees, so confirm them with the hotel before you book.

On game day: On game nights you skip the garages and rideshare zones: the arena lists four hotels here one block away.

510 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

0.12 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions Official details

We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.

Hotel

Water Street and downtown · 0.19 mi from the arena

A downtown hotel the arena lists one block away, so it’s a short walk to Ford Thunder Alley before the game.

Fees not published here

Check rooms

Details

Keep in mind: We couldn’t read Hilton’s own page for parking or fees, so confirm them with the hotel before you book.

On game day: On game nights you skip the garages and rideshare zones: the arena lists four hotels here one block away.

513 South Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602

0.19 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions Official details

We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.

Hotel

Water Street and downtown · 0.43 mi from the arena

A downtown hotel on North Tampa Street, on the arena’s own hotel list, 0.7 miles away.

Fees not published here

Check rooms

Details

Keep in mind: It’s a longer walk than the Water Street hotels, and we couldn’t read Hilton’s own page for parking or fees.

On game day: On game nights you skip the garages and rideshare zones: the arena lists four hotels here one block away.

211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602

0.43 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions Official details

We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.

Hotel

Ybor City · 1.3 mi from the arena

A hotel on East 7th Avenue in Ybor City, on the arena’s own hotel list.

Fees not published here

Check rooms

Details

Keep in mind: The arena lists it 1.8 miles away, so ride the streetcar or a rideshare. We couldn’t read Hilton’s own page for parking, breakfast or fees.

On game day: The streetcar runs until midnight Sunday to Thursday on Lightning game nights, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

1301 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

1.3 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions Official details

We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.

Hotel

Ybor City · 1.3 mi from the arena

A hotel on Ybor City’s 7th Avenue with a courtyard pool and the Flor Fina restaurant, near the streetcar’s Ybor City stations.

Valet $39 a night
$25 destination amenity fee
No airport shuttle

Check rooms

Details

Keep in mind: A $25 nightly destination amenity fee applies, the hotel’s own parking is valet, and there’s no airport transportation.

On game day: The streetcar runs until midnight Sunday to Thursday on Lightning game nights, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

1412 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

1.3 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions Official details

We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.

Hotel

Westshore near TPA · 4.7 mi from the arena

A Westshore hotel with free breakfast and a free airport shuttle to TPA, less than two miles away.

Free breakfast
Free airport shuttle
Free parking listed

Check rooms

Details

Keep in mind: No shuttle to the arena is published, so it’s a rideshare or a drive downtown. The pool is seasonal.

4730 W Spruce Street, Tampa, FL 33607

4.7 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions Official details

We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.

Spanish and CubanSuggested

Water Street and downtown · 0.13 mi from the arena

The Columbia’s café inside the Tampa Bay History Center on the Riverwalk, a short walk from the arena, with paella, ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches.

Menu prices not checked here
Reservations

Details

Keep in mind: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Curbside pickup is available by phone.

On game day: On game nights you skip the garages and rideshare zones: the arena lists four hotels here one block away.

801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

0.13 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.

Directions Official details

Oyster bar and gastropubSuggested

Water Street and downtown · 0.11 mi from the arena

An oyster bar on Water Street a short walk from the arena, with weekend brunch and a Tavern Bar.

Menu prices not checked here
Reservations

Details

Keep in mind: Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; brunch Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; dinner Mon–Thu 3–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 3–11 p.m., Sun 3–9 p.m. Tavern Bar happy hour Mon–Fri 2–5 p.m.

On game day: On game nights you skip the garages and rideshare zones: the arena lists four hotels here one block away.

823 Water Street, Suite C-100, Tampa, FL 33602

0.11 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.

Directions Official details

Native-inspired Florida

Water Street and downtown · 1.4 mi from the arena

Native-inspired dishes from Florida waters and farms, many cooked on a 10-foot barbacoa grill, on the Riverwalk in Tampa Heights, north of downtown.

Menu prices not checked here
Reservations

Details

Keep in mind: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m. It’s about 1.4 miles from the arena in a straight line, so walk the Riverwalk or take a rideshare.

On game day: On game nights you skip the garages and rideshare zones: the arena lists four hotels here one block away.

1810 North Highland Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602

1.4 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.

Directions Official details

Spanish and Cuban

Ybor City · 1.6 mi from the arena

The original Columbia, open since 1905 on 7th Avenue, with 15 dining rooms and a flamenco show.

Menu prices not checked here
Reservations

Details

Keep in mind: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m. It closes at 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, so plan it for the night before or lunch on game day.

On game day: The streetcar runs until midnight Sunday to Thursday on Lightning game nights, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

2117 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

1.6 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.

