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Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
VINIK SPORTS GROUP, BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR NAMING RIGHTS PARTNERSHIP
Tampa, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vinik Sports Group (VSG) and Benchmark International, a global leader in mergers and acquisitions, today announced a multi-year naming rights partnership that will usher in a new era for Tampa Bay's premier sports and entertainment venue. Beginning August 13, 2025, AMALIE Arena will officially become Benchmark International Arena. 'We're proud to welcome Benchmark International as the new naming rights partner of our venue,' said Vinik Sports Group CEO Steve Griggs. 'Benchmark International is a well-respected brand with global reach and strong ties to the Tampa Bay community. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, service, and community impact. As we transition to this new era, we are grateful for our long-time naming rights partner, AMALIE Oil, who will continue to be a corporate partner of our organization.' Benchmark International is a global mergers and acquisitions firm that provides business owners and operators with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. They bring decades of experience and an impressive track record, having closed more than $12.5 billion in transaction value across multiple industries. With headquarters in Tampa and offices worldwide, the firm is known for its strategic guidance and exceptional results for business owners and operators around the globe. 'This is a proud moment for Benchmark International, and another first in our market space,' said Benchmark International's Chairman and Co-Founder, Steven Keane. 'We are honored to partner with Vinik Sports Group and the Tampa Bay Lightning, organizations that, like us, are committed to delivering excellence and giving back to the community. Benchmark International Arena will continue to be a destination where unforgettable moments and community connection come together under one roof.' As part of the partnership, the arena will undergo a complete rebranding that includes new exterior and interior signage, digital integrations, and the official renaming of its premium club level to the Benchmark International Club Level, featuring The Mark as its signature all-inclusive experience. The agreement also includes joint community initiatives with over $3,000,000 in non-profit financial contributions that align with both organizations' desire to make a meaningful impact in Tampa Bay. 'This partnership is a celebration of the people who make Benchmark International what it is, from our dedicated team members across the globe, to the clients who trust us with the most important decisions of their lives,' added Tyrus O'Neill, CEO of Benchmark International Americas. 'We've built our reputation on delivering extraordinary results, and this opportunity allows us to bring that same energy into this exciting new chapter. Benchmark International Arena represents our continued investment in Tampa Bay, our passion for new ventures, and our belief in building something that lasts. We are proud to have our name on such a prestigious venue.' Since opening in 1996, the arena has hosted millions of fans, marquee events, and celebrated three Stanley Cup Championships. Today, it stands as the centerpiece of Tampa's vibrant sports and entertainment district in the heart of the Water Street neighborhood. This new partnership ensures continued investment in the guest experience while honoring the arena's great legacy as a world-class venue. The rebrand to Benchmark International Arena will roll out in phases, with new signage and activations debuting ahead of the 2025-26 Lightning season, presented by AdventHealth. To celebrate the naming transition, VSG and Benchmark International will host a series of free community events in mid-October. Details will be announced in the coming weeks. 'This arena belongs to everyone in Tampa Bay,' added Griggs. 'We're excited to invite fans, families, and the entire community to be part of this historic new chapter.' This landmark partnership was developed in collaboration with Oak View Group's Global Partnerships division, the team that connects world-class brands with premier live event and meeting destinations. Additional sponsorship announcements, including new food and beverage experiences in collaboration with Oak View Group, will be unveiled in the lead-up to the 2025-26 Lightning season, presented by AdventHealth, at Benchmark International Arena. About Vinik Sports Group Vinik Sports Group (VSG) is an entity established by Jeff Vinik to manage the three-time Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning (2004, 2020, 2021) of the National Hockey League and hold the leasehold rights to Benchmark International Arena, the 19,092-seat downtown Tampa home in which the team plays its games. The venue opened in 1996 and became Benchmark International Arena in August 2025 when the global mergers and acquisitions firm, Benchmark International, partnered with Vinik and the Lightning. Since 2010, Vinik has led a complete brand and business transformation of the Lightning and the arena, featuring a mostly private renovation of the publicly owned facility. Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz joined the expanded ownership group of Vinik Sports Group in 2024, alongside Arctos, which initially joined in 2021. In addition to owning the Lightning and managing Benchmark International Arena, Vinik Sports Group, through TBSE, manages the Yuengling Center on the campus at the University of South Florida. About Benchmark International Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners and operators with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $12.5 billion in transaction value across various industries from its offices worldwide. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International's transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network, as well as the #1 Sell-side Privately Owned M&A Advisor in the World by PitchBook's and Refinitiv's Global League Tables Contact: Brian Breseman (813.301.6871, [email protected]) Chris Krenn (813.518.1255, [email protected]) Jarrod Rudolph (917.946.4807, [email protected]) Contact Info Jarrod Rudolph [email protected] +1 917-946-4807
The Independent
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Why hosting the first test in Perth will shake up the Ashes formula
