Benchmark International Arena

Benchmark International Arena, formerly known as Amalie Arena, is a premier entertainment landmark in downtown Tampa’s vibrant Water Street district. Originally opened in 1996, the venue recently entered a new era following a naming rights partnership with the Tampa-based firm Benchmark International. Located near the Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Convention Center, the arena serves as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene, offering a high-energy atmosphere for fans of large-scale live performances. While renowned as the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning—complete with its signature lightning-throwing Tesla coils—the arena is also the primary destination for major comedy tours. It regularly hosts household names and national headliners, with notable comedians like Gabriel Iglesias, Jim Gaffigan, and Matt Rife bringing their stand-up sets to its massive stage. For comedy fans seeking a grand, professional setting, the arena provides an electrifying backdrop for the industry’s biggest stars.