Key Takeaways
- A new 3,500-seat performance venue is planned for the Water Street neighborhood in Tampa, Florida
- The venue will be part of a larger "walkable entertainment district" that includes a hotel, retail and dining space, and parking for 1,000 vehicles
- The development is expected to break ground in 2027 and will be operated in partnership with Vinik Sports Group
- The new venue will fill a gap in local entertainment options, allowing mid-level musical artists to perform in the area
- The development is expected to strengthen tourism and create new experiences for residents and visitors
Introduction to the New Venue
The Bay area is set to welcome a new concert venue, one that promises to fill a longstanding void in the local entertainment scene. A Tampa development group, Strategic Property Partners, is planning to build a 3,500-seat auditorium in the Water Street neighborhood, between the 20,000-seat Benchmark Arena and the Selmon Expressway. This new venue will be operated in partnership with Vinik Sports Group, which owns the Tampa Bay Lightning and manages the Benchmark Arena. The development is expected to break ground in 2027 and will be part of a larger "walkable entertainment district" that includes a 250-room hotel, 100,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space, and parking for 1,000 vehicles.
The Need for a New Venue
The new venue is much needed in the area, as Tampa Bay often misses out on concert tours by mid-level musical artists. These artists are often too popular to play smaller halls like Ruth Eckerd Hall or the Mahaffey Theater, which have approximately 2,000 seats, but not big enough to fill larger venues like Benchmark, Raymond James Stadium, or the outdoor amphitheaters in Tampa and Clearwater. This means that fans in the area are often left without the opportunity to see their favorite artists perform live. The new venue will provide a solution to this problem, offering a space that is large enough to accommodate mid-level artists but still intimate enough to provide a unique and enjoyable experience for fans.
The Benefits of the New Development
The new development is expected to have a significant impact on the local entertainment scene, strengthening tourism and creating new experiences for residents and visitors. According to Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, "This Water Street expansion moves Tampa forward as a top entertainment destination. It strengthens tourism and creates new experiences for residents and visitors, all within steps of the Riverwalk and Convention Center." The development will also provide a boost to the local economy, creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses in the area. The "walkable entertainment district" will be a fully connected entertainment corridor, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors and residents alike.
The Partnership Behind the Development
The new venue will be operated in partnership with Vinik Sports Group, which has a proven track record of success in the entertainment industry. The company owns the Tampa Bay Lightning and manages the Benchmark Arena, and has a deep understanding of what fans want and need. According to Steve Griggs, CEO of Vinik Sports Group, "Fans will see more shows, more often, and with greater variety. This district will strengthen the entertainment ecosystem surrounding the arena." The partnership between Strategic Property Partners and Vinik Sports Group will ensure that the new venue is a success, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for fans and helping to establish Tampa as a top entertainment destination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new 3,500-seat performance venue planned for the Water Street neighborhood in Tampa is an exciting development that promises to fill a longstanding void in the local entertainment scene. The venue will provide a space for mid-level musical artists to perform, offering fans a unique and enjoyable experience. The development is expected to break ground in 2027 and will be part of a larger "walkable entertainment district" that includes a hotel, retail and dining space, and parking for 1,000 vehicles. With its prime location and experienced operators, the new venue is sure to be a success, strengthening tourism and creating new experiences for residents and visitors in the area.
