Amalie Arena Food, Seating, and Parking Guide
The Amalie Arena is based in downtown Tampa, Florida and is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League. Aside from ice hockey, the arena has been used for basketball, football games, and concerts, uniting people under one roof to celebrate a team or enjoy a show since its opening in 1996. Its first event was the Royal Hanneford Circus, which was followed shortly by the first Lightning game played on October 20, 1996, which saw the Lightning win 5-2 against the New York Rangers.
The arena has hosted numerous high-profile events including the 1999 NHL All-Star Game, the 2007 ACC Basketball Tournament, the 2008 NCAA Women’s Final Four, the 2009 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, the 2012 Republican National Convention, the 2012 NCAA Men's Frozen Four and more.
We’ve put together this guide to help you maximize your event experience at the Amalie Arena. Featuring tips about anything from concessions to parking, you’ll be able to easily prepare for your next visit! See why the Amalie Arena was ranked the second top arena in the country and fourth in the world by Venues Today magazine in 2015.
Amalie Arena Fast Facts:
| Owner: | Hillsborough County |
| Operated By: | Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment LLC |
| Home To: | Tampa Bay Lightning |
| Architect: | Ellerbe Becket |
| Field Size: | 60,000 square feet |
| Opened: | October 20, 1996 |
| Address: | 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602 |
Seating capacity:
| Ice Hockey: | 19,092 |
| Basketball: | 20,500 |
| Concert: | 21,500 |
| Arena Football: | 18,500 |
Amalie Arena Features:
- Budweiser Biergarten: Spacious 11,000-square foot outdoor deck offering a variety of food and beverage options, including Bud Light.
- Coors Light Between the Pipes Bar: new, grand digital pipe organ that is the signature centerpiece to the Terrace Level bar, playing a litany of sounds.
- Ford Thunder Alley: Amalie Arena’s main entrance plaza for fans to meet, gather and relax before the game while enjoying live music and interactive games.
- Firestick Grill: buffet restaurant offering breathtaking views of Tampa’s skyline.
Amalie Arena Ratings
| Yelp: | 4 |
| Trip Advisor: | 4.5 |
| Google: | 4 |
Directions To Amalie Arena:
From St. Petersburg:
Take I-275 North to Exit 44 (Ashley Drive), to Jackson, left on Jackson to Morgan.
Make a right on Morgan to Channelside Drive.
From Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Oldsmar:
Take SR-60 (Gulf to Bay/Courtney Campbell) to I-275, North on I-275 to Downtown East/West Exit 44, Ashley Street to Jackson.
Make a left on Jackson to Morgan and a right on Morgan to Channelside Drive.
From Citrus Park, Town & Country, Pasco County, Spring Hill:
Take Veterans Expressway (SR 589) South to I-275 and head North on I-275 to Exit 42 (Armenia Ave), South (right) on Armenia to Platt Street, left on Platt which will turn into Channelside Drive.
From North Tampa, Ocala, Gainesville, Land O Lakes, Zephyrhills:
Take I-275 South to Exit 45A (Downtown East/Jefferson), South on Jefferson to Whiting Street.
Right on Whiting Street to Morgan.
Left on Morgan to Channelside Drive.
From Orlando, Lakeland, Plant City, Daytona, Jacksonville, Polk County:
Take I-4 West to I-275 South to Exit 45A (Downtown East/Jefferson), South on Jefferson to Whiting Street.
Make a right on Whiting Street to Morgan and a left on Morgan to Channelside Drive.
From Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Ft Myers, Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Naples, Port Charlotte:
Take I-75 North to SR-60 Exit 257 toward Brandon, merge onto SR-60 on the Left towards Tampa, SR-60 turns into Channelside Drive.
Follow Channelside Drive to Old Water Drive.
Left on Old Water Drive.
From Brandon, Vero Beach, Palm Beach, Gibsonton:
Take SR-60 (Adamo Drive) West to Channelside Drive, South on Channelside Drive to Old Water Drive, and make a left on Old Water Drive.
