Game Day and Beyond

NHL team guides

Florida Panthers

Venue and travel guide

Venue and location

Address

1 Panther Parkway

Source statement; not independently verified.

City

Sunrise

Source statement; not independently verified.

State

FL

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue name

Amerant Bank Arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Zip code

33323

Source statement; not independently verified.

Parking

Cheapest

Public transit (BCT bus, ~$2-$3) or general D Lot at the base rate; off-site lots via Prked/SeatGeek may be lower

Source statement; not independently verified.

Guide url

https://www.amerantbankarena.com/plan-your-visit/directions-parking and https://www.nhl.com/panthers/tickets/parking

Source statement; not independently verified.

Accessible parking

92 disabled spaces, first-come first-served, located north or south of the main entrance; enter via Gates 1, 2, 5 & 7 with placard displayed

Source statement; not independently verified.

Hours

Lots open 2 hours prior to puck drop and remain open about 1 hour after each game; no re-entry into lots

Source statement; not independently verified.

Payment

Cashless; prepaid online via SeatGeek and credit/debit at gates

Source statement; not independently verified.

Prepaid

Available — purchase in advance online through SeatGeek ("Buy Parking")

Source statement; not independently verified.

Prices

Panthers game general parking starts around $35 + tax (varies by day/opponent); bus parking $75; limousines pay double the event rate

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Amerant Bank Arena offers extensive on-site parking with over 7,000 spaces across multiple surface lots. General parking, Preferred parking, and VIP parking available. Pre-paid parking is available through the Panthers app. Event rates typically range from $20-$35. ADA parking is available in all lots.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Public transport

Broward County Transit (BCT) Routes 22, 36, 72 (also 23, 110, 114) serve the area

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tailgating

N/A — indoor arena (no formal tailgating program published)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Traffic

Sawgrass Expressway and I-595/Sawgrass interchange congest pre/post-event; Sawgrass Mills mall traffic adjacent to arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Types

General/D Lot parking, garage parking, Suite/club (Amerant Vault) parking, disabled parking, bus/oversized vehicle parking; 7,045 total spaces (4,446 general, 1,771 suite/club, 226 garage, 92 disabled)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Rideshare

Lyft dropoff

North Pedestrian Walkway entrance

Source statement; not independently verified.

Lyft pickup

Northern end of the North Pedestrian Walkway (Lyft is the official rideshare partner)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Other services

Taxis and limousines (limos enter via Gate 6 and pay double parking fee)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Peak notes

Heavy demand immediately at puck drop and at game's end; expect queueing on the North Pedestrian Walkway

Source statement; not independently verified.

Post game tips

Rideshare vehicles enter Gate 3, pick up at the northern end of the North Pedestrian Walkway, then exit via Gate 2; allow extra time after sellouts

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Designated Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up zone located at the main entrance on Panther Parkway. Post-game, the zone shifts to manage traffic flow. Wait times can be longer due to the arena's suburban location.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Uber dropoff

North Pedestrian Walkway entrance (rideshare entrance via Gate 3, exit via Gate 2)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Uber pickup

Northern end of the North Pedestrian Walkway after events (rideshare vehicles enter via Gate 3)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Wait area

North Pedestrian Walkway (northern end) post-event

Source statement; not independently verified.

Public transportation

Airport connection

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the nearest airport (~15-20 miles); connect via car, rideshare, or BCT/Tri-Rail transfers

Source statement; not independently verified.

App

Moovit and BCT GoPass app for real-time bus tracking

Source statement; not independently verified.

Best option

BCT Route 22 bus (direct service from Fort Lauderdale/Tri-Rail area) is the most practical transit option

Source statement; not independently verified.

Bus routes

Broward County Transit (BCT) Routes 22, 36, 72 (plus 23, 110, 114)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fare

BCT fare approximately $2-$3 per ride; pay via cash, GoPass app, or transit card

Source statement; not independently verified.

Ferry

N/A — inland venue

Source statement; not independently verified.

Nearest station

No rail station adjacent; nearest are Tri-Rail/Brightline stations in Fort Lauderdale (connect onward by bus, roughly 50 min-1h13m)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Limited public transit to Amerant Bank Arena. Broward County Transit bus Route 2 serves the Sawgrass Mills area with a stop near the arena. Most fans drive or use rideshare. The nearest Tri-Rail station (Fort Lauderdale) is approximately 15 miles away.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Rail lines

None directly; Tri-Rail and Brightline serve Fort Lauderdale with bus transfers to the arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tips

Transit trips are long (1+ hour from coast) with transfers; driving or rideshare is generally faster for game day

Source statement; not independently verified.

Walking distance

Pedestrians access grounds via Gate 6 and the pedestrian sidewalk; bus stops are near NW 136th Ave (short walk)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Shuttles

Overview

No dedicated shuttle service. The arena is car-centric; parking, rideshare, or driving are the primary access methods.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Bicycles

Overview

Bicycle racks are available near the main entrance. Limited bike infrastructure in the immediate area.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Share provider

N/A — indoor/suburban arena with no on-site bike share

Source statement; not independently verified.

Share station

N/A — no bike share station at the arena (suburban Sunrise location)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tips

Cycling is uncommon due to the arena's location near the Sawgrass Expressway; driving, transit, or rideshare recommended

Source statement; not independently verified.

Accessibility

Accessible parking

92 designated disabled spaces, first-come first-served, north/south of the main entrance; enter via Gates 1, 2, 5 & 7 with placard

Source statement; not independently verified.

