No weapons of any kind are permitted in Benchmark International Arena. Licensed law enforcement officials attending the event as a guest are prohibited from carrying weapons.
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Before you Arrive
Door opening times may vary depending on the type of event, typically 60-90 minutes before show time.
Doors will open for Tampa Bay Lightning games 60 mins prior to puck drop. Doors for premium ticket holders will open 90 minutes prior to puck drop.
All scheduled times are subject to change without notice.
Benchmark International Arena uses bar code scanning for ticket admissions. As a result, guests should purchase tickets from an Benchmark International Arena licensed ticket sellers, such as the ReliaQuest Ticket Office, TampaBayLightning.com, and Ticketmaster.com. Otherwise, you may be purchasing a ticket that is invalid and will be denied admission.
Tickets sales information booths are located behind Section 101 on the Promenade Level. Come to any one of these booth locations to speak with a sales representative.
Purchases through Ticketmaster.com and at the Reliaquest Ticket Office are subject to both a facility fee and convenience fee.
Your ticket stub is proof that you are in possession of a valid ticket for the event you are attending. You may be asked to present your ticket stub (physical or mobile) to verify your seat location. In the event you lose your ticket stub, the ticket office may or may not be able to replace it.
There is no available bicycle parking on Benchmark International Arena property, however, we offer a complimentary bike valet service at all ticketed events. You can valet your bike with our plaza team on Ford Thunder Alley. Bike Valet is located behind Corona Bolts Bay during Lightning games and in front of the Pam Iorio Parking Garage, adjacent to Cigar City Tap Room for events. Valeted bikes must be picked up no later than 30 minutes after the completion of the event. Bikes that are not picked up in this time frame will be relocated to Security.
Door opening times may vary depending on the type of event, typically 60-90 minutes before show time.
Normally doors will open for a Tampa Bay Lightning game 60 minutes prior to puck drop. Doors for the Benchmark International Club Level, Ashley VIP Lounge and Executive Suite guests will open 90 minutes prior to the start of the game. All other events are subject to releasing a door time.
All scheduled times are subject to change without notice.
Entry, tickets & Security
Bags larger than 12x12x12″ are prohibited at Benchmark International Arena. Large bags (not including small clutches) are required to go through an x-ray scanner prior to entry. Medical and parenting bags exceeding these sizes are permitted but are subject to additional search procedures.
For hockey games, bags larger than 4x6x1.5″ are required to go through an x-ray scanner prior to entry.
Keep in mind that Benchmark International Arena will utilize a variety of search techniques at all entry points. Thank you for your cooperation. Subject to change depending on the visiting concert or event’s policies.
The following items cannot be brought into Benchmark International Arena events:
We are committed to the safety and well-being of all guests, employees, players and performers. Because of those safety and security concerns, Benchmark International Arena does not permit guests to exit and re-enter the facility during hockey games or events. Guests wishing to exit Benchmark International Arena for any reason will not be allowed back into the arena, per the facility’s re-entry policy.
There are many secondary market options for reselling tickets to Benchmark International Arena events. Ticketmaster team exchange is the preferred ticket resale service of Benchmark International Arena.
Florida Law prohibits the reselling of tickets on Benchmark International Arena property.
Umbrellas are permitted in Benchmark International Arena. They need to be closed and placed under your seat.
Arena Policies & Conduct
Benchmark International Arena FAN CODE OF CONDUCT
Last Updated and Effective Date – December 11, 2020
Vinik Sports Group (VSG) is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for our fans and guests at Benchmark International Arena, and VSG is committed to providing courteous and professional service. Everyone is welcome in our Arena and should expect and help to promote an environment where people are treated in a courteous, professional, considerate, and respectful manner by all fans, arena staff, team and event personnel, performers, players, and other guests. Accordingly, VSG has a zero-tolerance policy towards acts of racism of any kind and will not tolerate unsafe, abusive, unlawful, or offensive conduct in the Arena. This conduct includes, without limitation:
Failure to abide by this Fan Code of Conduct is subject to sanctions at the discretion of VSG, which may include, without limitation, ejection without refund, suspension of entry privileges, arrest, and banishment from any or all VSG facilities.
