News Summary
The Benchmark International Arena is set to host a three-day Open House celebration inviting residents of the Tampa Bay area to engage with the venue’s offerings. The event will feature a Tampa Bay Lightning Watch Party, free skating on the arena’s ice, a screening of Pixar’s ‘Inside Out,’ and a concert by country music star Maren Morris. Designed to foster community connections, the Open House promises a range of activities for all ages and interests, highlighting the arena’s commitment as a community hub.
Tampa Hosts Community Open House Celebration at Benchmark International Arena
TAMPA, Florida – The Benchmark International Arena is preparing to roll out the red carpet for the community from October 17 to October 19, 2025, with a three-day “Open House” celebration designed to foster connections and showcase the arena’s offerings. This event is intended to invite everyone from the Tampa Bay area to participate and engage with the facilities and activities available at the venue.
Free events will be at the forefront of the celebration, including the opportunity to attend a Tampa Bay Lightning Watch Party on Friday, October 17, at 6:00 p.m. This exciting evening will feature the Lightning facing off against the Detroit Red Wings, providing a perfect setting for sports fans. Local culinary experiences, curated by the Oak View Group’s in-house culinary team, will be available to enhance the game’s atmosphere.
The festivities continue on Sunday, October 19, with a unique chance for community members to skate on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s home ice starting at 9:00 a.m. Interested participants are encouraged to make advance reservations for 45-minute skating sessions. Family-friendly food and beverage pricing will be in place during the skating day to ensure an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Adding to the excitement, a special screening of Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” is scheduled for Sunday at 4:30 p.m., creating an opportunity for families to enjoy a beloved film together in a festive atmosphere.
Highlighting the weekend’s lineup, country music star Maren Morris will headline a free concert on Saturday, October 18, at 7:00 p.m. Fans can expect an evening filled with Morris’s powerhouse vocals and popular chart-topping hits.
The Open House events are structured to provide memorable experiences for both skaters and non-skaters alike. With an exciting range of activities planned, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the arena and its offerings.
To ensure a seamless experience, guests are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with parking, bag policies, and prohibited items by reviewing the Arena Guide available on the venue’s website. This preparation will help facilitate a smooth visit, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the festivities.
This Open House celebration by Benchmark International Arena stands as a significant opportunity for the residents of Tampa Bay to engage with their local arena, discover new experiences, and enjoy entertainment that caters to diverse tastes and interests. It highlights the arena’s commitment to becoming a community hub and invites all to share in the excitement of the upcoming events.
As the event approaches, interested participants can look forward to securing their free tickets online for various activities throughout the celebration. Community engagement is at the heart of this Open House, promising impactful interactions and experiences that resonate with the spirit of Tampa Bay.
Overall, the Benchmark International Arena is poised for a vibrant weekend that encapsulates entertainment, community, and connection during their upcoming Open House celebration.
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Additional Resources
- Benchmark International Arena: Watch Party Event
- WFLA News: Open House Celebration
- Benchmark International Arena: Ice Skating Event
- ESPN: Lightning Arena Renaming
- Wild 94.1: Open House Weekend Events

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.


