TAMPA BAY – Vinik Sports Group, in partnership with Benchmark International, will welcome the Tampa Bay community to Benchmark International Arena for a three-day open house celebration, starting Oct. 17.
The arena, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning and a hub for world-class entertainment, will host free events designed to connect with the community and showcase the arena’s offerings.
“Benchmark International Arena belongs to Tampa Bay,” said Steve Griggs, CEO of Vinik Sports Group. “This open house is about inviting everyone across the Bay Area to experience what makes this building and our community so special.”
Festivities begin Oct. 17 with a Tampa Bay Lightning watch party as the Bolts take on the Detroit Red Wings at 6 p.m. Fans can gather in the arena to cheer on the Bolts on Lightning Vision. Guests can also enjoy Oak View Group’s Taste of Tampa, a culinary showcase highlighting arena food partners and local flavors from OVG’s in-house culinary team.
On Oct. 18, Grammy Award-winning artist Maren Morris headlines the weekend, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the arena for a free concert at 7 p.m.
On Oct. 19, families can lace up their skates for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to skate on the same ice as the Lightning, beginning at 9 a.m. The weekend concludes that afternoon with a community movie screening of Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out” at 4:30 p.m.
Organizers say the family-friendly pricing on food and drink, as well as open access to the arena, demonstrates Vinik Sports Group and Benchmark International’s intent to make events accessible and enjoyable for the community.
Events Schedule
- Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. – Tampa Bay Lightning watch party + Taste of Tampa
- Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. – Maren Morris concert
- Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. – Public skate
- Oct. 19 at 4:30 p.m. – “Inside Out” movie screening
Free tickets for each event are available now at gofevo.com/group/openhouseweekend. Advance parking passes can be reserved through ParkWhiz.com. Visit benchmarkintlarena.com/openhouse or call 813-301-2500 for details.
