Home of the Tampa Bay Lightning in downtown Tampa, with the Lightning Sensory Room in the Suites entrance lobby, built with USF's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and sensory bags with headphones, foam pucks and fidget items at Guest Services across from Section 101, while supplies last.
Doors normally open 60 minutes before puck drop for Tampa Bay Lightning games, and 90 minutes before for Club Level, Ashley VIP Lounge and Executive Suite guests. For other events, door times vary, typically 60 to 90 minutes before show time, and each event releases its own door time. All times are subject to change. The ReliaQuest Ticket Office, on the west side of the arena, is open on event days only: 3 hours before puck drop until the end of the second period for Lightning games, and 3 hours before show time for concerts and events.
“Located in the Suites entrance lobby, the Sensory Room is available to any guests who may need to step away from the action.”
“Sensory bags are available for anyone interested while supplies last at guest services, Section 101.”
“The Sensory Bags include headphones, foam pucks and a variety of fidget items to provide overstimulation alleviation anywhere in the arena.” nhl.com/lightning
The Lightning list what is in the Sensory Room: weighted lap pads inside the storage ottoman, tap LED lights, an acoustic cloud to reduce noise and distractions, liquid floor tiles, and handheld items from the sensory bags.
Guest Services is on the main concourse across from Section 101, and there are Guest Services representatives around the arena too.
The arena doesn't page guests during an event: set your phone to vibrate. In an emergency, the Security Office (813.301.6770) needs your section, row and seat number to reach you.
Tampa Bay Lightning Sensory Room, Suites entrance lobbyquiet zone
Children under two get in free for all events if they sit on a lap; the age limit can change at a show promoter's request, so call Client Services or the ReliaQuest Ticket Office to check. Tickets are mobile only, from Ticketmaster.com or the ReliaQuest Ticket Office, and both add a facility fee and a convenience fee. There are no refunds and no exchanges on any ticket; if a show is canceled or rescheduled, contact where you bought it.
Bags: bags larger than 12 x 12 x 12 inches are prohibited, and large bags (not small clutches) go through an x-ray scanner. At hockey games, bags larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches go through the x-ray scanner. Medical and parenting bags over the size limit are allowed but get extra search. Rules can change for a visiting concert or event.
Food: you can't bring in food or drinks except for medical purposes. For dietary needs due to medical conditions or religious requirements, call 813.301.6500. You can bring one empty reusable water bottle to fill at a water station: plastic or metal for Lightning games, plastic only for concerts and other events. Arena-managed concessions are cashless.
Strollers are allowed. Fold a collapsible stroller and put it under your seat, or check it at Guest Services across from Section 101.
Parking: the arena doesn't control any downtown parking. It suggests nearby garages and lots, from a 3-minute walk (Teal Lot, Pam Iorio Parking Garage) to a 9-minute walk, and recommends booking event parking ahead with JustPark. For accessible parking, the Pam Iorio Parking Garage at Channelside Dr. and Florida Ave. has elevators, and disabled guests are encouraged to use its Florida Ave. entrance; all ADA parking is first come, first served. The TECO Streetcar gives a free ride to the arena from the Fort Brooke Garage, Channelside Parking Garage and Florida Aquarium Lot.
There is an accessible drop-off area in the drop-off circle off Channelside Drive, next to the Accessible Entrance. Free wheelchair escorts: ask anyone with an arena name tag or any Tampa Police Officer. Accessible seating questions: boxoffice@viniksportsgroup.com or 813.301.6700.
Family restrooms with a baby-changing table are behind Section 208 and on the Terrace Level at Section 326 or 328; the arena lists both numbers for that one. Baby changing stations are in all restrooms on the Promenade, Club and Terrace levels. The Nursing Mothers Room is between Sections 129 and 130.
First Aid rooms are across from Section 112 and across from Section 312, staffed by the Tampa Fire Department.
Closed captioning of in-house announcements is available at all hockey games in the Tampa Bay Lightning app, under “Coming to Benchmark International Arena.”
