Vinik Sports Group has agreed to a multiyear naming-rights agreement for the Lightning’s home arena with privately held M&A firm Benchmark International that begins today. The venue, which had been known as Amalie Arena since the 2014-15 season, will now be called Benchmark International Arena.

The length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but a source with knowledge of the agreement said it is for 10 years and ranks among the top five richest for a standalone NHL arena (no NBA tenant). UBS’ deal for the Islanders’ home arena is believed to be the most lucrative for an NHL-only building at $18M a year.

49 comments

  5. It’s like the people making these deals don’t understand that they’re buying a huge opportunity for people to see so much more than their business name.

  8. Will it just be known as The Bench now? Kind of a negative connotation, but I don’t haaaaate it.

    Of course when the Blackhawks come to town it will be Daaaaa Bench

  11. Having an arena that’s shortened name could be “The Bench” really sets us up for success….

    dumb.

  17. It was the St Pete Times Fourm when I first started going so that’s what I know it as. This is a wholly irrelevant issue imo

  20. It was a business name before. It’s a business name now. Guess what, even before that…it was a business name. My takeaway was the commitment to continued local philanthropy, which I was worried might dry up post-Vinik. Overall, pleased with that, couldn’t care less what corporation slaps its name on the building.

  25. Man, what a boring name. Amalie Arena was boring too, but at least it had alliteration.

  26. Couldn’t Vinik have just bought the rights at that price. I’d go to Vinik’s Thunderdome any day.

  27. Just an FYI… Benchmark International does have their HQ in Tampa so at least they are local.

  28. I didn’t really love the idea of our arena being named after an oil company (and I found their “manly man” ads really stupid) but Amalie Arena was a super catchy name. It’s gonna be weird calling it something else.

  35. Sucks ass. I what a terrible name. How much money do we all have to pool together to get it back to Ice Palace or Thunderdome?!

  36. The amphitheater went through this same crap. I still call it the Ford Amphitheater ! At least they didn’t name it the “1800ask Gary ice arena” !

  39. They should’ve stuck with ThunderDome since day 1. It’s undoubtedly the best name for the teams arena, with Ice Palace in close second.

  41. At least it’s not gambling like when we had broadcast on bally/fan duel sport network.

  42. I’ve always called it The Ice Palace and will continue to do so until the building is torn down and replaced.

  48. Oooh boy, are me getting more international stuff for the International Arena? NCT 127? Peso Pluma? Babymetal?

Leave a Reply