The Florida Panthers date back to 1993, but the Bank Atlantic Center, one of the largest NHL venues, was completed in 1998. This arena is not just the home of the Florida Panthers, but also the Miami Jackals, a roller-hockey team, many music concerts, WWE World Wrestling Championships, Monster Jam Truck Racing, Disney on Ice, and much more entertainment.Year Opened: 1998
Capacity: 19,250
Architect: Ellerbe Becket
Web Site: bankatlanticcenter.com
Phone: 954/835-8000
Anchor Tenants: Florida Panthers (NHL)
Parking: Several lots surround the stadium. You will be led to park depending on how you drove to the facility.
Directions: One Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323. From West Palm Beach: Take I-95 to the SW 10th Street exit and proceed West to the Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869 – toll road) OR the Florida Turnpike South to the Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869- toll road). Take the Sawgrass Expressway South to the Oakland Park Boulevard exit. After toll plaza, make a left turn onto Oakland Park Boulevard and proceed to the far right lane. Make a right turn onto Flamingo Road. Proceed on Flamingo Road in either of the two right lanes for one block and make a right turn at the traffic signal onto Panther Parkway (136th Ave.). Office Depot Center is a 1/2 mile South on the right. Stay in the far right lanes and enter through GATE 3. Park as directed. From The North: Take the Sawgrass Expressway South to the Oakland Park Boulevard exit. After toll plaza, make a left turn onto Oakland Park Boulevard and proceed to the far right lane. Make a right turn onto Flamingo Road. Proceed on Flamingo Road in either of the two right lanes for one block and make a right turn at the traffic signal onto Panther Parkway (136th Ave.). Office Depot Center is a 1/2 mile South on the right. Stay in the far right lanes and enter through GATE 3. From The South: Take the Sawgrass Expressway North to the Pat Salerno Drive exit. Proceed through the toll plaza and stay in the far right 2 lanes. Exit to the right at Pat Salerno Drive directly into Office Depot Center at GATE 1 or GATE 2. From Fort Lauderdale: Take I-595 West to Exit 1 (136th Ave.) and proceed North. 136th Ave will eventually turn into Panther Parkway. Office Depot Center is one mile North of Sunrise Boulevard on the left. Stay in the left lane and enter through GATE 7. From The South: Take the Palmetto Expressway or Florida Turnpike Extension to Interstate 75 North to the Sawgrass Expressway. (Follow signs for Sawgrass Expressway, West Palm Beach and Coral Springs). Enter the Sawgrass Expressway and proceed through the toll plaza and stay in the far right 2 lanes. Exit to the right at Pat Salerno Drive directly into Office Depot Center at GATE 1 or GATE 2. From I-95: Take I-95 North or South to I-595 and follow directions from I-595.
History
The team was founded in 1993, but the Bank Atlantic Center, one of the largest NHL venues, was completed in 1998. This arena is not just the home of the Florida Panthers, but also the Miami Jackals, a roller-hockey team, many music concerts, WWE World Wrestling Championships, Monster Jam Truck Racing, Disney on Ice, and much more entertainment.
Surprisingly reaching but losing the Stanley Cup in 1996, the Panthers brought popularity to hockey in Florida. Once the Panthers threatened to move the team, Florida built them a new arena, which was once known as the National Car Rental Center. The playoffs were once again a reality for the Panthers in 2000, but they eventually lost in the first round to the would be Stanley Cup Champions New Jersey Devils.
Being in sunny Florida, there are plenty of excellent balcony and patio locations to enjoy the weather between periods. This is a outstanding arena to make your way early and see the sights before the puck drops.
