The Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the NHL's premier franchises — three-time Stanley Cup Champions, a perennial playoff contender, and one of the best home game atmospheres in professional hockey. Amalie Arena, their home since 1996, is consistently rated among the NHL's best venues. Here's how to make the most of your visit.
Amalie Arena
Amalie Arena (capacity ~19,000) is located in downtown Tampa at 401 Channelside Drive, adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center and Channelside shopping district. The arena underwent significant renovations in recent years and now offers premium concourse experiences, world-class food vendors, and excellent sightlines from virtually every seat.
Getting to Amalie Arena
Private Car Service (Recommended)
- From TPA Airport: 8-10 miles, 15-20 minutes, from $45
- From Clearwater: 30-35 miles, 45-55 minutes, from $58
- From Tampa hotels: from $30-40
Pre-booking a return transfer ensures you're not stranded when 19,000 fans exit simultaneously at 10:30 PM.
Parking
Multiple parking garages surround Amalie Arena ($25-40 on game nights). The STRAZ Center and Tampa Convention Center garages on Channelside Drive are closest. Arrive 60+ minutes early on playoffs/sold-out games.
TECO Streetcar
Tampa's free Heritage streetcar runs from Ybor City to the Channelside area near Amalie Arena, providing a fun pre-game option from Ybor City restaurants.
Pre-Game Dining
Near the Arena (Walking Distance)
- Splitsville — Upscale bowling alley/restaurant in Channelside area
- Ulele — Native Florida cuisine along the river
- Mise en Place — Fine dining pre-game option downtown
Ybor City (15-minute Uber/TECO)
- Columbia Restaurant — Historic Spanish/Cuban, pre-game classic
- Carmine's — Cuban sandwiches, casual and quick
Inside Amalie Arena
- Kaleisia Tea Lounge — Upstairs bar with views
- Ciccio Water — Local Tampa restaurant with arena outpost
- Concourse food options — Significantly improved in recent renovations
Lightning Game Tips
- Gates open 1 hour before game time
- Lightning pre-game warm-ups are worth watching (accessible most nights)
- Upper level sections 300-318 offer excellent views at lower prices
- The Thunderbug mascot is approachable for photos before games