Arrested at a Stadium, Arena or Concert in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is home to the Buccaneers, the Lightning and the Rays, and to concerts that bring tens of thousands of fans to a single venue on a single night. Most people have a safe, fun time at these events. But when a large crowd gathers, there is a large law enforcement presence too. Add alcohol, heat, long lines, team rivalries and the excitement of the event, and some evenings end with an arrest.
If you or a friend or family member was arrested at Raymond James Stadium, Benchmark International Arena (formerly Amalie Arena) or Tropicana Field, this page explains, in general terms, what usually happens next and why the location of the arrest matters.
Why Big Events Lead to Arrests
Stadiums and arenas are monitored closely. Officers from local agencies, private security, and event staff work together, and cameras cover entrances, concourses, seating areas and parking lots. Something that might be ignored somewhere else, like a loud argument or refusing to leave a section, can quickly lead to police involvement inside a venue.
Common situations include:
- Arguments between fans that turn physical
- Being asked to leave and refusing, or coming back after being ejected
- Heavy drinking before or during the event
- Driving away from the venue after drinking
- Bringing drugs into the venue or the parking lot
- Problems with tickets, including counterfeit or resold tickets
Common Charges at Games and Concerts
Every arrest is based on its own facts, but charges that come up at large events often include:
- Disorderly conduct (Florida’s breach of the peace statute, section 877.03)
- Disorderly intoxication (section 856.011)
- Trespass, including trespass after a warning when someone is told to leave or not to return (see section 810.09 and related trespass laws)
- Battery and other violent crimes
- Resisting an officer
- DUI after leaving the stadium or arena lots
- Drug possession
- Ticket fraud or counterfeit ticket issues
Many of the people arrested at these events have never been arrested before. If that describes you or a friend or family member, read about how Florida courts handle first-time offenders.
Where the Arrest Happened Decides the County
The county where an arrest happens decides which jail, which court and which procedures apply.
Tampa venues: Hillsborough County
Raymond James Stadium (Buccaneers, college football and major concerts) and Benchmark International Arena (Lightning hockey and concerts) are in Tampa. An arrest at either venue or the surrounding area is generally a Hillsborough County case. People arrested in Hillsborough County are typically booked at the Orient Road Jail, then go through first appearance, bond and arraignment.
- Arrested at Raymond James Stadium
- Arrested at Benchmark International Arena (formerly Amalie Arena)
- Bond and bail in Hillsborough County
- First appearance in Hillsborough County
- Arraignment in Hillsborough County
St. Petersburg venue: Pinellas County
The Rays returned to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg for the 2026 season after playing the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. An arrest at Tropicana Field or the surrounding area is generally a Pinellas County case, which follows Pinellas County procedures for booking, first appearance, bond and arraignment.
- Arrested at Tropicana Field
- Bond and bail in Pinellas County
- First appearance in Pinellas County
- Arraignment in Pinellas County
What Happens After an Arrest at a Venue
The details vary, but the general path looks like this:
- Detention and arrest. Security or officers may detain a person inside the venue or in the parking area. Some minor matters end with an ejection or a notice to appear; others lead to a custodial arrest.
- Booking. The person is taken to the county jail, where they are fingerprinted, photographed and processed.
- First appearance. A judge reviews the arrest and addresses release and bond conditions.
- Bond. Bond may be set by a schedule or by the judge. Conditions can include no contact with an alleged victim, staying away from the venue, or other restrictions.
- Arraignment and court dates. The person is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea, and the case moves forward from there. To learn more, see what an arraignment is in Florida.
Arrested While Visiting From Out of Town
Big games and concerts draw fans from across Florida and from other states. An arrest far from home raises its own questions:
- How do I get out of jail quickly so I can make my flight?
- Can I go home to another state while the case is open?
- Do I have to come back for every court date?
- What happens to my rental car or my travel plans?
Release conditions and court requirements can affect whether and how a person may travel. In some cases, a lawyer can ask the court about travel or about appearing through counsel. Because these rules depend on the charge and the court, talk with a lawyer before you make travel decisions.
Protecting Yourself After an Arrest
If you face any stop, search, seizure, inquiry, investigation, arrest or target letter, contact a lawyer before you answer questions or make decisions about your case.
Be polite with officers and staff, keep your court paperwork, and write down what you remember about the event, including where you were sitting, who you were with, and the names of any witnesses.
How Attorney Ron Frey Can Help
Attorney Ron Frey has been practicing law for over two decades and represents people charged in Hillsborough and Pinellas County courts. The Frey Law Firm is located at 625 E. Twiggs St., Tampa. Attorney Ron Frey can explain the process, help with bond and release questions, and talk about options for your case.
Injured at a Game or Concert?
If you or a friend or family member was injured at a game, concert or other event at a Tampa Bay stadium or arena, call Attorney Ron Frey at (813) 775-2276. The Frey Law Firm can help refer you to trusted counsel who handles personal injury matters. Every case is different.
Every case is different. If you or a friend or family member has been arrested at a game or concert, Attorney Ron Frey offers a free, confidential consultation by phone, video, or in person. Call (813) 775-2276; the line is answered 24/7.
FAQ
Which county handles an arrest at a Bucs or Lightning game?
Raymond James Stadium and Benchmark International Arena are in Tampa, so arrests there are generally Hillsborough County cases.
Which county handles an arrest at a Rays game?
In 2026 the Rays play at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, so arrests there are generally Pinellas County cases.
Is Benchmark International Arena the same as Amalie Arena?
Yes. The Lightning’s arena at 401 Channelside Drive was renamed Benchmark International Arena in August 2025. It was formerly Amalie Arena.
Can I go home to another state after an arrest at a concert?
It depends on your release conditions and the court. Talk with a lawyer before you leave the state.
Will I be banned from the venue?
Venues may eject or ban guests under their own policies, and a court may set stay-away conditions. A lawyer can explain how these apply to you.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor charge like disorderly intoxication?
Any criminal charge can have lasting consequences. Every case is different, so a free consultation can help you understand your situation.