Best place to park or arrive for Benchmark arena?

Question

We're coming in to Tampa for a hockey game. We're staying in St Pete Beach. What's the most convenient, yet practial place to park or get to arena Thursday evening?

Answer

For a hockey game at Amalie Arena in Tampa, arriving from St. Pete Beach will involve roughly a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic. Since it's a Thursday evening, traffic can be moderately heavy, so planning ahead is key. Amalie Arena is located in downtown Tampa, near the Riverwalk, and has several parking and transit options.

Parking options near the arena:

Arena parking garages: Amalie Arena has multiple garages nearby, including the Liberty Garage and the Arena Garage. These are the most convenient, allowing you to park within a few minutes’ walk of the arena, but they can fill up quickly on game nights.
Off-site parking lots: Many private lots around downtown offer pre-paid or evening parking, sometimes at a lower rate than arena garages. These are typically within a 5–10 minute walk.
Street parking: Limited metered parking is available downtown, but it can be challenging to find spots on event nights and may require feeding meters.

Alternative options:

Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft are widely used. Dropping off near the arena and then leaving after the game can be convenient, though post-game wait times for pickups can be 20–40 minutes.
Public transit: If you prefer not to drive, Tampa’s TECO Line Streetcar runs from downtown hotels and Ybor City to near the arena, but check the schedule as evening service may be limited.
Plan for early arrival: Arriving at least 45–60 minutes before puck drop increases the chance of getting a good parking spot and avoiding post-game congestion.

Overall, for convenience and safety, using the arena’s official garages or nearby private lots is recommended, especially since you are coming from St. Pete Beach and want a hassle-free experience.