Directions Official details

Modern Florida, Spanish-Cuban roots and Gulf seafood

Ybor City · 1.3 mi from the arena

Hotel Haya’s wood-fire kitchen and bar, back in Ybor after the streetcar ride; the bar stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Menu prices not checked here
Reservations

Details

Keep in mind: Brunch Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; dinner Tue–Sat 5–10 p.m. Bar Sun 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Mon 3–10 p.m., Tue–Thu 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–midnight. Smart casual attire is recommended.

On game day: The streetcar runs until midnight Sunday to Thursday on Lightning game nights, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Hotel Haya, 1412 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

1.3 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.

Directions Official details

Cuban bakery and Cuban sandwiches

Ybor City · 1.7 mi from the arena

La Segunda’s Ybor City bakery, which it calls the home of the original Cuban sandwich. The family bakery dates to 1915 and is known for Cuban bread, Cuban sandwiches and Cuban coffee.

Menu prices not checked here

Details

Keep in mind: Open 6:30 a.m.–3 p.m. daily, so it’s a breakfast or lunch stop before an evening game.

On game day: The streetcar runs until midnight Sunday to Thursday on Lightning game nights, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

2512 North 15th Street, Tampa, FL 33605

1.7 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.

Directions Official details

Late-night food & drinks

Late night after the game · choose a game date

Late food

A New York-style pizzeria and sports bar on Water Street, a short walk from the arena, with 18-inch pies and slices.

Plan for

0.10 mi straight-line from the arenaSee menu for prices

Late foodPizzaNear the arena

3 Corners Pizza, 813 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Sun–Wed 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Thu–Sat 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

Before you go

Late foodPizzaNear the arena

3 Corners Pizza, 813 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Sun–Wed 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Thu–Sat 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

Pizza after the game: open until 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday and 11 p.m. the rest of the week.

Menu-priced pizza and drinks.

On Sunday to Wednesday it closes at 11 p.m., which can be tight after a late game. Kitchen hours aren’t published separately.

Directions See the Water Street menu

Late food

A pizzeria on 7th Avenue in Ybor City serving beer and wine, open until 3 a.m. Thursday to Saturday.

Plan forLate night

1.3 mi straight-line from the arenaSee menu for prices

Late foodYbor CityPizza by the slice

NY NY Pizza, 1512 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

Sun–Wed 11 a.m.–midnight; Thu–Sat 10 a.m.–3 a.m.

Before you go

Late foodYbor CityPizza by the slice

NY NY Pizza, 1512 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

Sun–Wed 11 a.m.–midnight; Thu–Sat 10 a.m.–3 a.m.

Pizza back in Ybor after the streetcar ride: open until midnight Sunday to Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday to Saturday.

Menu-priced pizza, beer and wine.

The same page also shows a 10 a.m.–11 p.m. business-hours line and a chain-wide footer of 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (10 p.m. Friday and Saturday); the hours above are the Ybor City listing. Call ahead for a late visit.

Directions See Ybor City hours

Night before the game

Night before the game · choose a game date

Bar / pub

A rooftop bar and restaurant on top of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, one block from the arena.

Plan for

JW Marriott Tampa Water StreetSee menu for prices

RooftopCity viewsCouples

Beacon, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Sun–Thu 5 p.m.–midnight; Fri–Sat 5 p.m.–1 a.m. Afternoon tea Saturday 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (the contact page also lists Sunday).

Before you go

RooftopCity viewsCouples

Beacon, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Sun–Thu 5 p.m.–midnight; Fri–Sat 5 p.m.–1 a.m. Afternoon tea Saturday 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (the contact page also lists Sunday).

Works the night before or after the game; it’s open until midnight Sunday to Thursday and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Food and drinks are priced on the menu; no cover is mentioned on the site.

Beacon’s FAQ asks for “dress to impress” attire and says athletic wear, T-shirts, baseball hats and flip-flops aren’t permitted, so change out of game gear first. Reservations are highly encouraged on Friday and Saturday.

Directions See Beacon hours & reservations

Bar / pub

A waterfront dining garden with a biergarten and a lawn on Channelside Drive, a few blocks east of the arena.

Plan for

0.30 mi straight-line from the arenaSee menu for pricesLate food nearby: Late pizza at 3 Corners Pizza, 0.20 mi straight-line

WaterfrontGroupsOutdoor drinks

Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Before you go

WaterfrontGroupsOutdoor drinks

Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Before the game, or after an early puck drop on a Friday or Saturday, when it stays open until 11 p.m.

Each vendor prices its own food and drinks.

It closes at 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, so on those nights plan it before the game. Individual vendors may keep their own hours.