Assistive listening

Available — administered by Guest Services representatives

Source statement; not independently verified.

Contact

Guest Services / arena line (954) 835-7469 (SHOW); ADA info at https://www.amerantbankarena.com/arena-info/ada-information

Source statement; not independently verified.

Dropoff

Near the main entrance via accessible gates (1, 2, 5, 7); follow signage for attendant direction

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

Guest Services will store a guest's walker or wheelchair behind their seat in the ADA section when transferring to a fixed seat

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Amerant Bank Arena is fully ADA-compliant with accessible seating on all levels. Accessible parking in all lots. Elevators serve every level. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits available at Guest Services.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Restrooms

Available throughout the arena (ADA-compliant restrooms on all levels)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Sensory

KultureCity sensory room (first at the arena, sponsored by ABA Centers of Florida) on the 300/Upper Level; sensory bags and tools available

Source statement; not independently verified.

Service animals

Certified service animals are permitted; no other animals allowed inside

Source statement; not independently verified.

Wheelchair seating

Accessible/wheelchair seating on every level of the arena; up to three companion seats may be purchased per accessible seat

Source statement; not independently verified.

Food and vendors

Cashless

Yes — all concession stands are cashless

Source statement; not independently verified.

Craft beer

Funky Buddha Tap Room & Bar, VooDoo Ranger Craft Beer & Bar, Yuengling Flight Deck & Bar, Jameson Crossbar, Coors Light Cold Zone

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

The Funky Buddha Tap Room sits right inside the front main doors, pouring locally brewed South Florida craft beer

Source statement; not independently verified.

Local

South Florida local tie-ins including Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park, FL) tap room; Cats Cantina; Coca-Cola food courts

Source statement; not independently verified.

Mobile ordering

Yes — mobile food ordering and contactless pickup available at select concession stands (https://www.nhl.com/panthers/arena/mobileordering)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Notable stands

Plaza Level — 3 Coca-Cola food courts, Pantherland Retail, VooDoo Ranger Bar, Cats Cantina, Funky Buddha Tap Room, Jameson Crossbar, Patron Patio, Yuengling Flight Deck; premium spaces include Corona Beach House and Club Stoli

Source statement; not independently verified.

Outside food policy

No outside food or beverages allowed except for medical/religious purposes

Source statement; not independently verified.

Parking Apps Accepted

SeatGeek (official prepaid parking); third-party Prked/ParkWhiz-style listings exist

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Amerant Bank Arena features a Florida-focused concessions program with Latin-inspired food options, local craft beer, and traditional arena fare. The Pantherland Team Store is on the main concourse. Mobile ordering available.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Signature food

Local craft-brew-and-bar focus; signature offerings include Funky Buddha Tap Room beers and barbecue/pizza concessions (no single iconic dish published)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue history

Architect

Ellerbe Becket (architect); project manager Upton & Partners; structural engineer Walter P. Moore & Associates

Source statement; not independently verified.

Construction cost

US$184-185 million (almost entirely publicly financed)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Famous moments

2003 NHL All-Star Game (first official NHL shootout); 2023 NHL All-Star Game; host of 2024 Stanley Cup Final clincher (Panthers' first Cup) and 2025 Stanley Cup Final clincher (back-to-back Cups)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

Built in just ~26 months (vs. the firm's prior minimum of 31) and the naming-rights name has changed six times

Source statement; not independently verified.

Original capacity

~19,250 for hockey (70 suites and 2,623 club seats at opening)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Original name

National Car Rental Center (1998-2002)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Opened October 3, 1998 as the National Car Rental Center. The Panthers won their first Stanley Cup in 2024. The arena has undergone multiple naming changes and renovations, including a new state-of-the-art scoreboard. Located adjacent to the Sawgrass Mills mall, one of the largest outlet malls in the US.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Records

First "official" NHL shootout (2003 All-Star Game); multiple Latin-concert gross/ticket records (Marco Antonio Solis, Juan Luis Guerra)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Renovations

2012 Club Red/Amerant Vault lounge; 2013 new scoreboard; 2025 new center-hung scoreboard (four 4mm LED screens, 38' x 31' each) operational for 2025-26 season opener (Oct. 7, 2025)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Retired numbers

No. 1 Roberto Luongo (retired March 7, 2020, first Panther so honored); 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup championship banners; Eastern Conference and division banners

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue details

Climate

Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena; total facility ~872,000 sq ft (81,000 m2)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Elevation

Approximately 10 ft above sea level (Sunrise, FL is near sea level)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Levels

Plaza (lower), Mezzanine (club/suite), and 300/Upper levels

Source statement; not independently verified.

Premium

70 suites and 2,623 club seats; premium areas include Amerant Vault, Corona Beach House, Club Stoli, Champions Club

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Hockey seating capacity: 19,250. Ice surface: 200 ft × 85 ft. The arena features a modern bowl design with updated technology and premium seating options.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Scoreboard

New 2025 center-hung board — four 4mm LED screens, each 38 ft wide x 31 ft high, forming a 360-degree canvas spanning ~151 ft; integrated by ANC with consultant AJP

Source statement; not independently verified.

Shared tenants

Florida Panthers (NHL) are the primary tenant; Florida Freedom (PBR) plays annually; hosts Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, concerts, and wrestling/MMA events

Source statement; not independently verified.

Surface

Standard NHL ice sheet (200 ft x 85 ft); ~17,000 sq ft arena floor for non-hockey events

Source statement; not independently verified.