Amalie Arena
401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL, 33602
Opened in 1996 as the Ice Palace, Amalie Arena is a live event arena in downtown Tampa. Primarily the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team, the arena hosts more than 150 events each year, including sports games, concerts, and live performances. The main outdoor plaza, Thunder Alley, is a public pre-event gathering space that often stages live music.
The basics
Amalie Arena is one of Tampa's main sports and entertainment venues, so you can expect a large crowd no matter which concert, game, or show is scheduled. Parking, especially for hockey games, fills up quickly. Large groups of ticket holders walk to the venue, which increases accessibility for pedestrians but delays city traffic. Some surrounding businesses close before late-night event conclusions, so plan ahead if you want post-game food and drinks.
Things to know before you go
Visit the Budweiser Biergarten inside for a great view of the city.
The arena typically closes 30 minutes after the event ends.
Reentry is not permitted.
How to get there
Amalie Arena is located at 401 Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa. The nearest parking garage is across the street, though many visitors either walk from a nearby hotel or a paid parking lot/garage in the city. You can also take the light rail to the Amalie Arena or HSBC Stations.
When to get there
Amalie Arena is an indoor venue primarily used for live events, although the Tampa Bay Lightning fan shop may hold its own hours. For a live event, allow 15 to 20 minutes to pass through security and find your seat. Prior to certain Tampa Bay Lightning home games, the public outdoor space called Thunder Alley may host free events that begin before puck drop.
Explore Tampa from Amalie Arena
Amalie Arena is surrounded by other Tampa attractions, including Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Convention Center, and Channelside Bay Plaza. You can explore more of the area by hopping on the light rail at Amalie Arena Station or walking the Tampa Riverwalk, both adjacent to the arena.
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