Tampa Bay Lightning Rename Arena
Apr 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view during the United States national anthem before game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Times Forum is no more. Kind of.
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that their home venue has been renamed the ‘Amalie Arena’ after the team entered into a partnership with the Amalie Oil Co.
Amalie Oil Co. is a motor oil manufacturer based in the Port of Tampa and is owned by the Barkett family.
"“I am pleased that the Barkett family has chosen to partner with our organization in displaying the good name of its local, family-owned company on our facility,” Lightning chairman Jeff Vinik said. “Like Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, the Barkett family and Amalie Oil are heavily vested in our community, providing jobs and stimulating economic activity. The brothers share our vision and values and we look forward to a long and healthy partnership working together to achieve business and community objectives.”"
The St. Petersburg based Tampa Bay Times (formerly St. Petersburg Times) had owned the naming rights to the arena since 2002. A deal had been signed in 2011 to extend their sponsorship through 2018. When the Lightning came into the league in 1992 they played at the tiny Expo Hall and in 1996 moved into their current arena, then known as the Ice Palace.
Amalie Oil Co. was formed in 1903 and has been in the Port of Tampa since 1977. They supply motor oil and industrial lubricants to international oil companies, automotive retailers, distributors, mass merchandisers and private label customers in 50 states and more than 100 countries
They have had the naming rights to the AFL’s Tampa Bay Storm playing field since 2011.
The partnership between Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment and Amalie Oil Co. has been described as ‘long-term.’ No details were provided on the length of the deal.