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Amalie Arena: Transforming Into A World Class Venue

By Tasha St. Pierre

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One year ago, the Tampa Bay Times Forum made the transition to the Amalie Arena. Now, it is becoming one of the most world class venues in the nation.

Ever since Tampa Bay Lightning Governor and Chairman Jeff Vinik came into the Tampa Bay area and took control of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, his goal has been not only to transform the Tampa Bay Lightning into a winning team the community could be proud of, but help transform the city into a world class place to work and play.

One of the first tasks that Vinik took on was transforming the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning into a venue that could rival some of the best in the National Hockey League. After investing $40 million of his own money in order to remodel the venue, Tampa Bay Lightning fans have a game day experience like none other.

Throughout the arena there are plenty of things to do as you wait for the Tampa Bay Lightning to take the ice on game day. Vinik took the small store within the arena that sold all your game day apparel and turned into the Tampa Bay Sports Store, a sprawling store that has all kinds of merchandise from the Tampa Bay Lightning and our Arena Football team, the Tampa Bay Storm.

In addition to the numerous kiosks and stores throughout the arena, there is no shortage of places to eat within the arena. There is everything from the Firestick Grill, which is an upscale buffet where Tampa Bay Lightning fans can get the party started on game day.

If you’re looking for something a little more casual, there are all kinds of restaurants that provide counter service for fans. There is everything from the delicacies of Outback Steakhouse to the crispy chicken tenders from PDQ, the cheesy goodness of Little Caesars Pizza and so much more.

If you’re looking for something of a more adult persuasion, there is always time for a quick stop at World of Beer, the Bacardi OakHeart Bar, and let’s not forget the addition of the Bud Light Party Deck.

The home of the Tampa Bay Lightning has played host to a number of major sporting, entertainment, and political events since Vinik took over. The arena has played host to the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament, an honor in which they are set to receive again in 2016, as well as the home of the 2012 Republican National Convention. The arena also played host to the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks.

One year ago as of yesterday, Vinik found a new partner in the people over at Amalie Oil. Amalie Oil is a Tampa-based company that has been in business for over 100 years and has become the largest privately owned independent blender of motor oils and industrial lubricants in North America.

Along with their new partnership came a new name for the venue. Now, the Tampa Bay Times Forum is known as the Amalie Arena.

There is no denying that the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, and the arena they call home, has come a long way since Jeff Vinik came into Tampa Bay. The transformation is far from complete. Over the next few seasons, we will see a renovated club level, new concession stands, an expanded exterior deck, and so much more.

It is unknown what surprises the organization has for the future, but judging by what we have seen thus far we are excited to see what they have in store for us.

What do you think of the transformation the Amalie Arena has made since Jeff Vinik took over the organization? What do you think of Vinik’s plans for the future? What has been your favorite part of all the changes made to the Amalie Arena? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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