There's A Wicked New Food Offering At Amalie Arena

TAMPA, FL — Amalie Arena announced several new food and beverage initiatives to celebrate the start of Tampa Bay Lightning's new season and continue to enhance the fan experience.

The new brands include the winner of the first Cur(ate) TPA Challenge, Wicked Oak Barbeque, 6607 N Florida Ave., Tampa, which will be featured in two locations inside the arena.

The Cur(ate) TPA brand was first introduced in 2020, with the sole purpose of delivering Lightning fans and arena guests the very best in fresh, local food and beverage options, also concentrating on variety, value, service and sustainability.

Cur(ate) TPA serves as the umbrella brand and vision for dining and drinking at Amalie Arena. Over the summer Amalie Arena hosted the first annual Cur(ate) TPA Challenge; where two local barbecue restaurants were invited to battle for a spot in the building. After votes were cast, Wicked Oak Barbeque came out on top.

As the winner, it is featured during the 2022-23 season, with Wicked Oak Barbeque available at Section 124 and on the Budweiser Biergarten. Wicked Oak Barbeque is known for its award-winning, slow-smoked meats, its homestyle sides and homemade sauces.

"When we were invited to be a part of the competition, it seemed too good to be true," said Felix "Bubba" Flores, founder of Wicked Oak Barbeque. "I have won quite a few awards over the last few years but winning the Cur(ate) Challenge was a huge highlight in my professional career. I have always dreamed of seeing our Wicked Oak Barbeque brand inside Amalie Arena, and now that dream has come true. We are excited to showcase our menu to guests that visit the arena."

At Section 124, Wicked Oak Barbecque will be serving the Que-Ban, Loaded Mac + Cheese, Brisket and Pulled Pork Sandwiches:

Que-Ban is ham, Bubba's slow-smoked award-winning pulled pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles and homemade barbeque sauce.

Loaded Mac + Cheese is topped with Bubba's slow-smoked award-winning pulled pork, shredded cheese and jalapenos.

On the Biergarten, Wicked Oak Barbeque is serving Wicked Taters and 813 Wangs:

Wicked Taters is Bubba's slow-smoked award-winning pulled pork on a bed of tater tots with queso, shredded cheese and jalapenos.

813 Wangs are slow-smoked and then fried for a little extra something.

Another new brand that visitors will see in Amalie Arena is BioSteel, the official sports hydration partner of the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Guests can now enjoy the same clean, healthy hydration the players enjoy on the ice at the grab-and-go concessions locations throughout the arena.

Founded in 2009 by NHL veteran Michael Cammalleri and business partner John Celenza, BioSteel has achieved a reputation for being the hydration product of choice for athletes and consumers.

The brand is committed to using premium ingredients to support the delivery of essential nutrients to aid physical activity. In addition to the product throughout the arena, if the Lightning shut out their opponent in the first period of any home game, Tampa Bay fans will also be able to redeem a coupon for a free BioSteel Sports Drink at their Tampa Bay Publix.

Another highlight of the season is a partnership with Proper No. Twelve, designated as a partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Visitors can find them at Section 130 as well as around the arena at additional bars. Proper No. Twelve's Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey is an ultra-smooth blend of golden grain and single malt with hints of vanilla, honey, and toasted wood for a rich complexity.

Corona has also expanded its partnership to include additional offerings in the building. Not only can guests enjoy the Corona Cantina, located on the West Plaza, but inside the arena Section 123 will soon be the Corona Cove where guests can enjoy a variety of tacos, taco salad and churros.

Guests who have tickets on the Tampa Bay Club Level can also now grab Hornitos Tequilaas well as other tequila and mezcal drinks at the Section 230 bar. Or, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey as well as other whisky and bourbon drinks at the Section 216 bar.

Guests can also expect to see updated menu items throughout the arena including concessions on the main level concourses, Tampa Bay Club, Chase Club, Suites and Vology Loge. Limited-time offers are also included throughout the season to keep menus fresh and changing ingredients year-round top-of-mind.

Guests can enjoy post-game specials throughout the building: Budweiser Biergarten, outside on the west plaza at Corona Cantina, and Cigar City Brewing Taproom Downtown, located at 375 Channelside Drive under the Pam Iorio Garage.

Favorite fresh fares like Outback Steakhouse, Papa John's Pizza and more will also be back.

Various new menus feature a wide variety of dietary restrictions. All dietary and allergen information will be available on the digital menu boards at each location.

Also returning for the 2022-23 Tampa Bay Lightning season is Firestick Grill, a premium dining area and ambiance with open-fire action stations, menu items indigenous to the Tampa Bay area, and world-class service levels. Firestick Grill will be open for select events only. Pre-reservations are available by calling 813-301-6926.