The Partnership

A Bold New Chapter

On August 13, 2025, Vinik Sports Group and Benchmark International announced a multi-year naming rights partnership, officially renaming Tampa Bay’s premier sports and entertainment venue to Benchmark International Arena. The agreement features extensive rebranding of the facility, including new exterior and interior signage, digital integrations, and the renaming of the premium club level as the “Benchmark International Club Level” with “The Mark” as its signature all-inclusive experience.

This alliance brings Benchmark International into collaboration with one of the NHL’s most respected organizations and ownership groups — now joined by Blue Owl Capital — aligning the firm with global brands that share its values of performance, integrity, and community impact.

Where Legacies Are Made

Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, Benchmark International Arena ushers in a landmark partnership between Benchmark International and Vinik Sports Group - home to the proud and storied Tampa Bay Lightning. 

This collaboration comes as the Lightning, now backed by Blue Owl Capital, one of the world’s leading alternative asset managers, embarks on a new era of global reach and business leadership. Together, Benchmark International and the Lightning are creating more than a premier venue for championship hockey and world-class entertainment - it is a symbol of shared ambition, community investment, and the pursuit of excellence.

Every partnership tells a story of purpose. For Benchmark International, this milestone is more than a name on a building - it’s a statement of intent.

A New Era

Global Standing

Built on Trust and Performance

Benchmark International has built its reputation on guiding business owners and operators through high-stakes growth and exit transitions - delivering value, strategic clarity, and global reach. For Benchmark International, the naming rights to this high-profile venue enable the firm to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with world-class brands in sport, entertainment and business. By aligning with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the transformation of this landmark arena, Benchmark International signals:

Presence with Prestige:

Aligning its name with an internationally recognized arena reflects the firm’s standing among respected institutions and sophisticated markets.

Commitment to Excellence:

Like the Lightning, Benchmark’s success is built on preparation, teamwork, and delivering championship-level results for every client.

Global Influence, Local Pride:

As a firm with worldwide reach and Tampa roots, Benchmark embodies the city’s growth story while extending its impact far beyond it.

Wir freuen uns, Benchmark International als neuen Namenspartner unseres Veranstaltungsortes begrüßen zu dürfen. Benchmark International ist eine angesehene Marke mit globaler Reichweite und engen Verbindungen zur Region Tampa Bay. Diese Partnerschaft spiegelt unser gemeinsames Engagement für Exzellenz, Service und gesellschaftliches Engagement wider. *
Steve Griggs
CEO, Vinik Sports Group
* translated

Social Feed

Behind The Scenes

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Benchmark International congratulates Jon Cooper on being named the 2026 Jack Adams Award recipient. A championship-caliber leader on and off the ice, Coach Cooper's impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning and the sport of hockey continues to be felt throughout the league. This honor is a testament to his dedication, vision, and sustained success. Congratulations on this well-earned recognition. #BenchmarkInternational #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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Benchmark International was proud to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame Celebration at Armature Works. An inspiring evening celebrating leadership, mentorship, and the individuals making a lasting impact across our Tampa Bay community. #BenchmarkInternational #SettingTheBenchmark #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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Tomorrow’s the day! Join Benchmark International at our Career Fair at Benchmark International Arena and explore opportunities to build a career in mergers & acquisitions within a fast-paced, global firm. Meet our team, connect with hiring leaders, and learn more about the people and process behind successful transactions worldwide. Wednesday, May 20 10 AM-2 PM 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL Register through the link in our bio. #BenchmarkInternational #BenchmarkInternationalArena #CareerFair #TampaBay #MergersAndAcquisitions #Careers #TampaJobs #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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Giving back is at the heart of who we are. Through our partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning, we’re proud to support our community across three key pillars: Health, Education, and Food Insecurity.   Introducing Voices of Benchmark, an initiative driven by our team, for our community. Together, we donated $30,000 to three incredible organizations making a real impact across Tampa Bay. This is what it means to turn voices into action.     #BenchmarkInternational #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships #VoicesOfBenchmark #CommunityImpact
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Benchmark International invites you to attend its Career Fair. As the Official Mergers & Acquisitions Partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the firm offers the opportunity to explore careers in M&A in a dynamic, global environment.   Whether you are launching your career or advancing to the next level, you will have the opportunity to explore roles in M&A, meet hiring leaders and firm professionals, and gain insight into Benchmark International’s global transaction process and operations.     The event will take place on Wednesday, May 20, from 10 AM to 2 PM at @benchmarkintlarena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL. Register through the link in our bio.   #BenchmarkInternational #BenchmarkInternationalArena #BenchmarkInternationalCareerFair ##BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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The road to the Stanley Cup and securing a team's legacy starts today. Benchmark International wishes our proud partners, the @TBlightning, good luck and success in their pursuit of history. #BenchmarkInternational #TampaBayLightning #BenchmarkInternationalArena #GoBolts #BoltsNation #GameDay #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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Through our partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation and Vinik Sports Group, Benchmark International is proud to help support families across Tampa Bay. From addressing food insecurity to expanding mentorship opportunities and supporting health and wellness programs, these initiatives are helping create greater access to resources and opportunity throughout our community. #BenchmarkInternational #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships #CommunityImpact #LightningFoundation
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Benchmark International was proud to sponsor the April Member Social with Embarc Collective. An evening connecting founders, partners, and innovators shaping the future of the Tampa Bay business community. #BenchmarkInternational #EmbarcCollective #TampaBay #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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Benchmark International recently partnered with Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, volunteering at Muma BizTown and JA Finance Park to help students explore real-world business and financial decision-making. We were also proud to present a $25,000 donation to support programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness across the Tampa Bay community. #BenchmarkInternational #SettingTheBenchmark #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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Earlier this week, professionals gathered at Benchmark International Arena for the Lightning Morning Skate and Women’s Networking Event, bringing together leaders from across industries for a morning of connection and conversation. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInLeadership #BenchmarkInternational #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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Benchmark International welcomed the Tampa Bay Lightning to our Tampa headquarters for a Food Drive benefiting Metropolitan Ministries. Together, we supported families across Tampa Bay by collecting essential food and household items to help address food insecurity in our community. #BenchmarkInternational #CommunityImpact #TampaBay #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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History isn’t made by accident. It’s built through preparation, precision, and belief. Congratulations to Jake Guentzel and Team USA on an unforgettable Olympic gold medal victory. Excellence at the highest level is always worth recognizing. #TeamUSA #2026Olympics #USAHockey #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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Benchmark International was proud to sponsor the No. 62 truck driven by John Hunter Nemechek during the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway, where the team earned a Top 5 finish. #BenchmarkInternational #Motorsports #Partnerships #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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Benchmark International partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay during National Mentoring Month, donating $50,000 in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning to support youth mentorship and make a meaningful impact across greater Tampa Bay. #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships