Tampa Bay Lightning, an ice hockey team based in Florida and a member of the NHL, has entered into a partnership with Global Payments, a provider of payment technology and software solutions operating worldwide.
The collaboration is aimed at enhancing the payment experience for fans at AMALIE Arena, covering food and beverage services, retail, and ticketing for all events held at the venue. The deal marks Global Payments’ fourth partnership with an NHL team and strengthens its growing presence in the sports and entertainment sector.
Global Payments offers advanced commerce and payment technology solutions, serving over 160 stadiums and venues globally. The company is recognised for its ability to deliver speed, efficiency, and innovative digital infrastructure in high-traffic, complex environments like sports arenas.
The Tampa Bay Lightning, managed by Vinik Sports Group, is known for its commitment to delivering an outstanding gameday experience. The organisation is constantly seeking new technologies to enhance fan engagement and operational efficiency throughout the arena.
The multi-year agreement follows a string of recent sports partnership wins for Global Payments, reflecting its strategic push into the sports and entertainment vertical. The company’s presence spans iconic European football stadiums, all major professional sports leagues in the U.S., and various collegiate venues.
The deal highlights how key moments in a fan’s journey—such as ticket purchases, food and drink transactions, or shopping at the team store—can be streamlined with digital-first solutions to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
Global Payments president of merchant solutions Terry Roberts said, “At Global Payments, we like to think of ourselves as the fan’s biggest fan because we obsess over their experience and how we can help teams like the Lightning make it the best that it can be. We provide a unique combination of innovative software and services, vertical markets expertise, and mastery of complex arena environments, which is why the Tampa Bay Lightning selected us as their partner. Global Payments is proud to be associated with this outstanding organization and team.”
Vinik Sports Group chief financial officer Casey Rodgers said, “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the gameday experience for our fans, and Global Payments is a key partner in making that happen. From the moment fans buy their tickets to grabbing food and drinks or stopping by the team store, every interaction shapes how they feel in our building. Global Payments helps simplify those transactions and keeps everything moving smoothly throughout the arena.”
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