From the LeeRoy Selmon (Crosstown) Expressway Eastbound:
I-75 North to Exit 256 (LeeRoy Selmon Expressway.)
Use Exit 6-B (Channelside area).
At end of ramp, head East on Channelside Drive.
From the LeeRoy Selmon (Crosstown) Expressway Westbound:
Use Exit 9, (22nd Street); at bottom of ramp, turn right onto 22nd Street; go a short distance to Adamo Dr. (Route 60).
Turn left (West) onto Adamo Drive.
At the traffic light under the overpass, follow left curve (Adamo Dr. becomes Channelside Dr.).
Amalie Arena Insider Tips:
Parking is available in the surrounding area of the Amalie Arena at various lots with different prices depending on location and event. Since the options are constantly changing, you’ll have to check the Amalie Arena website and use the Parking Panda platform to select and pay for your spot.
If you’re taking a ridesharing service like Uber or taxi, there is a 15-minute circle for drop-off and pick up, located right after Channelside Drive. There is also a cab stand there for those looking to catch a ride.
Amalie Arena Security
In general, guests have reported that the security at the Amalie Arena is efficient and plentiful. Bag searches and metal detectors are a part of the process, so be prepared to wait in line and be herded through. We suggest arriving early to beat the crowds passing through the gates, which can lead to some disorganization.
If you’re bringing a bag, it must be smaller than 12x12x12” or it won’t be allowed in the venue.
Amalie Arena Prohibited Items:
- Large bags, backpacks, wrapped packages
- Still cameras with a lens larger than 6 inches, cameras with a detachable lens
- Video and audio recording devices and camera bags are also prohibited.
- Video or audio recording devices
- Laser pointers
- Weapons
- Bottles, cans, or containers of any kind
- Sharp objects, sticks or poles of any kind
- Fireworks
- Pepper spray or mace
- Food or beverage items
- Drugs or controlled substances
- Chairs, folding chairs or any other type of individual chair for use
- Wrapped gifts
- Large banners or signs, banners or signs with objectionable language, banners or signs on a pole of any kind
- Noisemakers and horns
It’s important to note that the Amalie has a no re-entry policy, except for emergencies and special cases.
Tips on Seating
Visitors to the Amalie Arena have stated that the seats are comfortable offer a great view no matter where you are in the venue. The jumbotron is massive, making it easy for fans to experience the action up close from anywhere.
There are also the Lexus Lounge VIP Club, Chase Club and Executive Suite options for those opting for a premium seating experience. These include complimentary food and beverages, upscale dining, concierge and valet services, entry into every Lightning home game, etc.
Amalie Arena Food & Concessions
Fans have often commented on the high prices and low quality for food and drinks at the concessions – although there are plenty. For example, fries are as much as $9! We suggest eating beforehand to avoid the hassle of waiting in line and making a dent in your pocket.
However, if you want the complete Amalie Arena experience, then concessions food is a must. Firestick Grill features an enhanced dining area and ambiance with open fire action stations, menu items native to the Tampa Bay area, and world class service. Other popular food options include PDQ (chicken sandwiches, tenders, fries); Ford’s Garage (burgers, fries); Little Caesars (pizza); Smoke’s Poutinerie (poutines); Mr. Empanada (Cuban food); Newks (fast seafood).
10 Closest Hotels to the Amalie Arena
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center
513 S Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
0.1 miles
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina
700 S Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
0.2 miles
The Westin Tampa Waterside
725 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
0.4 miles
Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
200 N Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
0.6 miles
Hilton Tampa Downtown
211 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602
0.6 miles
Aloft Tampa Downtown
100 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
0.7 miles
Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Downtown
102 E Cass St, Tampa, FL 33602
0.8 miles
Le Méridien Tampa
601 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
0.9 miles
Floridan Palace
905 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
1.0 miles
The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
111 W Fortune St, Tampa, FL 33602
1.2 miles
See schedule below to attend a concert or an event at Amalie Arena today!
2025
2025
