Hillsborough County approved a $250 million renovation plan for Benchmark International Arena, extending the Tampa Bay Lightning’s lease through 2043.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Hillsborough County commissioners unanimously approved a major renovation deal Wednesday that will extend the Tampa Bay Lightning’s lease at Benchmark International Arena and commit $250 million in public funding to upgrade the nearly 30-year-old venue.
The six-year lease extension keeps the Lightning in Tampa Bay through at least 2043 and funds improvements using tourist development tax dollars, not property taxes or the county’s general fund.
County leaders emphasized the deal should not be viewed as a blueprint for future stadium negotiations, as the Tampa Bay Rays pursue a potential new ballpark site and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to seek upgrades to Raymond James Stadium in the coming years.
“This is our building. We own it, and we need to take care of it,” Commissioner Pat Miller said during the meeting, pointing to the county’s responsibility to maintain its own assets.
Under the agreement, the Lightning must contribute at least $75 million of their own money to unlock the county’s full investment. The deal also includes clawback provisions requiring the team to repay millions if it leaves Tampa before the lease expires.
Supporters said the arena delivers a significant return, hosting more than 40 home games each season and roughly 150 events annually. Commissioners also cited nearly 450 consecutive sellouts and the team’s recent success on the ice, including an ongoing, record-breaking winning streak.
Still, some commissioners raised concerns about public funding for professional sports and the timeline of negotiations.
“I don’t support taxpayers funding rich people’s stadiums,” Commissioner Joshua Wostal said, adding that state law limits how the county can fund maintenance of publicly owned facilities. Despite his reservations, Wostal ultimately voted in favor of the deal.
As discussion turned to whether the agreement could influence future negotiations with other teams, commissioners pushed back on the idea that it sets a precedent.
“These things are made on their own merits,” Commissioner Harry Cohen said. “This is a unique situation in that this building is ours, we own it.”
Others argued the deal should instead establish expectations for future public-private partnerships.
“I believe this contract sets the bar,” Miller said. “We should expect similar commitment investments from any contracts we’re looking at in the future.”