Florida Panthers Arena

Located in Sunrise, Florida, the Panthers are a professional ice hockey team competing in the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). Moreover, they participate in the Atlantic Division and compete against some of most formidable sides in the league which includes the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Montereal Canadians among notable others.

Affiliated with AHL's Charlotte Checkers and ECHL's Florida Everblades, the Panthers debuted in 1993–94, setting an expansion team record for points, which was later broken by the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite only two Stanley Cup Finals appearances till date (in 1996 and 2023), they only reached the playoffs five times between 1996 and 2020. Notably, the road to the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals was a memorable one as they defeated former champions like Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes before losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in a pretty much one-sided series.

What is the name of the Florida Panthers Arena?

The Florida Panthers play at the Amerant Bank Arena, located in Sunrise, Florida, since its opening in 1998. It is situated in Sunrise, Florida, approximately 30 miles north of downtown Miami. The arena opened its doors in 1998 and has since been a focal point for sports and entertainment in South Florida. The Amerant Bank Arena offers fans an immersive experience with its modern amenities and facilities. Over the years, the arena has undergone various renovations and updates to enhance the fan experience and keep up with evolving trends in sports entertainment.

In addition to its entertainment offerings, the arena also boasts a wide array of food and beverage options to cater to different tastes and preferences. From classic Arena fare like burgers and hot dogs to specialty items and gourmet options, there's something for everyone to enjoy during events.

Florida Panthers Arena History

The Florida Panthers initially played at the Miami Arena after Wayne Huizenga obtained a new NHL franchise in 1992. However, plans for a dedicated arena began in 1995 when Sunrise City Manager Pat Salerno proposed a $167 million financing and construction plan near the Sawgrass Expressway. Broward County approved construction in February 1996, and architects Ellerbe Becket were tasked with completing the arena in just 26 months, ready for the 1998–99 NHL season. The venue, originally known as the Broward County Civic Center, was completed without a single injury and opened as the National Car Rental Center on October 3, 1998, with a concert by Celine Dion. The Florida Panthers played their first home game in the arena on October 9, 1998, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4–1.

In October 2012, the Club Red lounge was installed, providing an exclusive space for concerts, shows, and events, including a center ice view for hockey games. In 2013, Broward County funded a new scoreboard for the arena, which debuted during the Panthers' 2013–14 home opener. In February 2019, BB&T merged with SunTrust Banks to form Truist Financial Corporation, leading to the decision not to renew the naming rights agreement after it expired in 2021. The arena was temporarily named FLA Live Arena until September 19, 2023, when Amerant Bank became the new rights partner, resulting in the renaming of the arena to Amerant Bank Arena. The arena is currently the largest in Florida.

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Florida Panthers Arena Capacity

The seating capacity of the Florida Panthers' Arena varies depending on the event configuration. For basketball games, the capacity is 20,737 spectators, while for hockey games, it accommodates 19,250 fans. End-stage concerts typically host between 12,500 to 19,000 attendees, while center-stage concerts can accommodate up to 19,500 people. Additionally, the arena offers 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2) of floor space for trade shows, circuses, ice shows, and other events.

Florida Panthers Arena Seating Chart

The Amerant Bank Arena, formerly known as the FLA Live Arena offers a variety of seating options, including premium seating areas like the Lexus Club, Corona Beach House, Club Center and End, and Lord Stanley's Loft. The arena provides excellent views from various sections, with the best seats typically located at center ice in sections 117-119, 101-102, and 134. The Florida Panthers team bench is in front of section 102, while the visitors' bench is in front of section 134. The arena also offers handicapped and ADA seating options, with accessible rows at the top of most sections. Additionally, the venue boasts ample parking and unique food options, creating a memorable experience for attendees.

The following is the seating arrangement created for the fans in the Amerant Bank Arena for the games:

What is the parking cost at Florida Panthers Arena?

The parking cost at the Amerant Bank Arena varies depending on the event and date. Currently, for upcoming games, parking prices range from $23 to $58.

The following is the parking map of the Amerant Bank Arena:

Florida Panthers Arena Notable Events

The Amerant Bank Arena has a rich history of hosting diverse and notable events. In the realm of NHL hockey, it has been the venue for significant occasions such as the 2001 and 2015 NHL Entry Drafts, as well as the 2023 NHL All-Star Game and games from the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals. Beyond hockey, the arena has become a hub for Latin and Hispanic shows, including prestigious events like the Latin Billboard Music Awards and the Latin American Music Awards.

The venue has also seen remarkable performances by artists like Marco Antonio Solis and Juan Luis Guerra, setting records for Latin gross revenue. Additionally, the arena has showcased various combat sports, from boxing to mixed martial arts, with events featuring prominent fighters like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and UFC matchups. Professional wrestling, bull riding competitions, and political rallies have also graced its stage, making it a versatile and dynamic space for entertainment and cultural gatherings in South Florida.

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