Tampa, Fla. — Strategic Property Partners (SPP) has announced plans to develop an entertainment district in downtown Tampa. The district is proposed for a vacant parcel across from Benchmark International Arena, the 19,092-seat home of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team. Situated on Channelside Drive between Morgan and Jefferson streets, the new district will support the broader $3 billion Water Street Tampa neighborhood.
SPP plans to partner with Lightning owner Vinik Sports Group (VSG) to manage the entertainment venue, which will be privately financed.
“Water Street Tampa was designed to evolve, and this entertainment district is the next step in completing the larger vision,” says Josh Taube, CEO of SPP. “Water Street Tampa is a dynamic neighborhood with waterfront, public spaces, residences, retail, hotels and offices all connected through a walkable experience. This project activates the western edge of the neighborhood by adding an entertainment energy through live music and cultural experiences, strengthening ‘WST’ as a preeminent destination.”
Upon full build-out, Tampa’s new entertainment district will include a 3,500-seat music and performance venue for rising and mid-tier touring artists; a 250-room hotel; and 100,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space. SPP aims to break ground on the project in 2027.
Designed by Gensler, the new venue is anticipated to bring more performers to the downtown area, where fans can experience live music, immersive experiences and intimate shows.
“This district will strengthen the entertainment ecosystem surrounding the arena,” says Steve Griggs, CEO of Vinik Sports Group. “A venue of this size provides much needed flexibility for booking more artists and world-class shows to our region.”
The development will be designed to complement Water Street Tampa’s existing restaurants and retail, while establishing a new destination for live performances, as well as a “fully connected entertainment corridor for residents and visitors.” Tenants at Water Street Tampa include Chill Bros. Scoop Shop, BurgerFi, CAVA, Shortwave Coffee, Publix, Fit2Run, Clayton Gray Home and The Modern Paws.
SPP is a full-service real estate developer, owner and operator with a project portfolio including Water Street Tampa, as well as developments in Charleston, S.C.
Vinik Sports Group was originally founded in 2020 by Jeff Vinik to manage the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team and to control the leasehold rights to Benchmark International Arena. The firm also manages the Yuengling Center on the University of South Florida (USF) campus in Tampa.
— Abby Cox