News Summary
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s home arena has been renamed Benchmark International Arena following a significant naming rights agreement with Benchmark International. This 10-year contract replaces the previous name, Amalie Arena, as part of plans for upcoming renovations and community engagement efforts. The agreement includes enhancements to the arena, new club level rebranding, and a commitment to contribute over $3 million to local nonprofits. The rebranding process will unfold leading up to the 2025-26 NHL season, enhancing the spectator experience.
Tampa
The home arena of the Tampa Bay Lightning has officially been rebranded as Benchmark International Arena following a multiyear naming rights agreement between the Vinik Sports Group and Benchmark International. This change takes effect immediately, replacing the previous name Amalie Arena, which had been in place since the 2014-15 NHL season.
The new deal spans 10 years and ranks as one of the top five richest naming rights deals for standalone NHL arenas. While the financial specifics of the contract were not disclosed, it is worth noting that the most lucrative agreement within the league belongs to the UBS deal, which finalized at $18 million per year for the New York Islanders’ home arena.
Details of the Agreement
Benchmark International, a global mergers and acquisitions firm based in Tampa, will also benefit from entitlement rights to the premium club level of the arena, which will now be called the Benchmark International Club Level. This space, previously known as the Channel Club, will be rebranded as The Mark.
The Vinik Sports Group’s CEO highlighted the importance of this agreement as a crucial step towards upcoming renovations of the 29-year-old arena, emphasizing the commitment to transform the venue into a modern, world-class facility for a variety of events, including NCAA competitions, USA Gymnastics, and concerts, among others.
Lease and Future Plans
The Lightning currently have a lease agreement for the publicly owned arena that will expire in 2037. With the new naming rights deal, plans for enhancements and updates will begin to materialize, ensuring that the arena not only serves as a hockey venue but also remains a hub of activity for the local community.
The Oak View Group’s Global Partnerships team facilitated the negotiations for this naming rights partnership. Additionally, the agreement underscores a commitment to community engagement, featuring more than $3 million designated for nonprofit contributions within the Tampa Bay area.
Community Engagement and Legacy
Former naming rights sponsor Amalie Oil will continue its corporate partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning even as the arena undergoes its rebranding process. The venue, which opened its doors in 1996, has a storied history, hosting millions of fans and celebrating three Stanley Cup championships.
The rebranding to Benchmark International Arena will include upgrades to exterior and interior signage, as well as new digital activations to enhance the spectator experience. To celebrate the new naming rights, free community events are planned for mid-October, intended to engage the local population and emphasize that the arena belongs to the entire Tampa Bay community.
Benchmark International’s CEO expressed optimism about this partnership, stating it aligns with the company’s dedication to community impact and excellence. The rebranding will occur in phases leading up to the start of the 2025-26 NHL season, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in the history of Tampa’s premier 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: Tampa Bay Lightning
- ABC Action News: New Name for Lightning Home Ice
- Google Scholar: Benchmark International Arena
- The Stadium Business: Benchmark International Lands Naming Rights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tampa Bay Lightning
- Celebrity Access: Amalie Arena Renamed
- Google News: Lightning Arenas
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
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