Directions See Sparkman Wharf

Explore the day before

Day before · choose a game date

Things to do

A history museum on the Riverwalk, a short walk from the arena, home to the Columbia Cafe and a collection of 90,000 historical artifacts.

Plan forDay before

0.13 mi straight-line from the arenaAdults $18.95, seniors 60+ $16.95, college students $16.90, youth 7–17 $14.95; children 6 and under free.

Local historyRainy dayFamilies

Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Before you go

Local historyRainy dayFamilies

Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

A daytime visit on the day before the game, or before an evening puck drop.

It closes at 5 p.m., so it doesn’t fit after a game. Check the museum’s site for holiday closures.

Directions Plan a museum visit

Before puck drop

Before puck drop · choose a game date

Things to do

The arena’s plaza, home to the Cigar City Brewing Taproom. Drinks bought at the taproom or on Ford Thunder Alley can be carried into the arena; other outside drinks can’t.

Plan forBefore puck drop

Benchmark International Arena (Ford Thunder Alley is the arena’s plaza)The arena publishes no plaza admission; food and drinks are priced at the stands.

PregameLocal beerNo car needed

Ford Thunder Alley, Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Cigar City Brewing Taproom: opens two hours before puck drop for hockey games.

Before you go

PregameLocal beerNo car needed

Ford Thunder Alley, Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Cigar City Brewing Taproom: opens two hours before puck drop for hockey games.

The Cigar City Brewing Taproom opens two hours before puck drop for hockey games, and arena doors open 60 minutes before puck drop.

The arena doesn’t publish plaza programming for an ordinary game night. The Lightning’s opening-night guide listed live music and a Kids Zone for that one event, so don’t count on them every game.

Directions See the arena guide

Explore the day before

Day before · choose a game date

Walking route

Ride the fare-free streetcar to Ybor City and walk 7th Avenue from Hotel Haya at 14th Street to the Columbia Restaurant, open since 1905.

Plan for

Columbia Restaurant, 7th AvenueFree walk

Ybor CityFree outingFood and history

Start at Hotel Haya, 1412 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

Public streets. The streetcar runs Mon–Thu 7 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri 7 a.m.–2 a.m., Sat 9 a.m.–2 a.m. and Sun 8:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Hotel Haya
Columbia Restaurant

Before you go

Ybor CityFree outingFood and history

Start at Hotel Haya, 1412 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

Public streets. The streetcar runs Mon–Thu 7 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri 7 a.m.–2 a.m., Sat 9 a.m.–2 a.m. and Sun 8:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Hotel Haya
Columbia Restaurant

An afternoon or evening on the day before the game. The Columbia closes at 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Free walk and fare-free streetcar; restaurants charge for what you order.

Walk east along 7th Avenue from 14th Street to 21st Street. Use it to get your bearings; it isn’t turn-by-turn navigation.

Use it to get your bearings; it isn’t turn-by-turn navigation. The streetcar’s Ybor City stations, such as Centro Ybor, are listed on its site.

Walking directions See streetcar stops & hours

Before puck drop

Before puck drop · choose a game date

Walking route

The Tampa Riverwalk runs 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River through downtown. Walk it from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, one of its parks, to the Tampa Bay History Center and the Columbia Cafe, then on to the arena.

Plan for

Curtis Hixon Waterfront ParkFree walk

Free outingWaterfrontArena approach

Start at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa, FL 33602

Public riverfront path; no hours are published.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa Bay History Center
Benchmark International Arena

Before you go

Free outingWaterfrontArena approach

Start at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa, FL 33602

Public riverfront path; no hours are published.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa Bay History Center
Benchmark International Arena

A walk on the way to the game or on the day before. Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop.

Free walk; game admission is separate.

Follow the Riverwalk along the river to Garrison Channel, where Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park sits beside the arena. Use it to get your bearings; it isn’t turn-by-turn navigation.

The park is about 0.8 miles from the arena in a straight line. Use it to get your bearings; it isn’t turn-by-turn navigation.

Walking directions See the Riverwalk

Your weekend

2 adults, 1 room

Stay: Not chosen
Food: None chosen
Do

Choose a hotel first

Travel & full itinerary

The full plan, stop by stop

2 adults · 1 room

Choose a hotel to plan travel.

Your home base

No hotel chosen yet

Your hotel sets the area, both arena journeys and the travel between your stops.

Nothing is in your plan until you choose it. A quick start above the list can choose one for you.

Make time for a good meal

Food for the weekend

Compare and choose food

No food picks yet. Add places in the comparison above when you’re ready.

Check opening hours for your dates and reserve directly where needed.

The reason for the trip

Benchmark International Arena

Pick your game when you’re ready.

Ideas around the game

Activities

No activities selected yet.

Compare and choose activities

Nights open · 2 adults, 1 room

Get to know the areas

Water Street and downtownWalking to the game with no transit to plan

Stay in the hotel towers around the arena and walk to the game. The arena lists four hotels here as one block away.

Hotel towers, the Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Bay History Center and Sparkman Wharf

To the arena: Walk to the arena on Water Street or Channelside Drive. Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop.
After the game: Walk back the same way. There’s no re-entry, so plan any stop before you go in.
The tradeoff: We couldn’t read parking prices or fees for most hotels here, so confirm them with the hotel before you book or drive in.

Hotels in this area

JW Marriott Tampa Water StreetCheck rooms at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street on Expedia (opens in a new tab)
Tampa Marriott Water StreetCheck rooms at Tampa Marriott Water Street on Expedia (opens in a new tab)
The Tampa EDITIONCheck rooms at The Tampa EDITION on Expedia (opens in a new tab)
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention CenterCheck rooms at Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center on Expedia (opens in a new tab)
Hilton Tampa DowntownCheck rooms at Hilton Tampa Downtown on Expedia (opens in a new tab)

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.

Ybor CityHistoric Ybor City restaurants, with a streetcar ride to the game

Stay in the historic cigar district and ride the fare-free TECO Line Streetcar to the arena.

The historic cigar district, with the Columbia (open since 1905), La Segunda’s bakery and late pizza on and near 7th Avenue

To the arena: Board the streetcar at an Ybor City station, such as Centro Ybor, and ride toward downtown to The Florida Aquarium or Water Street station, then walk to the arena.
After the game: Ride the streetcar back to Ybor. Cars run every 15 minutes; after a late game, check the hours for your night.
The tradeoff: It’s about 1.3 miles from the arena in a straight line, so the streetcar or a rideshare is part of every trip.

Hotels in this area

Hotel HayaCheck rooms at Hotel Haya on Expedia (opens in a new tab)
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/DowntownCheck rooms at Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown on Expedia (opens in a new tab)

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.

Westshore near TPAEarly flights and a free airport shuttle

Stay by Tampa International Airport and ride or drive downtown for the game.

Airport hotels near I-275, a walk from the International Plaza and Bay Street shops

To the arena: Take a rideshare to the drop-off circle east of Morgan Street and Channelside Drive, or drive to one of the lots and garages the arena lists.
After the game: Walk to a signed Rider Pick Up zone for a rideshare, or back to your car.
The tradeoff: It’s about 4.7 miles from the arena in a straight line, and no hotel shuttle to the arena is published, so it’s a rideshare or a drive each way.

Hotels in this area

La Quinta Inn Tampa Airport Stadium WestshoreCheck rooms at La Quinta Inn Tampa Airport Stadium Westshore on Expedia (opens in a new tab)

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.

Upcoming games at Benchmark International Arena

Visiting with the away team? Each game has its own page.

To the game and back

Choose a route from the area you’re staying in.

From Water Street on footWater Street and downtownwalk

Getting there: Walk to the arena on Water Street or Channelside Drive. The arena lists the JW Marriott, the Tampa Marriott, the EDITION and the Embassy Suites one block away. Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop.
Getting back: Walk back the same way with the crowd.

There’s no re-entry once you’re inside. Bags larger than 12 × 12 × 12 inches aren’t allowed, and for hockey any bag larger than 4 × 6 × 1.5 inches goes through an X-ray scanner.

Route information

From Ybor City on the free streetcarYbor Citytransit

Getting there: Board the TECO Line Streetcar at an Ybor City station, such as Centro Ybor, and ride toward downtown to The Florida Aquarium or Water Street station, then walk to the arena. Rides are fare free and cars run every 15 minutes.
Getting back: Board at the same station for the ride back. On Lightning game nights, service runs until midnight Sunday to Thursday; on Friday and Saturday it runs until 2 a.m.

Departure times can vary by up to five minutes in heavy ridership or traffic, and cars stop only on request, so pull the cord for your station. The full line takes about 25 minutes end to end.

Route information

From Westshore by rideshareWestshore near TPArideshare

Getting there: Set your drop-off to the 15-minute circle east of the Morgan Street and Channelside Drive intersection.
Getting back: Walk to one of the four signed Rider Pick Up zones: Jefferson & Eunice, Nebraska & Eunice, Nebraska & Cumberland, or Water & Cumberland.

Prices and waits after the game are set by the app. If you shouldn’t drive, ask Guest Services at Section 101 about Alert Cab, which gives free rides to guests who shouldn’t be driving.

