Lightning announce $25 million in renovations to Amalie Arena
Tampa Bay Lightning president Steve Griggs announced on Friday that the team and Hillsborough County planned to spend $25 million for renovations to Amalie Arena.
The renovations are to be completed over the next two summers and include complete reconstruction of the club level, the addition of 140-161 loge seats, new concession stands and rebuilt restrooms. The plan also includes reconstruction of a stair tower within the facility.
Over the past four years, $60 million in public and private funds have been spent on the facility as part of a makeover that began in summer 2011.
“We are grateful to Hillsborough’s Board of County Commissioners for their continued commitment to Amalie Arena as it approaches its 20th anniversary,” said Griggs. “County contributions are designed to maintain mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, facility infrastructure and services, and prevent an potential life safety concerns.”
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Plans also include modernizing the arena's locker rooms and media spaces, as well as adding computerized menu boards and a master-control system for the facility’s more than 500 televisions.
The schedule is yet to be finalized, but initial plans are to begin building after this season and to continue into the fall. Any renovations that remain will be finished during the summer of 2016.
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Tampa Bay is 40-20-6 this season and in second place in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division. The Lightning will face the Dallas Stars (29-26-10) at home on Saturday night.
- Christopher Woody