If you started watching basketball not so long ago, then you may have noticed that the Toronto Raptors weren’t playing in Canada as per usual. Instead, they took their talents to Florida, more specifically Tampa Bay, to play at Amalie Arena.
Tampa Bay welcomed the Canadian franchise for the 2020-21 NBA season as Covid-19 health and safety restrictions didn’t allow players to travel up North. This event was one of the most influential of the past season and, as we’ve seen with other stories; it took a big toll on the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
But even if the Raptors weren’t exactly Box Office during their brief stance in Tampa, the community still embraced the team with open arms, attending the games and visiting the venue when the league allowed fans inside.
So, now that we know that, it’s time to discuss a little further about this beautiful venue. With that in mind, we’re going to let you know everything there is about Tampa Bay’s finest place to attend games, watch sports or multiple events; and a spot you just need to visit when you’re in the Tampa Bay area: Amalie Arena, home of the Lightning.
Amalie Arena: The House Of Tampa Bay Sports
Since its construction, Amalie Arena in FL has been the house of Tampa Bay Sports, especially the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. The Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the strongest teams in the league, winning the Stanley Cup final multiple times throughout their history.
And, as you’d expect, this venue has seen the Lightning go to war with the St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, and even the newly-found Seattle Kraken. This arena has seen the glory, tears, and other stories and is one of the most iconic around the NHL. Visitors know that they’ll be in for a tough time but the community still makes them feel at home in this venue.
What is AMALIE Arena named after?
The home of the Tampa Bay Lightning is named after Amalie Oil Company, a Tampa Bay-based company that manufactures automotive fluids.
What was the Amalie Arena called before?
It wasn’t until 2014 that Amalie Oil Company and its partners reached an agreement to operate this venue. As a matter of fact, this site was originally known as the Ice Palace before undergoing its first name change in 2002.
That year, the St. Petersburg Times (later known as Tampa Bay Times) owned the rights of the venue and called it St. Pete Times Forum from 2002-201 and later Tampa Bay Times Forum until 2014. This name was final until Amalie Oil Company swooped in.
Who owns Amalie arena in Tampa?
As we previously mentioned, 2014 marked the biggest event in the recent history of this venue. The naming rights became the property of Amalie Oil Company. However, this building is the property of Hillsborough County, Fl. The site is operated by Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties, LLC, which is a division of Vinik Sports Group, LLC.
How much did Amalie pay for naming rights?
Even though the final number is undisclosed, reports claim that Amalie Oil Company paid somewhere around $1-$2 million for the next 15-30 years to own the naming rights of the arena.
How big is the AMALIE Arena in Tampa Florida?
If you’re going to a hockey game or any event and don’t have a map on you, don’t worry; you won’t need it. This huge venue is 670,000-square-foot, so you’ll definitely notice it.
This venue has hosted countless games, events, concerts, and it can hold up to 19,092 guests for hockey games. The arena can also host 20,500 people for basketball games, 18,500 for arena football games, up to 21,500 for concerts.
Do you have to wear a mask in AMALIE Arena?
As presented by the Amalie Arena’s official page, guests attending this venue will no longer be required to wear masks to attend any game or event. Even so, they still encourage you to follow health and safety protocols and continue wearing masks on the premises.
Can you bring a purse into AMALIE Arena?
As it happens in most arenas, not many bags are allowed in the venue for safety purposes. Their bag policy states that bags larger than 4×7” will be subject to an x-ray scan at the entrance. Also, bags larger than 12x12x12” won’t be allowed, excluding diaper bags and medical bags. All details about exceptions are on their official page.
Can I bring a vape into AMALIE Arena?
You won’t be able to vape if you’re attending a Tampa Bay Lightning game or an event at this venue. For the safety of all guests, smoking at this arena is only allowed in designated areas. For more details, feel free to address the policies section on their website.
Who plays in AMALIE Arena?
Right now, the Amalie Arena is house to the Tampa Bay Lightning, one of the most successful clubs in recent NHL history. In the past, the Tampa Bay Storm of the AHL, Tampa Breeze of the LFL, South Florida Bulls men’s basketball of the NCAA, and the Toronto Raptors of the NBA also played in this venue.
Can you tour Amalie Arena?
As a matter of fact, you can. If you want to get to know the house of the Tampa Bay Lightning, you’ll just have to pay $10 per ticket. Also, kids under five can do the tour for free. Just make sure to check their calendar for upcoming events so you know when to go.
What is the area around Amalie Arena called?
Tampa Bay Lightning fans are some of the toughest in the league. That’s why it’s not unusual to see people from all over the city gather outside of the Amalie Arena for watch parties. That place is called Thunder Alley.
How much does it cost to sit in Thunder Alley?
If you want to save money for another event or aren’t that much of a Tampa Bay Lightning fan, you can still watch their games with plenty of friends and have a blast at the Thunder Alley. And the best part is that it’s almost free.
A ticket for the Thunder Alley is just $5 and some of the proceedings will go to Lightning Foundation Charities.
Tampa Bay Lightning: A Marquee Name In The National Hockey League
As we previously mentioned, the Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the strongest hockey teams in the world, and they prove it over and over every game. Thus far, the Lightning have won the Stanley Cup Final three times, one more than their rivals Philadelphia Flyers, and two more than another strong team like the St. Louis Blues.
The Lightning won back-to-back NHL titles in 2020 and 2021 and are one of the biggest points of pride of the community. They play in the Eastern Atlantic Division and have won 4 division championships thus far.
Like all sports events in Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Lightning games bring plenty of diehard supporters to the arena. If you’re a hockey fan or simply want some entertainment, don’t hesitate to visit this venue. An NHL game is a one-of-a-kind experience, especially during a win, and the Lightning are always Box Office.
So, if you’re planning on watching hockey live for the first time, buy your ticket, bring as many guests as you want, upload your selfie to Facebook and Instagram, and enjoy one of the best sporting events you’ll find in the FL area. You won’t regret it.