Looming over the Swan River the Perth Stadium sits silent and imposing. A massive hulk of brushed metal, intricate curves and sloping framework, Western Australia 's sporting centrepiece truly is a marvel to behold. Officially opened in 2018 after board meetings, design meetings, negotiations and compromises, the Perth Stadium, known as the Optus Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is situated on rejuvenated swamp land and is the main draw of a specifically built area of the city to host, watch, and enjoy a multitude of events from rugby, AFL, and football matches to musical concerts and even the WWE. This winter the multi-purpose stadium will also host its first Ashes test match, taking over from the famous and traditional WACA ground, with fans from both England and Australia flocking to Perth in November to experience the match first hand. Perth Stadium CEO, Mike McKenna, explained how and why the venue was built as an answer to the city's growing desire for improvement and innovation. 'Sometime around 2013 the process started and the debate within WA was about whether we needed a new stadium,' McKenna told The Independent. 'At the same time there were questions about the WACA redevelopment. The WACA had gone down the path of developing the stadium by selling parts of the land to use for commercial and residential development. That was really opposed by Cricket Australia who didn't think that was great for the Western Australia Cricket Association. 'The debate went on; do we need two new venues? One new venue? They decided they wanted one stadium to be a multi-purpose investment.' The decision to make the stadium a multi-purpose venue is clearly evident. Spreading out from the concourse there are tennis courts, a racetrack, cricket nets, plenty of parking and a purpose-built train station to improve public transport usage for matchday fans. 'The public transport service brings people here. Not only are there great bus and train access but they've built a network of routes that serve the venue on gameday,' McKenna clarified. 'We probably get about 77-78% of people who arrive come by public transport in a city that loves cars. It's accessible, it's easy to walk, train or bus. 'When you walk from the bus, train or the city you get caught up in the atmosphere. There's a lot of people coming on foot and you get that buzz that comes with arriving at a great venue. 'If you're wearing Barmy Army gear, you'll get the same reception as someone wearing Australia gear because people want you here and having a good time. There'll be the typical ribbing from both sides but there's not that animosity you can get in other places with cultures clashing together.' Typically, an Ashes series down under begins in Brisbane, at the Gabba in recent times, but this year's tour will begin in Perth. As the Perth Stadium has never held an Ashes test – they missed out in 2021/22 due to Covid restrictions – there is an air of the unknown about the beginning of this series. The Gabba is well known for its hostility, especially for England's players, and a cauldron-like atmosphere from hyped up fans but will that be replicated in a larger stadium built to hold 61,000 people? McKenna believes so. 'The atmosphere of the first ball of the first test of a series is quite incredible,' he revealed with fan-like joy. 'Something always happens. Expect the unexpected for that first ball. Whatever it is, that moment everybody is there together, and you get that roar that is quite different from anything else. 'This is the most passionate group of sports fans in the country. They'll take it out on the English team on the field and that first ball will be a hell of a lot louder than the Gabba. 'If Australia are bowling first, it'll be even more raucous. You wouldn't want to lose the toss here and bat if you're an English team on the first day. This place retains noise well, it's designed and engineered to keep the sound in so if you have 55,000 people here for a first ball and someone running in about to deliver it, it'll be big. 'The Gabba is an old-fashioned design and as you get further away in your seat you're further away from the ground. Here the stands have been built to face inwards, and you feel that in the ground.' And as for the game itself, well, the Perth Stadium was specially designed to accommodate drop-in pitches which have been specially tested and grown to replicate the fast and bouncy conditions that the WACA is known for. McKenna explained: 'Part of the objective when the stadium was built was to replicate the old WACA wickets. The myth of it is that it's fast, bouncy and lots of carry. That's what's been replicated and it's probably better than the WACA wickets were towards the end of their time. 'It doesn't crack up like the WACA wicket used to do, we used to have big, wide cracks running down the wicket, but this one doesn't crack that much. When it does start to crack there's a lot more variable bounce. It'll play fast but like the WACA if you can last and get yourself in you can get runs.'
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Former Champions League winners announce first ever renovation of 50,033-seater stadium as roof is completely replaced
EUROPEAN giants Porto have announced plans for changes to their iconic Estádio do Dragão. The stadium first opened in 2003 at a cost of £107million (€125m) and remains an architectural landmark among global sports venues. 2 2 However, Porto have announced that for the first time ever the stadium will be having some major TLC. A club statement explained the stadium infrastructure had suffered from natural wear and tear, while the advancement of technology in the 22 years since its opening also played a part in the decision. The main areas of improvement would focus on the infrastructure, technology and services of the venue. It said: "One of the most beautiful stadiums in the world of football must have spaces and equipment at the level required, the blue and white members and fans will be able to enjoy more and better experiences from next season. "Following the commercial partnership established with Ithaka - which involves revenue and operating costs associated with ticketing, corporate hospitality, naming rights and other sponsorship contracts associated with the stadium, the Museum, visits and the organisation of non-sporting events, as well as other opportunities for generating revenue, present or future, related to Dragão - FC Porto has defined three axes of intervention: infrastructure, technology and services." The plan is to carry out the works during pre-season of the 2025/26 and 2026/27 campaigns in order to minimise the impact on the sporting season. Long term, this update will make the ground ready to host the World Cup when the famous tournament visits Portugal in 2030. Works have already been ongoing for a few weeks, with club boxes being modernised along with the fan common areas like the toilets and bars. Next summer will see the club tackle the creation of new hospitality areas in an effort to "completely transform the hospitality and VIP services" on offer at the 50,033-capacity stadium. A new central kitchen, autonomous bars, a new lighting system and a complete renovation of the roof are on the agenda for infrastructure works. Liverpool owners plot takeover of LaLiga club after they part-destroy iconic stadium ahead of stunning rebuild The coming changes will also see the stadium modernised with all ticketing transactions to be done without having to go to a physical store, while FC Porto will also be launching its own platform alongside this. All tickets, ranging from season ticket renewals and sales back to the club, will also be able to be carried out digitally. This will be implemented as early as next month. Porto are the second most successful club in Portuguese football with 30 league titles, only behind Benfica 's tally of 38. Their last title arrived in 2022, before Gonçalo Ramos inspired Benfica to the 2023 title and Ruben Amorim built his Sporting Lisbon squad into a title-winning force over the last two seasons. Porto are also two-time Champions of Europe, having won the Champions League in 1987 and 2004 - the latter of which sparked the career of a certain Jose Mourinho into life. They missed out on Champions League football last season, and only made it to the Europa League league knockout phase as they ended the season without major silverware for the first time since 2021. However, they did still win the Portuguese Supertaça, or Super Cup, after coming from 3-0 down to beat Sporting Lisbon.
