It is a weird thing, really. You think of Florida and you think of palm trees, retirees in golf carts, and the endless humidity of the Everglades. You don't necessarily think of professional ice hockey. But here we are. If you are looking for where does florida panthers play, you aren't looking at the neon lights of South Beach or the skyscrapers of downtown Miami.
Nope.
You’re heading west. Way west.
The Short Answer (Because You're Busy)
The Florida Panthers play their home games at Amerant Bank Arena. It’s located in Sunrise, Florida, a city that basically sits right on the edge of the Florida Everglades. If you drive any further west from the parking lot, you’re basically in alligator territory.
The address is 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323.
Honestly, the location catches people off guard. When the team first started back in 1993, they played at the old Miami Arena. It was loud, it was gritty, and it was right in the heart of the city. But since 1998, the Cats have called Sunrise home. It’s a massive, sprawling venue that has seen more names than a witness protection program—you might remember it as the National Car Rental Center, Office Depot Center, BankAtlantic Center, BB&T Center, or even the temporary FLA Live Arena.
Whatever you call it, it’s currently the fortress of the reigning Stanley Cup champions.
Why the Location Matters
Sunrise isn't just a random suburb. It’s the geographic "middle ground" for South Florida. If you’re coming from Fort Lauderdale, it’s a twenty-minute hop. From Miami? Maybe forty-five minutes if the I-95 gods are smiling on you (which they usually aren't). From Boca or West Palm? It's a straight shot down the Sawgrass Expressway.
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The arena itself sits directly across from Sawgrass Mills, which is one of the largest outlet malls in the United States. You’ve probably seen the tourists dragging suitcases through the mall—they’re not moving in; they’re just buying that much stuff. This proximity is actually pretty great for fans. You can grab dinner at the Cheesecake Factory or Yard House, walk across the street, and be in your seat by puck drop.
What to Expect Inside Amerant Bank Arena
It’s big. Really big. We’re talking a capacity of about 19,250 for hockey.
When you walk in, the first thing you’ll notice is the atmosphere. South Florida hockey fans are a different breed. They aren't the "polite applause" types. They scream. They wear jerseys in 90-degree weather. And yes, they still throw plastic rats.
The Rat Trick Tradition
If you’re new to where does florida panthers play, you have to know about the rats. Back in 1995, player Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room with his hockey stick and then went out and scored two goals. A fan heard the story, threw a plastic rat on the ice, and a legend was born.
When the Panthers score a big goal or win a game, the ice gets showered with thousands of plastic rodents. It’s chaotic. It’s glorious. The arena staff has to use big shovels to clear them off.
Food and Drinks
Don't expect just hot dogs. Since this is South Florida, the concessions actually have some soul.
- Cuban Sandwiches: You’re in Florida; you have to.
- The Amerant Vault: If you’re feeling fancy (and have the budget), this is the premium VIP lounge with all-inclusive food and booze.
- Local Brews: There’s a heavy focus on Florida craft beers, which helps when the game goes into overtime.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
Parking at the arena is fairly straightforward, but it’s expensive. You’re looking at anywhere from $40 to $60 depending on the lot.
Expert Tip: Many fans park at the Sawgrass Mills mall across the street for free and walk over. Just be careful—the mall has gotten stricter about this over the years. If you do this, make sure you actually go into the mall first or look for the "official" crossing areas.
If you don't want to drive, rideshares like Uber and Lyft have a dedicated pickup and drop-off zone at Gate 3. It gets messy after the game, so maybe grab a drink at a nearby bar and wait thirty minutes for the surge pricing to drop.
Traveling from Miami or West Palm?
If you’re coming from further out, look into the Brightline or Tri-Rail. While neither drops you off at the front door, you can take the train to Fort Lauderdale and then a quick Uber to Sunrise. It’s often faster than sitting in the nightmare that is South Florida rush hour traffic.
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Beyond the Game: The Practice Facility
One common misconception about where does florida panthers play is that they do everything in Sunrise. Not true.
If you want to see them practice or maybe catch a glimpse of Aleksander Barkov on a Tuesday morning, you actually need to go to the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale. They recently dumped $65 million into renovating the historic War Memorial Auditorium. It’s a state-of-the-art facility where the team actually trains. They have public skating sessions there too, so you can go out and fall on your face on the same ice the pros use.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to see the Panthers, here is how you do it like a local:
- Arrive Early: The area around the arena (especially near the mall) gets backed up fast. Aim to be there 90 minutes before the game.
- Download the App: Amerant Bank Arena is a cashless venue. You’ll need your phone for tickets and to buy that $14 beer.
- Dress for the Cold: It’s Florida outside, but it’s a literal ice box inside. Bring a hoodie. You’ll see people in shorts and flip-flops shivering by the second period.
- Join the Anthem: When the singer gets to "Rockets' Red Glare," the entire crowd screams "RED!" and then shouts "NIGHT!" during "Gave proof through the night." It’s loud. It’s fun. Don't be the person staying quiet.
- Check the Schedule: Because the arena is a major stop for concert tours (everyone from Drake to Bruce Springsteen), the surrounding traffic can be weird even on non-game days.
The Florida Panthers have turned a swamp-adjacent arena into one of the most feared places to play in the NHL. Whether you're there for the hockey or just to see the spectacle of plastic rats flying through the air, it’s an experience you won't get anywhere else in the league.
Next Step: Check the official Panthers schedule or a secondary market like SeatGeek to see if they’re in town; home stands usually run in blocks of three or four games.