The team behind the transformative Water Street Tampa development announced plans for a new entertainment district in downtown that will build upon Water Street Tampa\u2019s success. The plans from Strategic Property Partners (SPP) call for a new 3,500-seat performance venue, a 250-room hotel, and 100,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment spaces.<\/p>\n
The new entertainment district is proposed for a vacant parcel of land across from Benchmark International Arena on Channelside Drive, located between Morgan Street and Jefferson Street. SPP says it will partner with Vinik Sports Group to operate the entertainment venue \u201cand enhance the world-class events offered across Water Street Tampa.\u201d <\/p>\nRendering courtesy Strategic Property Partners<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWith Benchmark International Arena, the Yuengling Center, and Raymond James Stadium already serving as Tampa\u2019s large-event destinations, the new entertainment venue will be designed for \u201crising and mid-tier touring artists\u201d with its smaller 3,500-seat capacity. The aim is to provide more variety and more overall options for the city.<\/p>\n
While the new district will have space for more dining and shopping, the plan is largely designed to expand the entertainment-based portion of downtown, offering a new draw alongside Water Street Tampa\u2019s restaurants and shopping. Given its location adjacent to Benchmark International Arena, the Riverwalk and Ford Thunder Alley, SPP believes it will \u201cestablish a fully connected entertainment corridor for residents and visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWater Street Tampa was designed to evolve, and this entertainment district is the next step in completing the larger vision,\u201d said Josh Taube, CEO of Strategic Property Partners. \u201cWater Street Tampa today is a dynamic neighborhood with waterfront, public spaces, residences, retail, hotels, and offices all connected through a walkable experience. This project activates the western edge of the neighborhood by adding an entertainment energy through live music and cultural experiences; strengthening WST as a preeminent destination.\u201d<\/p>\n\nRenderings courtesy Strategic Property Partners<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\nDevelopers are expected to break ground in 2027. While it may be a few years before we see the results, it will transform downtown Tampa once again, and it will create a true entertainment hub for the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cFans will see more shows, more often, and with greater variety,\u201d said Steve Griggs, Chief Executive Officer of Vinik Sports Group. \u201cThis district will strengthen the entertainment ecosystem surrounding the arena, forging the live entertainment center of Tampa Bay. A venue of this size provides much needed flexibility for booking more artists and world-class shows to our region.\u201d<\/p>\n
Said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor: \u201cThis Water Street expansion moves Tampa forward as a top entertainment destination. It strengthens tourism and creates new experiences for residents and visitors, all within steps of the Riverwalk and Convention Center.\u201d