Season ticket members and suite holders are reminded that they are responsible for the behavior of anyone using their tickets and that failure to abide by this Fan Code of Conduct by suite holders, Tampa Bay Lightning season ticket members, or by anyone using their tickets, may result in loss of season ticket member or suite holder privileges.
All guests are reminded that bottles, coolers, and containers of any kind are not allowed into Arena and may be confiscated; provided, however, that fans will be allowed to bring an empty plastic bottle to fill with water at the Arena’s touchless water bottle filler. VSG reserves the right to limit the size of bags, purses or backpacks permitted within the Arena. Guests are advised to consult the Arena websites for specific policies with respect to bags. VSG reserves the right to prohibit the entry of items which may, in VSG’s sole opinion, interfere with the ability of other guests to enjoy the game or event.
Arena staff have been trained to intervene when necessary to help ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Guests are encouraged to report any violations of this Fan Code of Conduct or any inappropriate behavior to the nearest usher, security guard or fan services staff member.
VSG thanks you for adhering to this Fan Code of Conduct and for making each event special and memorable to you and your fellow guests.
At select events, wearing costumes, including masks, that cover your entire face may not be permitted inside of the venue.
Arena Sign & Poster Policy
We love your energy and creativity! To keep the experience fun and fair for everyone, please follow these simple rules for signs and posters:
Yes, You Can Bring Signs…
Keep It Respectful
Signs can show your opinions or support—but they cannot include:
Be Mindful of Others
Safety First
Event Exceptions
Some events may have their own rules. When that happens, those rules apply.
Smoking & Tobacco use (including use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping devices, and pipes) are prohibited inside Benchmark International Arena. Cigar smoking is prohibited except within the Arena’s designated Cigar Lounge.*
*Subject to change by Vinik Sports Group at any time.
Benchmark International Arena staff is trained in responsible alcohol service management by ServSafe, part of the National Restaurant Association. All alcohol purchases must be accompanied by one of the following unexpired original physical forms of ID:
• U.S. state or territory driver’s license
• U.S. state or territory ID card
• U.S. Military ID
• U.S. or foreign passport
All Guests visiting from outside of the United States are required to present both a valid passport as well as another form of government-issued photo ID from their country of origin. Foreign driver’s licenses or ID cards are not acceptable by themselves.
Digital IDs, photos or copies of ID will not be accepted for alcohol purchases.
You must be 21 years of age to purchase any alcohol. You will be asked to present valid ID if you appear to be 40 years of age or younger. Service of alcoholic beverages is limited to two drinks per person, per purchase. Alcohol service cut-off time for a Lightning game is ten minutes into the third period. Guests are not permitted to bring in any outside alcoholic beverages, other than from Cigar City on Ford Thunder Alley plaza, nor are they permitted to leave the building with alcohol purchased inside Benchmark International Arena.
Benchmark International Arena is dedicated to the sustainability of the environment of the Tampa Bay area. Our mission is to make the Tampa Bay area a better place to live, work, and play for today and future generations. Our organization is committed to doing everything we can to reduce our environmental footprint and to encourage our fans to do the same in their homes. Together we will make a difference in the environment for today and tomorrow. Please ask any Benchmark International Arena staff member where you can recycle your plastic bottles, aluminum cans, programs, etc.
Media, Cameras & Advertising
Small, non-professional cameras are allowed in the building for most events. Professional cameras can be classified as any camera with a detachable lens. Policy is subject to change per each tour’s request.
For NHL games, still cameras with a lens smaller than 6 inches will be permitted. iPads are permitted for hockey only.
Video and audio recording equipment is not permitted in Benchmark International Arena unless otherwise stated for a specific event.
For concerts and events, please use the media credential request form.
Media requesting accreditation for specific sporting events should contact the respective teams directly. Please note that each team has separate credentialing criteria.
Regular poster size signs or smaller are permitted in Benchmark International Arena. Large banners, signs on poles or sticks of any kind or signs with inappropriate language will not be permitted. Signs may not be hung or posted anywhere inside the venue. Please be aware of your surroundings and do not block the view of any guests. This policy may vary for all events.
