St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida has one of the largest arenas in the United States called the St. Pete Times Forum. This arena was built in 1995, opening in 1996. At the time of construction Tampa Sports Authority spent $139 million to build. The arena is used for ice hockey, basketball, and arena football games among other events. It is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team. It was also the home for the Tampa Bay Storm AFL, but they are no longer running as a team. St. Pete Times Forum is used by Tampa Breeze LFL.

The Tampa Coliseum Inc. tried to secure funding for the arena. Unfortunately they were unable to do so, which is when the Tampa Sports Authority took over. At the time the St. Pete Times Forum was known as the Ice Palace. The first event to be held at the newly constructed stadium was the New York Rangers against the Tampa Bay Lightning Team. Eventually Oren Koules Hockey took over the running of the arena and it was at this time the new name was given.

Sporting events at the arena have included NBA exhibition games, USF Basketball and NCAA Tournament games, professional wrestling, boxing, figure skating, tennis, rodeos and the PBR. Along with sporting events there have been a number of different concert events at the Tampa Arena. Many top artists who have traveled around the United States stop at the St. Pete Times Forum. For example each year the Ringling Circus will make a stop before or after they head to Sarasota. Artists like Celine Dion, Elton John, and Bon Jovi have also been to the Forum.

Upcoming events for 2009 and 2010 include the Ringling Bros. Circus, Trans- Siberian Orchestra, Miley Cyrus, Kiss, "So You Think You Can Dance'', David Foster, Jingle Bell, Smokey Robinson, Star Wars in Concert, and the PBR. These are just a few of the shows. Also coming is the WWE Monday Night Raw, Tampa Bay Breeze against the Chicago Bliss, and the Sec Big Invitational.

Since ticket holders are not allowed to bring food or drinks into the St. Pete Times Forum Arena there are plenty of establishments for food onsite. The Medallions Restaurant opens before and during the events. It is located on the Club Level. It is possible to purchase a $10 pre- show dinner for all ticket holders. Icons Lounge is another place visitors can eat. The doors open two hours before an event. Shots at Channelside is an indoor/ outdoor place with plenty of favorites to share. For example it offers pizza. The concessions provide pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and other fast food style favorites for during intermission. Beer, lemonade, wine, and soda are some of the drinks provided.

There are eleven parking lots on site. The various parking lots will have different rates based on the events held. Some of the lots are VIP parking areas and one is actually a parking garage for visitors willing to pay a little more to park inside.