AMALIE ARENA, FORMERLY TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM, RANKED THIRD IN THE UNITED STATES AND TENTH IN THE WORLD BY VENUES TODAY

AMALIE Arena, formerly Tampa Bay Times Forum, in Tampa, Florida has been ranked third in the United States (tenth in the world) by Venues Today magazine. The rankings are based on worldwide ticket sales for concerts, events and family shows in venues seating 15,001 or more from June 16 – July 15, 2014.

This honor comes in addition to the Tampa Bay Lightning being ranked sixth best franchise in the ESPN.com Ultimate Team Rankings.

“We are pleased that Amalie Arena [formerly Tampa Bay Times Forum] had such a strong June and July 2014, welcoming many notable acts including Katy Perry and hosting the world premiere (seven performances) of Marvel Universe Live,” said Elmer Straub, Vice President of Event Booking for Amalie Arena. “Moving forward, we are pleased to host James Taylor, Usher, The Black Keys, Fleetwood Mac, Maroon 5 and Disney On Ice presents Frozen, just to name a few. Events like these help place the national spotlight on the Tampa Bay community.”

Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, LLC has also just recently entered into a long-term partnership with Amalie Oil Company (AM-a-lee), giving the manufacturer and marketer of motor oils and industrial lubricants naming rights to the downtown Tampa home of more than 100 events per year, including the home games of the Lightning and the Tampa Bay Storm. The name change was announced in early September by Chairman and Governor Jeff Vinik. The recently renovated 19,204 seat arena, which opened in 1996 as the home of the Lightning, will be hereafter entitled “Amalie Arena.”

Amalie Arena will welcome James Taylor on November 14 followed by a busy December that features “Throwdown by the Bay” featuring country artists Brantley Gilbert, Tyler Farr, Colt Ford, Parmalee and Chase Bryant; two shows of Trans-Siberian Orchestra; Usher’s UR Experience; The Black Keys; Fleetwood Mac and more!

Venues Today is a leading international trade publication that has covered the business side of entertainment and sports, particularly as it relates to venues. Its readers include managers, owners, operators and bookers of arenas, amphitheaters, stadiums, performing arts centers, convention centers, fairgrounds and equestrian centers.