TAMPA, Fla.– Vinik Sports Group (VSG) today announced the opening of the Cabot Club, a new premium hospitality destination at Benchmark International Arena, representing another significant investment in the continued evolution of one of North America's premier sports and entertainment venues.
Developed through a new partnership between VSG and Cabot Citrus Farms, the 1,200-acre golf and lifestyle resort destination located less than 50 minutes from Tampa, the Cabot Club features elevated culinary and hospitality programming from Oak View Group (OVG). The approximately 8,500-square-foot space is the result of a multi-million-dollar renovation project designed to elevate the guest experience for fans attending Tampa Bay Lightning games, concerts, and other live events at the arena.
The reimagined club introduces expanded seating capacity, elevated and innovative culinary offerings enabled by enhanced kitchen infrastructure, a private dining room experience, upgraded technology and digital enhancements, and modern hospitality-focused design elements that create a more immersive and elevated premium experience.
The introduction of Cabot Club represents the latest chapter in VSG's ongoing commitment to investing in Benchmark International Arena and expanding the venue’s premium hospitality offerings. Beyond transforming the physical space, the project brings together three industry-leading organizations, combining VSG's vision for premium entertainment experiences, Cabot's commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences, and OVG Hospitality's expertise in world-class culinary and hospitality operations.
“We’re always looking for ways to elevate the experience for our fans and guests and build on the energy and momentum happening around Benchmark International Arena and throughout the Water Street district,” said Steve Griggs, Chief Executive Officer of Vinik Sports Group. “As the neighborhood continues to evolve, we’re committed to ensuring the arena evolves with it, and we’re proud to partner with Cabot and OVG Hospitality to bring this vision to life. Together, we’ve created a destination that combines exceptional service, culinary excellence and exclusive amenities designed to create a truly memorable experience for our guests.”
The transformation is part of an ongoing strategy to enhance every aspect of the guest journey, from arrival through event conclusion. Designed to accommodate the growing demand for premium hospitality offerings, Cabot Club combines elevated food and beverage experiences with refined service, exclusive spaces, and enhanced amenities for guests seeking a best-in-class entertainment experience.
“Cabot has always been about creating places where people can come together, enjoy meaningful experiences and make lasting memories,” said Jules Cowan-Dewar, Chief Marketing Officer at Cabot. “We’re excited to bring that spirit to Cabot Club and partner with VSG and Oak View Group to create a hospitality experience that feels distinctly Tampa and complements the energy of Benchmark International Arena.”
As Benchmark International Arena continues to host some of the world's biggest concerts, sporting events, and entertainment experiences, Cabot Club further strengthens the venue's premium hospitality portfolio and positions the arena to meet evolving guest expectations for years to come.
“We’re proud to be part of the continued growth and momentum surrounding Benchmark International Arena,” said Ken Gaber, President of OVG Hospitality. “As the arena continues to evolve, our focus remains on creating exceptional food, beverage and hospitality experiences that give fans and guests even more reasons to enjoy their time here. We’re excited to work alongside our partners to help deliver a best-in-class experience that matches the energy and excitement of this incredible destination.”
The club will serve guests attending Lightning games, concerts, and select arena events, offering an elevated environment designed to complement the excitement of live entertainment while creating memorable hospitality experiences.
For those looking for a nearby home base while visiting the area or planning a staycation, Cabot Citrus Farms pairs 57-holes of world-class golf with immersive outdoor experiences, including bass fishing, axe throwing, archery, and hiking and biking trails under moss-draped oaks. The property offers cottages available for nightly rental, each featuring serene indoor and outdoor living spaces and custom kitchens, making it an easy, nature-filled getaway for both golfers and non-golfers alike.
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 2025 when 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. 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 Cabot Citrus Farms
Cabot Citrus Farms is one of seven destinations within Cabot’s growing portfolio of world-class golf and resort communities. Cabot’s first American property is set across 1,200 acres of pristine natural beauty on Florida’s Nature Coast. With rolling hills, sandy soil, dramatic elevation changes, and century-old moss-covered oaks, the property offers a distinctly different Florida golf experience rooted in the warmth and timeless character of Old Florida. Featuring two 18-hole courses, a 10-hole course, an 11-hole par-3 course, and an expansive practice facility, Cabot Citrus Farms pairs world-class golf with luxury accommodations and real estate, elevated dining, and a range of off-course experiences. Recently named the No. 2 Resort in Florida in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, the property is located less than 50 minutes from Tampa and 80 minutes from Orlando. For more information, visit cabot.com/citrusfarms.
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the Company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