Route information

From Westshore by carWestshore near TPAdrive

Getting there: Drive downtown and park in one of the lots or garages the arena lists, such as the Pam Iorio Parking Garage (0.1 miles) or the Tampa Convention Center Garage (0.3 miles). Most are first come, first served, and you pay as you arrive.
Getting back: Walk back to your car. The Fort Brooke and Channelside garages and the Florida Aquarium lot are also on the streetcar line.

The arena doesn’t publish parking prices. It names JustPark as its partner if you want to reserve a space ahead. The Whiting Garage has a 6’8” clearance.

Route information

At Benchmark International Arena

Bags

Bags larger than 12 × 12 × 12 inches aren’t allowed. For hockey, any bag larger than 4 × 6 × 1.5 inches goes through an X-ray scanner before entry. Medical and parenting bags over the limits are allowed with extra screening.

Arena information

Doors, tickets and payment

Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop for Lightning games, and 90 minutes before for club, VIP lounge and suite guests. Tickets are mobile only, and arena-run food and retail stands are cashless.

Arena information

No re-entry

The arena doesn’t let guests leave and come back in during hockey games or events, so finish your pregame stop before you go through the doors.

Arena information

Drinks and bottles

You can bring one empty reusable water bottle to fill inside. Alcohol sales stop ten minutes into the third period of a Lightning game, with a two-drink limit per purchase. Drinks bought at Cigar City on Ford Thunder Alley may be carried in.

Arena information

Free streetcar on game nights

The TECO Line Streetcar links Ybor City, the Channel District and downtown, fare free, every 15 minutes. On Lightning game nights it runs until midnight Sunday to Thursday; it already runs until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Arena information

Accessibility

The arena has a barrier-free entrance, an ADA elevator on the northwest corner, and an accessible drop-off in the Channelside Drive drop-off circle next to the accessible entrance. Assistive listening devices are at Guest Services (Section 101) in exchange for a photo ID, and a sensory room is in the Suites entrance lobby.

Arena information

Find your game & tickets

Use the team schedule for home dates and puck drop times.

Tampa Bay Lightning schedule

Useful things to know

How do I get to the arena without a car?

From Water Street hotels you walk. From Ybor City, ride the fare-free TECO Line Streetcar to The Florida Aquarium or Water Street station, then walk. On Lightning game nights it runs until midnight Sunday to Thursday.

Where do rideshares drop off and pick up?

Drop-off is a 15-minute circle east of Morgan Street and Channelside Drive. After the game, go to a signed Rider Pick Up zone at Jefferson & Eunice, Nebraska & Eunice, Nebraska & Cumberland or Water & Cumberland.

Where can I park?

The arena lists nearby lots and garages, most first come, first served, and names JustPark for reserving ahead. The Pam Iorio Parking Garage is 0.1 miles away and recommended for accessible parking. No prices are published.

Can I bring a bike?

Yes. Free bike valet runs at every ticketed event on Ford Thunder Alley. Pick your bike up within 30 minutes of the end of the event.

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Benchmark International Arena

The local take

Your Tampa weekend

Which game are you going to?

Find your places.

Tampa places

Late-night food & drinks

Night before the game

Explore the day before

Before puck drop

Explore the day before

Before puck drop

Your weekend

The full plan, stop by stop

No hotel chosen yet

Food for the weekend

Benchmark International Arena

Activities

A different hotel?

Get to know the areas

Upcoming games at Benchmark International Arena

To the game and back

At Benchmark International Arena

Find your game & tickets

Useful things to know

Other guides in Tampa Bay

The local take

Which game are you going to?

Tampa Marriott Water Street

The Tampa EDITION

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center

Hilton Tampa Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown

Hotel Haya

La Quinta Inn Tampa Airport Stadium Westshore

Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center

The Pearl

Ulele

Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City)

Flor Fina (Hotel Haya)

La Segunda Bakery (Ybor City)

Late-night food & drinks

Late pizza at 3 Corners Pizza

Late slices at NY NY Pizza in Ybor

Night before the game

Rooftop drinks at Beacon

Waterfront drinks at Sparkman Wharf

Explore the day before

Tampa Bay History Center

Before puck drop

Pregame on Ford Thunder Alley

Explore the day before

Ybor City’s 7th Avenue from the streetcar

Before puck drop

The Riverwalk from Curtis Hixon Park to the arena

Your weekend

The full plan, stop by stop

No hotel chosen yet

Food for the weekend

Benchmark International Arena

Activities

Get to know the areas

Upcoming games at Benchmark International Arena

To the game and back

At Benchmark International Arena

Find your game & tickets

Useful things to know

Other guides in Tampa Bay