News Summary
Vinik Sports Group and Benchmark International have partnered to rename the Tampa Bay Arena to Benchmark International Arena starting August 13, 2025. The agreement includes over $3 million in contributions to local non-profits, focuses on community welfare, and introduces a revamped club level with enhanced guest experiences. Free community events are planned to celebrate the partnership, ensuring ongoing engagement with Tampa residents. This strategic partnership aims to elevate the arena’s profile as a world-class venue while benefiting the local economy and community.
Tampa, FL – Vinik Sports Group (VSG) and Benchmark International have announced a significant partnership that will see the naming rights of the Tampa Bay Arena transition to Benchmark International Arena, effective August 13, 2025. The multi-year agreement reflects a shared commitment to community impact, excellence, and service.
Benchmark International, a global mergers and acquisitions firm headquartered in Tampa, will invest over $3 million in financial contributions to non-profit initiatives that benefit the local Tampa Bay area. This initiative underlines the partnership’s focus on enhancing community welfare alongside the commercial aspects of the agreement.
The arena, which has been home to numerous iconic events and millions of fans since its opening in 1996, will undergo a comprehensive rebranding that includes new exterior and interior signage. One of the notable features of the rebranding will be the transformation of the premium club level into the Benchmark International Club Level. A special all-inclusive experience known as “The Mark” will be featured in this revamped club level, providing an elevated experience for guests.
As part of the transition, free community events are scheduled for mid-October to celebrate the new naming rights. The partnership aims to create opportunities for engagement and interaction with the community, ensuring that the arena remains a beloved venue for locals and visitors alike.
VSG, which manages the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, has played a crucial role in transforming the arena since 2010. The venue has hosted numerous major sporting events, including three Stanley Cup Championships, with victories occurring in the years 2004, 2020, and 2021. This new partnership marks another step in maintaining the arena’s reputation as a world-class facility.
In addition to the rebranding, the arena enhancements will unfold in phases, with exciting new sponsorships and food and beverage experiences anticipated before the start of the 2025-26 NHL season. The development of this partnership involved collaboration with Oak View Group’s Global Partnerships division, ensuring a comprehensive approach to maximizing the venue’s potential.
VSG has reaffirmed that AMALIE Motor Oil, the arena’s previous naming rights partner, will continue to be a corporate partner, further solidifying the connection between the arena and influential local businesses.
Benchmark International has reported significant success in its field, having closed over $12.5 billion in transaction value spanning various sectors. The partnership with VSG is expected to further solidify its legacy in the Tampa Bay community while enhancing the local economy through charitable contributions and improved venue experiences.
As the clock winds down to the naming rights transition in 2025, stakeholders expect the new branding and experiences to resonate well with the Tampa Bay community, driving both attendance and local engagement at the arena.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Lightning Home Renamed Benchmark International Arena
- Wikipedia: Tampa Bay Lightning
- NHL: Vinik Sports Group and Benchmark International Partnership
- Google Search: Lightning arena renaming
- ABC Action News: New Name for Lightning Home Ice
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Hockey League
- Yardbarker: Lightning’s Rink Renamed to Benchmark International Arena
- Google News: Benchmark International Arena
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
