Tampa Bay hockey fans just got the kind of news that makes you want to throw on a jersey and celebrate: the Lightning are staying put through 2043. That’s six more years of hometown hockey locked in, thanks to a new lease extension between Hillsborough County and the franchise - and it comes with a massive investment in the team’s home, Benchmark International Arena.
Let’s break it down. The Lightning and Hillsborough County have agreed on a deal that extends the team’s lease at their longtime arena by six years, pushing it from 2037 to 2043. But this isn’t just about years on paper - it’s about commitment, legacy, and a serious facelift for one of the NHL’s most electric home venues.
The agreement includes a $325 million renovation project for Benchmark International Arena, with $250 million coming from the county via the tourist bed tax and the Lightning chipping in $75 million of their own. Construction is expected to begin after the 2026 season, and while the exact timeline for completion hasn’t been announced, officials are already calling it a “major facelift.” Translation: fans, players, and staff can expect a modernized, state-of-the-art experience that’s built to last.
This is more than just a win for the Lightning - it’s a win for Tampa Bay sports fans across the board. The city is in the middle of a sports facility renaissance. With the Rays and Buccaneers also eyeing upgrades, Tampa is positioning itself as a premier destination for sports, both for fans and franchises.
The Lightning have called Hillsborough County home since 1992, starting at the Ice Palace before moving into what was then Amalie Arena in 1996. Now known as Benchmark International Arena, it’s been the stage for some of the franchise’s most iconic moments.
Since moving in, the Bolts have made five trips to the Stanley Cup Final and hoisted the Cup three times - in 2004, 2020, and 2021. The building has become synonymous with postseason hockey in Tampa, and now it’s getting the kind of upgrade that matches the team’s championship pedigree.
On the ice, the Lightning are doing their part to make this announcement feel like part of something bigger. They’re 31-13-4 so far this season, sitting atop the Atlantic Division and looking every bit like a team hungry for another deep playoff run.
After falling short of the Finals last year to their in-state rival, the Florida Panthers, there’s a fire in this group. Earlier this month, they tied a franchise record with 11 straight wins - a streak that reminded everyone just how dangerous this team can be when it hits its stride.
From a franchise perspective, this move locks in stability for nearly two more decades and ensures that Tampa remains a cornerstone city in the NHL landscape. From a fan’s perspective, it means more unforgettable nights, more playoff pushes, and more thunderous roars echoing through a newly renovated arena.
Seventeen more years of Lightning hockey in Tampa? That’s not just good news - that’s a statement. The Bolts aren’t going anywhere, and with this kind of investment in their future, they’re making it clear: they’re not just staying - they’re building something even bigger.