Family & Accessibility Services
All service animals are permitted in Benchmark International Arena.
It is an Benchmark International Arena policy that children under two years old are admitted free of charge for all events as long as they sit on a lap. (Age limit subject to change based on show promoter request; please call Client Services or the ReliaQuest Ticket Office for more information).
Strollers are permitted in Benchmark International Arena. If you have a collapsible stroller you may fold it up and place it under your seat. If not, you can check in your stroller at Guest Services across from section 101.
There is a Nursing Mothers Room between sections 129 and 130.
There are Baby Changing Stations in all restrooms on the Promenade, Club, and Terrace levels. Additionally, there are baby changing stations on the IOA Suite level in the restrooms across from Suites 31 and 64.
There is also a Nursing Mothers Room between section 129 and 130.
For your convenience, Benchmark International Arena has two family restroom facilities; located behind sections 208 and 326. The family restrooms are equipped with all your standard toiletries and include a baby-changing table.
We are committed to ensuring that all guests can enjoy events at the arena comfortably and safely. For more information on accessible seating, parking, entry routes, and available services, please visit our Accessibility Information page.
Food, Drink & Concessions
Guests may not bring food and/or beverages into Benchmark International Arena, at any time except for medical purposes. Guests must dispose of the unauthorized items prior to entrance into Benchmark International Arena.
Guests with specific/special dietary needs due to medical conditions or religious requirements should contact Benchmark International Arena at 813.301.6500.
Patrons are permitted to bring an empty water bottle to be filled at one of our water drinking stations. Patrons are not permitted to bring any other type of bottles or containers into Benchmark International Arena, at any time. Policy is subject to change per each tour’s request.
Guest Experience & Services
Guest Services is located on the main concourse across from section 101. Guest Services Representatives are available to assist you with any needs on game and event nights. Please stop by at any time for information regarding Benchmark International Arena events, directions, or assistance involving the programs listed below. There are also Guest Services Representatives located throughout the arena.
If you lose an item during an event at Benchmark International Arena, please visit Guest Services located across from Section 101. After an event, please fill out an inquiry at this link and our guest experience team will reach out. If an item is turned in that matches your description, you will be contacted to verify details of the item. Driver’s licenses, credit and debit cards will be held for 48 hours and then destroyed. All other unclaimed items will be held for 14 days and then discarded or donated. Benchmark International Arena management assumes no responsibility for items lost at events.
In the case of an emergency, we have two First Aid rooms located at Benchmark International Arena; one across from section 112 and one across from section 312. Medical services are provided by the Tampa Fire Department. If you are unable to reach one of these areas please notify the nearest Benchmark International Arena employee for assistance.
In the case of an emergency, we have two First Aid rooms located at Benchmark International Arena; one across from section 112 and one across from section 312. Medical services are provided by the Tampa Fire Department. If you are unable to reach one of these areas please notify the nearest Benchmark International Arena employee for assistance.
In the event of an emergency, Benchmark International Arena staff will provide instructions and direct guests to the closest emergency exit. Please follow the instructions of the staff and proceed in a calm and safe manner. Guests should use the stairwells as a means of evacuation. Elevators and escalators may not be working at the time of an evacuation.
The best way to be contacted during an event at Benchmark International Arena is to set your cell phone to vibrate. We do not page guests during an event. Our Security Office can be contacted at 813.301.6770. Your section, row and seat number will be needed to contact you in the case of an emergency.
If you have any questions, please submit them through the online “Contact Us” page. During games and events, you can go to Guest Services located across from section 101 or any Concierge desk.
The best way to be contacted during an event at Benchmark International Arena is to set your cell phone to vibrate. We do not page guests during an event. Our Security Office can be contacted at 813.301.6770. Your section, row and seat number will be needed to contact you in the case of an emergency.
Men’s and Women’s Restrooms are located at the following locations:
Promenade Level
Club Level
Terrace Level
Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring that all guests can enjoy events at the arena comfortably and safely. For more information on accessible seating, parking, entry routes, and available services, please visit our Accessibility Information page.
