Benchmark International Arena — Attraction in Tampa

Absolutely horrible experience yet they will blame me. I was escorted out of the VIP section in which I paid nearly $1,000 for. 4-6 men pulled me from the crowd without warning — threatened to arrest me. I am a lone woman coming for a concert and they absolutely humiliated me and pushed me out to the street, leaving me in tears and pure embarrassment. They pulled me out of the show by my arms and left fingertip bruises on me. I was completely upset, I had done nothing wrong except drink the drinks that their bar staff served me. Venue staff have a responsibility to ensure that patrons are not over-served, yet I was repeatedly provided drinks and then penalized for the state I was in as a result. Suddenly it was my fault for being too drunk. I was not warned whatsoever, I paid practically $30 a drink and if they didn’t want people to get drunk then don’t serve alcohol there.

I saw MULTIPLE people hitting their vapes and if they want to accuse me of hitting my vape so be it — I paid top dollar for this concert and for my spot (which in my opinion was an awful stage view, shame on the artists coordinator for even selling these tickets) and I was pushed out after three songs. The staff was so incredibly rude, please tell me why you need multiple men to pull out one woman. I was not acting out in any way possible, I wasn’t bumping anyone, screaming or fighting with anyone, only until they forcibly removed me. Had they told me to leave and why I had to go, I would have left without causing a scene. I spent my time with a friend I made and chatting with them and even asked the very next day what I had done wrong — he couldn’t say, only that he too was shocked and scared for me when a group of men came to pull me out.

Because of the staff here I was absolutely humiliated in front of hundreds of people attending the show. I was left outside of Water Street looking like an absolute fool and out of my money. I don’t know what your protocol is but I have never been treated so poorly in my life. Not only that, I am facing ridicule online for being “the drunk girl at the Katy Perry show.” Hope you folks are happy with yourself for treating a woman like some criminal with a gun. Next time, stop serving if you think someone is a problem — not continue to pour them drinks (and pour them doubles after I didn’t even order it) You can refer to your VIP bar staff...

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a deeply upsetting incident that occurred at your facility. On Jan 16, I was approached by a man named Jerry while I was on the terrain with my mobility scooter, a small red device specifically designed for little people like myself.

Jerry placed his hand on my medical device and informed me that I was not allowed to be in that area with it. I calmly explained to Jerry that I am physically disabled from the waist down and that I am legally allowed to be anywhere with my medical device, including the interior of the arena. Despite this, Jerry continued to harass me, questioning whether I was attending the game and ultimately directing me toward the exit, pointing at a large Ford blue exit sign.

In response, I firmly informed Jerry that his actions and comments were discriminatory, as I have a legal right to access all areas of the facility with my medical device. I also stated that his behavior was unacceptable, emphasizing that I am a tax-paying individual whose rights and dignity should be respected.

Following this incident, at 5:47 PM, I attempted to contact customer service via the phone system, as there was no way to reach anyone directly while on the terrain. I was forwarded to the ticket office, where the phone rang for 30 minutes without being answered.

As someone already facing daily challenges due to my physical disability, this experience was both unnecessary and profoundly hurtful. I expect immediate follow-up regarding this matter, including: A formal apology for the incident. Confirmation that Jerry will be provided with training on how to interact with individuals with disabilities in a manner that is both legally and ethically appropriate. Information on the steps your facility will take to ensure such incidents do not happen in the future.

You may contact me via phone or email to provide your response. I expect to hear back within 24 hours. If no action is taken or if my concerns are not addressed adequately, I will escalate this matter by bringing it directly to your corporate leadership next week to discuss the issue of inclusivity and discrimination at your facility.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this...

Dear Benchmark International Arena,

I am writing to formally submit an ADA accessibility complaint regarding the ongoing difficulty our family has experienced trying to attend the Lightning vs. Blues game each year. Our son uses a wheelchair due to quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and despite our repeated efforts over the past three years, we have been unable to secure appropriate ADA seating.

Each year, we contact the arena months in advance to request accessible seats for our family of three. Unfortunately, our calls go unanswered, and our voicemails have not been returned. As a result, we have faced situations where we would have had to leave our 6-year-old child seated alone because no ADA-compliant seats were available for purchase together.

Last year, we spoke with guests seated in the accessible terrace section who informed us they were season ticket holders and did not require ADA seating. This raises concern that accessible seats are being sold or assigned to individuals who do not need them, further reducing availability for guests with disabilities.

In addition, your online ticketing system prevents families from purchasing an odd number of tickets in ADA sections, such as for a family of three. It also restricts access to ADA tickets entirely, forcing us to rely on phone reservations that require long hold times and, in our experience, no response.

Your current procedures and staffing do not adequately support or provide a resolution for families requiring ADA accommodations. This has resulted in our son being unable to attend an event he loves — something that should not happen in an ADA-compliant facility.

After three years of attempts, we respectfully request a call back to resolve this matter and ensure our family can attend a game with the accessibility and inclusion our son deserves.

Thank you for your attention to this...