Tampa Downtown to Get 4-Acre Entertainment Hub

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Property Partners is developing an entertainment district in downtown Tampa, featuring a live performance space, hotel, and additional parking.
• The district will include a 3,500-seat music and performance space, a 250-room hotel, 100,000 square feet of retail and dining, and over 1,000 parking spaces.
• The project is a partnership between Strategic Property Partners and the Vinik Sports Group, which will manage the venue.
• Construction is set to begin in 2027 and will bring new life to a rapidly growing section of downtown Tampa.
• The development is part of the larger $3 billion, 56-acre Water Street Tampa project and will expand on the existing Ford Thunder Alley outside the Benchmark International Arena.

Introduction to the Project
The city of Tampa is undergoing a significant transformation, with new developments and projects popping up all over the city. One of the most exciting new projects is the entertainment district being built by Strategic Property Partners, the developers behind Water Street Tampa. This new district will bring a live performance space, hotel, and additional parking to a rapidly growing section of downtown Tampa. The project is being developed in partnership with the Vinik Sports Group, which will manage the venue. The district will be built on a vacant 4-acre lot across from the Benchmark International Arena, and will feature a range of amenities and attractions.

Project Details
The plans for the entertainment district are ambitious, with a range of features and amenities that will make it a hub of activity in downtown Tampa. The district will include a 3,500-seat music and performance space, which will be able to attract a wide range of artists and performers. The space will be large enough to host developing artists who are building a fanbase, but not yet big enough to fill larger venues like the Yuengling Center or Raymond James Stadium. In addition to the performance space, the district will also feature a 250-room hotel with indoor and outdoor amenities, 100,000 square feet of retail and dining space, and over 1,000 parking spaces. The hotel will provide a convenient and comfortable place for visitors to stay, while the retail and dining space will offer a range of options for shopping and eating.

Partnership and Management
The entertainment district is a partnership between Strategic Property Partners and the Vinik Sports Group, which will manage the venue. The Vinik Sports Group is a well-established and experienced company that has a proven track record of managing successful venues and events. According to Steve Griggs, CEO of VSG, the performance space will be a key part of the project, providing a much-needed venue for developing artists and strengthening the entertainment ecosystem surrounding the arena. The partnership between Strategic Property Partners and the Vinik Sports Group will bring together the expertise and resources needed to make the project a success.

Impact on the Community
The entertainment district will have a significant impact on the community, bringing new life and energy to a rapidly growing section of downtown Tampa. The project is part of the larger $3 billion, 56-acre Water Street Tampa development, which is transforming the city’s downtown area. The entertainment district will expand on the existing Ford Thunder Alley outside the Benchmark International Arena, creating a vibrant and dynamic area that will attract visitors and locals alike. The project will also provide new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, with 100,000 square feet of retail and dining space available for lease. According to the developers, construction on the project will begin in 2027, and when complete, will be managed by Strategic Property Partners and the Vinik Sports Group.

Conclusion
The entertainment district being built by Strategic Property Partners is an exciting new project that will bring a range of benefits to the city of Tampa. With its live performance space, hotel, and additional parking, the district will be a hub of activity in downtown Tampa, attracting visitors and locals alike. The project is a partnership between Strategic Property Partners and the Vinik Sports Group, which will manage the venue, and is part of the larger $3 billion, 56-acre Water Street Tampa development. With construction set to begin in 2027, the entertainment district is an important part of the city’s ongoing transformation, and will help to establish Tampa as a vibrant and dynamic city with a thriving arts and culture scene.