ArenaTampa, FLTampa Bay Lightning games, concerts and other arena events
Benchmark International Arena Entry Rules and What to Pack
Checked Source: Benchmark International Arena guide (benchmarkintlarena.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
Benchmark International Arena prohibits bags larger than 12 by 12 by 12 inches, and at hockey games any bag over 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches goes through x-ray. Medical and parenting bags may exceed the size after extra search. Outside food and drinks, chairs and camera bags are banned, umbrellas are allowed, and there is no re-entry.
Every rule at Benchmark International Arena
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
Bags larger than 12 x 12 x 12 inches are prohibited. Large bags go through an x-ray scanner, and for hockey games anything larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches does. Medical and parenting bags over the size are permitted after additional search. A purse has to fit the 12 x 12 x 12 inch limit, and large bags go through x-ray while small clutches do not. The guide does not name backpacks. It says the operator can limit the size of bags, purses or backpacks, and bags up to 12 x 12 x 12 inches are allowed after x-ray.
- Bags up to 12 x 12 x 12 inches
- X-ray over 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches at hockey
- No outside food or drinks
- No re-entry
Food and drink
Bottles, cans and containers of any kind are prohibited, and no food or beverages may be brought in except for medical purposes. Guests may not bring food or beverages in at any time, except for medical purposes. The guide does not name coolers, but containers of any kind and food and beverages are prohibited.
Cameras and electronics
Small non-professional cameras are allowed for most events, and for hockey still cameras with a lens smaller than 6 inches are permitted. For concerts only small point-and-click cameras are permitted, and video and audio recording devices and camera bags are prohibited. For NHL games still cameras with a lens smaller than 6 inches are permitted, and a camera with a detachable lens counts as professional. iPads are permitted for hockey only. The pages do not mention tripods, drones, laptops and power banks.
Strollers and family items
Strollers are permitted. A collapsible one can be folded under your seat, and others can be checked at Guest Services across from Section 101. Medical and parenting bags exceeding the size limit are permitted but are subject to additional search procedures.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
Umbrellas are permitted in the arena. Chairs, folding chairs and any other individual chair are prohibited. The guide does not mention seat cushions. The pages do not mention blankets.
Signs, flags and fan items
Regular poster size signs or smaller are permitted. Large banners, signs on poles or sticks of any kind and signs with inappropriate language are not. Banners or signs on a pole of any kind are prohibited. Binoculars are permitted, and binocular bags are not.
Medical needs and accessibility
Medical and parenting bags exceeding the size limits are permitted but are subject to additional search procedures. Guests may bring food and beverages for medical purposes.
Security screening and arrival
The arena uses a variety of search techniques at all entry points, and large bags go through an x-ray scanner. It does not permit guests to exit and re-enter during hockey games or events. The operator can limit bag size and prohibit items that interfere with other guests.
Bag storage and lockers
The guide mentions an Item Check-In Area, and strollers can be checked at Guest Services across from Section 101. It says guests who exit for any reason cannot return.
Lightning games, concerts and other events
The guide says camera rules change per tour request and that some events have their own sign rules. The arena was formerly called Amalie Arena, so check the event page for your date.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Water bottles
- Outside food
- Seat cushions
- Bags larger than 12 x 12 x 12 inches
- Bottles, cans and containers of any kind
- Food and beverage items
- Video and audio recording devices, and camera bags
- Binocular bags
- Laser pointers
- Weapons, pepper spray and mace
- Fireworks
- Sharp objects, sticks and poles
- Chairs and folding chairs
- Wrapped gifts
- Noisemakers and horns
- Wallet chains and long chains
Questions about Benchmark International Arena
Bags larger than 12 x 12 x 12 inches are prohibited. Large bags go through an x-ray scanner, and for hockey games anything larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches does. Medical and parenting bags over the size are permitted after additional search.
Bottles, cans and containers of any kind are prohibited, and no food or beverages may be brought in except for medical purposes.
Guests may not bring food or beverages in at any time, except for medical purposes.
Strollers are permitted. A collapsible one can be folded under your seat, and others can be checked at Guest Services across from Section 101.
Allowed. Umbrellas are permitted in the arena.
Small non-professional cameras are allowed for most events, and for hockey still cameras with a lens smaller than 6 inches are permitted. For concerts only small point-and-click cameras are permitted, and video and audio recording devices and camera bags are prohibited.
Sources
- Arena Guide - Benchmark International Arena (opens in a new tab)
benchmarkintlarena.com, read
Checked on October 4, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 18, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the Benchmark International Arena guide.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
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