Yes, you can buy hockey tickets at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Amalie Arena is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning, a professional ice hockey team that competes in the National Hockey League (NHL). The arena hosts all 41 of the Lightning’s home games during the regular season from October through April.
In addition to Lightning games, Amalie Arena also hosts various other events like concerts, shows, and sporting events. However, the main tenant and primary reason people buy tickets at Amalie Arena is to attend Lightning hockey games.
Buying Lightning Tickets Directly from the Arena
The best way to ensure you are getting legitimate tickets directly from the source is to buy Lightning tickets through Amalie Arena’s official website. Here are some key things to know about buying directly from Amalie Arena:
– You can purchase single game tickets, multi-game ticket packs, full season tickets, and group tickets on the arena’s ticket site. This gives you a lot of flexibility in choosing how many games you want to attend.
– The earlier you buy, the better seat selection you will have. Tickets go on sale to the general public during the summer before the season starts. If you want prime seats like lower bowl, center ice, or behind the goal areas, it’s best to buy early.
– You can pick your exact seat locations when buying directly from Amalie Arena. The interactive seat map on the ticket site shows you views from different sections so you know exactly what sightlines you’ll get.
– Buying directly from the source means you are guaranteed authentic tickets. There is no risk of getting scammed with counterfeits like there is when buying secondhand from resellers.
– Amalie Arena offers mobile ticketing where you can access your tickets on your smartphone anytime. You don’t have to worry about losing a paper ticket.
– Playoff tickets are also sold directly through the arena once playoff games are scheduled. This is the safest way to get tickets for popular playoff matchups.
Ticket Prices at Amalie Arena
Like all NHL teams, Lightning ticket prices vary considerably based on the location of the seats and the demand for certain high profile opponents. Here is an overview of the pricing:
– The lowest price single game tickets start around $20-25 per seat in the upper corners or upper ends of the arena. These seats are in the 300 level upper sections.
– To get lower bowl seats closer to the action, expect to pay at least $60-75 per ticket on average. Lower bowl corner/end seats range from $60-100 normally.
– For lower bowl seats in the prime center ice sections and behind the nets, prices are usually $100-200 per seat. Rows closer to the ice are more expensive. The most expensive lower bowl seats can cost $300+ when popular teams like the Blackhawks or Penguins visit.
– Suite rental and season tickets that include all events at Amalie Arena are priced in the thousands for a full season. Getting Lightning season tickets in the lower bowl typically costs at least a few thousand per seat.
So in summary, you can expect to spend $25 per seat and up for single game Lightning tickets at Amalie Arena. Playoff tickets often exceed regular season prices, sometimes doubling or tripling in hot demand.
Where to Sit at Amalie Arena
With over 19,000 seats, Amalie Arena is not a small venue. Choosing where to sit out of the massive seating options can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on the best places to watch the game from different vantage points:
– Lower bowl seats between the goals at center ice provide the most complete view of game action. You get the best perspective of plays developing end to end. These premium seats are expensive but yield the ideal experience.
– Sitting behind the nets in the lower bowl allows you to be up close to see goals scored and hits into the boards. You also get a great vantage point when the puck is in the near zone. The downside is limited view of the far end.
– Upper level seats in the middle sections facing center ice still provide decent views for those on a budget. You miss some game details from way up high but can still follow the puck and action reasonably well.
– Avoid seats under overhangs in the upper corners and ends. The ceiling cutoffs can obstruct sightlines and diminish the experience. Always check the seat map carefully before buying restricted view seats.
If watching the jumbotron and replays is important, choose seats at center ice. The main videoboard is directly facing these center sections, so you won’t have to twist your neck as much.
Getting Lightning Tickets on the Secondary Market
In addition to buying tickets directly, you can also get Lightning tickets through various secondary ticket marketplaces online. Here are some things to know about going the resale route:
– Popular secondary sites like StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster Resale offer upper and lower level seats for most games. Plenty of season ticket holders resell through these platforms.
– Prices are generally marked up on the secondary market compared to face value. You’ll pay a premium for the convenience and access.
– Some lower demand games have tickets below face value as season ticket holders just try to recoup some money. Weeknight games against non-rival teams are when you’ll find potential deals.
– There is more risk buying resale as you could get stuck with fake or fraudulent tickets. Purchase only from reputable sites with buyer guarantees so you get reimbursed if that happens. Avoid random Craigslist sellers and other unverified sources.
– If buying just before or day of game, prices plunge on the secondary market as sellers scramble to unload tickets before they go unused. Just beware of the risk with last minute buys.
Timing Your Ticket Purchase
The best time to buy Lightning tickets depends on whether you want the cheapest price or best seat selection:
– For lowest prices, either buy well in advance of the season starting when first on sale, or wait until the last minute when sellers are desperate. You can find big discounts buying months ahead or hours before puck drop.
– If your priority is getting the seats you want before they sell out, buy early. The most desirable locations like lower bowl between the goals sell out first.
