TAMPA, FL – The Amalie Arena, originally named Ice Palace, opened its doors for the first time on October 12, 1996. The total cost of the construction amounted to $139 million – that translates to $209 million in 2014 dollars.
NAMES OVER THE YEARS
1996-2002: ICE PALACE (first name)
2002-2012: St. Pete Times Forum
2012-2014: Tampa Bay Times Forum
2014 Sept: Amalie Arena – derived from name owner Amalie Oil
The arena takes up 670,000 square feet with a 21,500 max-capacity. NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team has occupied the arena since its inception in 1996.
The most recent upgraded was from 2011 to 2013 at a tax-free cost of $62 million, privately funded by Tamp Bay Sports owner, Jeff Vinik.
Amailie Arena | 401 Channelside Drive | Tampa, FL 33602 | www.amaliearena.com
