Sample Itinerary

Every trip is customized to your preferred game date, length of stay, and sightseeing interests. The itineraries below are examples.

November 3 Game Getaway

• November 2: Arrive in Tampa and check into your hotel
• November 3: Explore downtown Tampa or the waterfront and attend Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena
• November 4: Depart Tampa or extend your Florida vacation

November 14 Game Getaway

• November 13: Arrive in Tampa and settle into your hotel
• November 14: Enjoy sightseeing and a pregame meal before attending Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning
• November 15: Depart Tampa or continue your customized Gulf Coast getaway

A longer itinerary can be customized for travelers who want to include both games, additional Tampa-area experiences, or a beach, theme-park, cruise, or Florida extension.

Optional Add-Ons

Personalize your Tampa hockey travel experience with a variety of optional enhancements.

Transportation

• Optional roundtrip airfare from your preferred departure airport
• Private airport and hotel transfers
• Game-day transportation
• Rental car reservations, if desired

Hotel & Vacation Extensions

• Additional Tampa hotel accommodations
• Early arrival or extended stay options
• St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach, Sarasota, or Orlando extensions
• Pre- or post-trip cruise planning

Destination Experiences

• Guided Tampa sightseeing tours
• Tampa Riverwalk and waterfront experiences
• The Florida Aquarium or local museum visits
• Ybor City food, history, and cultural experiences
• Gulf Coast beach excursions

Sports Experience Upgrades

• Premium or club-level seating, subject to availability
• Pregame dining near the arena
• Additional Tampa Bay sporting events, when available

Customized Travel Planning

• Personalized itinerary planning
• Restaurant recommendations and reservations
• Group and family travel arrangements
• Special occasion celebrations

Tampa Destination Guide

Tampa combines professional sports, waterfront scenery, historic neighborhoods, museums, Cuban culture, diverse dining, and access to Florida's Gulf Coast beaches. Many signature attractions are located downtown or near the waterfront, making the city well suited for a customized hockey getaway.

Benchmark International Arena

Benchmark International Arena is located on Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa and is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The arena is near Water Street Tampa, Sparkman Wharf, the Tampa Riverwalk, and The Florida Aquarium. Transportation, entry requirements, and arena policies should be reviewed shortly before game day because operating details may change.

Top Tampa Experiences

Tampa Riverwalk: Walk along the Hillsborough River and connect with parks, museums, restaurants, and waterfront attractions.

Ybor City: Explore Tampa's historic cigar-making district, known for Cuban heritage, architecture, restaurants, and nightlife.

The Florida Aquarium: Discover marine habitats and exhibits within easy reach of the arena.

Sparkman Wharf: Enjoy waterfront dining, open-air gathering spaces, and views near Channelside.

Armature Works: Visit a restored riverfront building featuring a food hall, dining, and community spaces.

Tampa Museum of Art: View classical and contemporary art in a riverfront setting downtown.

Water Street Tampa: Explore a modern waterfront district with hotels, restaurants, public spaces, and convenient arena access.

Gulf Coast Beaches: Add time in Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, or another coastal community.

Food and Drink

• Cuban sandwiches, coffee, and pastries
• Fresh Gulf seafood and locally caught fish
• Spanish, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine
• Waterfront restaurants and rooftop dining
• Florida craft breweries and cocktail lounges
• Food halls and market-style dining

Where to Stay

Water Street and Channelside: Convenient for Benchmark International Arena, Sparkman Wharf, and the waterfront.

Downtown Tampa: Central access to the Riverwalk, museums, dining, and transportation.

Ybor City: Historic surroundings, restaurants, nightlife, and streetcar access toward downtown.

Westshore: Hotels, shopping, restaurants, and convenient access to Tampa International Airport.

St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach: Good options for travelers adding museums, waterfront attractions, or beach time.

Weather and Packing

November in Tampa is generally warm and comfortable, but temperatures, humidity, and rain can vary. Pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, rain protection, and a light layer for indoor venues or cooler evenings. Check the current forecast and Benchmark International Arena bag policy before departure.

Getting Around

Depending on your hotel, downtown attractions and the arena may be reached by walking, streetcar, rideshare, taxi, rental car, or prearranged private transportation. Gulf Coast beaches and attractions outside central Tampa require additional travel time. Allow extra time on game day and confirm current transit, road, parking, and transportation details before leaving for the arena.