– Avoid buying a week or two before an event. This is typically when the market is peaking as demand ramps up. No discounts or great seat choices left.
Tracking ticket price trends on sites like SeatGeek can show you optimal times to buy for upcoming games. Prices usually dip briefly after initial onsale fervor dies down.
Getting the Most Bang For Your Buck
To maximize what you get for your ticket dollar when buying Lightning seats at Amalie Arena, here are some tips and tricks:
– Take advantage of promos and specials either from the Lightning directly or from secondary sellers. Deals like college student discounts can save you money.
– Buy upper level seats first, then scout for upgrades once inside. Ushers will sometimes let you move down to unsold seats after puck drop nearby. Can’t hurt to ask politely.
– Avoid box office fees and get bigger discounts by purchasing tickets online from primary or secondary markets instead of in-person.
– Going to weeknight games usually saves money with lower demand than weekends. If your schedule allows, choose Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.
– Join the Lightning email newsletter for pre-sale access to tickets before the general public. Gives you first dibs on seats for the best games.
– Buy in pairs or small groups. Larger blocks of seats together cost more, so split up if going with a big party.
– Plan a full day at Amalie and go early to catch warmups. Take in all the amenities and bars/restaurants to enhance the event experience.
Other Tampa Sports Teams You Can See at Amalie
While the Lightning are the main tenant, Amalie Arena also hosts a few other Tampa professional sports teams during the year:
– The Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League plays about 10 home games during March through July at the arena. Tickets start around $15.
– The NCAA’s South Florida Bulls men’s basketball team plays a handful of games at Amalie against top college opponents. Great chance to see future NBA stars for cheap.
– Concerts by major touring acts like Elton John, Justin Bieber, and many more also hit Amalie Arena. Sign up for concert alerts to get tickets to the best shows.
So beyond the Lightning, there are opportunities to see different sporting events and concerts at the arena. The configurable floor and seating arrangements allow Amalie to host diverse entertainment.
Getting to Amalie Arena
Located in downtown Tampa, Amalie Arena is in the center of the city and easily accessible:
– By car, Amalie Arena is right off I-275 with garages and street parking around the arena. Give yourself time for traffic and getting through security lines if driving.
– The TECO Streetcar runs right by Amalie Arena making it a convenient public transit option. The nearby Whiting Street and Centro Ybor stations drop you off steps from the entrance.
– Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop off and pick up at Amalie’s designated spots near the main gates. Gets you there without parking hassles.
– Lots of bars, restaurants, and hotels are within walking distance or a short ride away if you want to dine or stay close to the arena for a game or concert.
Amalie Arena’s central location makes getting to and from games easy whether you live in Tampa or are just visiting. Driving, taking the streetcar, or using rideshares are the most popular transportation choices.
Food and Drinks at Amalie Arena
You can certainly work up an appetite cheering on the Lightning or other events at Amalie. Here is a sampling of some of the top spots to grab food and drinks inside:
| Location | Type | Sample Menu Items |
|---|---|---|
| Hattricks Restaurant | Full-service restaurant and bar | Burgers, wings, nachos, salmon, steak, full bar |
| Chef Creations | Various specialty stands | Pizza, custom sandwiches, paninis, burritos |
| Thunder Alley | Food court | Pretzels, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, ice cream |
| Tap Room | Two open-air bars | Beer, cocktails, wine, coffee drinks |
With everything from chicken wings to sushi available, you are sure to find plenty of great snacks and drinks at one of Amalie Arena’s many eateries and bars located throughout the concourses.
Gameday Experience and Fan Amenities
Beyond just watching hockey, there are many amenities at Amalie Arena that enhance the entire experience:
– The huge 360-degree video screen and ribbon boards ensures you always have a great view of stats, replays, and graphics no matter where your seat is.
– The ThunderBug mascot provides lively entertainment during intermissions and breaks in action with fan contests and skits.
– The Tesla Coil makes a lightning-like display with booming thunder during pregame festivities and Lightning goals. Very unique tradition.
– Family Fun Zones on the 300 level have games, facepainting, and activities perfect for bringing kids to games.
– The Bud Light Party Deck is a huge outdoor drink rail with bars and TVs to socialize with other fans.
– Private clubs and suites have upscale amenities if you want a VIP luxury experience and don’t mind paying premium prices.
The Lightning really focus on creating an electrifying atmosphere throughout Amalie Arena to complement the on-ice excitement.
Conclusion
Amalie Arena provides a world-class venue to see live hockey and other events in Tampa. Lightning fans can easily purchase seats directly from the arena ticket office or trusted resale sites.
With competitive pricing, great views of the action from every section, delicious food and drinks, and a pulsating gameday vibe, catching a Lightning game at Amalie is a can’t-miss experience. Scalping tickets outside the stadium is illegal, so make sure to buy official seats from authorized sellers online or at the box office.
Go Bolts!
