Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena Renovation
Renovations focused on enhancing the player and fan experience.
Project Facts
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| Owner | Amalie Arena |
| Size | ~477,000 SF |
| Cost | ~65 million |
| Status | Completed 2016 |
Overview
When Jeff Vinik purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2010, he promised to create a world-class venue for his hockey team and the Tampa Bay community. To carry out Vinik’s plans, Walter P Moore provided structural assessments, engineering and threshold inspection services, and proposed renovations and expansions to be carried out in a three-phase project.
Services
About the Project
To renovate the Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena after it was bought by new ownership, Walter P Moore provided a structural assessment as well as engineering and threshold inspection services for the entire arena, which originally opened in the fall of 1996. The assessment and proposed renovations and expansions resulted in a three-phase project that was completed over several years.
Phase I brought a high-end experience to the fans by creating better flow throughout the facility. This allowed fans to easily access the arena, navigate through the main concourse, and make their way to their new and improved seats.
Plans also included a grand entry, redesigned ticket office, and merchandise shop to greets fans upon arrival. These elements also offer an improved connection to the main concourse. Additionally, an 11,000 SF outdoor deck was added to the west side of the arena, providing a scenic overlook of downtown Tampa.
The design team also converted two terrace level seating sections into a performance stage and space to house a pipe organ. Plus, an added design touch featured two Tesla coils generating real “Tampa Bay Lightning” into the roof structure.
Phase II extended the improved fan experience to the Club and Suite Levels by adding two large loft areas, a high-end loge, and premium concessions. A new back-of-house media area, a player’s wives area, as well as a multi-level stair connecting levels 4-6 were added, too.
The third and final phase improved the high-end fan experience by renovating the premier lounge in the arena, the Lexus Lounge.
Since the completion of the Amalie Arena renovations, the venue has consistently ranked in the top 10 of arenas for overall attendance. The Lightning were also rated as the #1 franchise in ESPN’s 2016 Ultimate Standings, a comprehensive ranking of all NHL, MLB, NFL, and NBA franchises.
