A Guide to Amerant Bank Arena
Nestled in the South Florida suburb of Sunrise, Amerant Bank Arena serves as the premier entertainment hub of Broward County and the proud home of the NHL's Florida Panthers. Sitting directly adjacent to the massive Sawgrass Mills outlet mall, this bustling venue perfectly captures the sun-soaked atmosphere of the region. Especially since cementing its place in hockey history following the Panthers' dramatic 2024 Stanley Cup championship run.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingFrom I-595, take the Sawgrass Expressway I-869 north to the NW 136th Avenue exit. From I-75, take Exit 15A I-869/Sawgrass Expressway. Parking lots surround the arena. Some fans park in the neighboring mall complex and walk over.
- Public Transit
- Train RailThere is no direct rail service to the arena. Rail travelers using Tri-Rail or Amtrak should disembark at the Fort Lauderdale Station and catch the BCT Route 22 bus directly to the venue.
- Broward County TransitBCT provides direct bus access. Route 72 drops off directly across the street at NW 136th Ave/Orange Grove Rd, while Route 22 connects the arena directly to the Fort Lauderdale train station area.
- RideshareAll rideshare vehicles must enter via Gate 3, drop off or pick up at the northern end of the North Pedestrian Walkway, and exit through Gate 2.
Pregame Festivities
The suburban location means pregame options are concentrated around Sawgrass Mills and the Sunrise area rather than a walkable downtown.
Pregame Bars & Restaurants
- A chain restaurant near Sawgrass Mills with an enormous craft beer selection (over 100 taps) and an extensive menu. The massive beer list makes it a reliable pregame option.
- A large-format restaurant near Sawgrass Mills with an enormous menu and their famous cheesecakes. The proximity and reliability make it a pregame staple.
- A restaurant near the arena offering wood-fired pizza, burgers, and craft cocktails in a modern setting.
- A South Florida seafood and sports bar with fresh fish, cold beer, and a casual atmosphere. A more local-flavored pregame option.
- A South Florida sports bar chain with multiple TVs, bar food, and a game-night atmosphere.
- A family-style Italian restaurant near the arena serving large portions of Italian-American classics.
Neighborhood Attractions
- One of the largest outlet and value retail shopping destinations in the country, directly adjacent to the arena. Over 350 stores make it a destination in itself.
- An airboat tour operator offering rides through the Florida Everglades one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. The Everglades begin just west of Sunrise, about 15 minutes from the arena.
- A botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary in Davie, about 15 minutes from the arena. Native Florida wildlife, tropical plants, and the historic Wray Home museum.
- A large county park near the arena with trails, a mountain bike course, a model airplane field, and a shooting range.
- An interactive children's museum near the arena with hands-on art exhibits. Great for families on game day.
Monuments & Unique Features
- Championship BannersThere are now two massive Stanley Cup Championship banners hanging side-by-side above the team bench. One for the 2024 historic win and the brand-new one raised on Opening Night for the 2025 back to back Championship.
- Conference & Division BannersThe rafters also feature 4 Eastern Conference Championship banners 1996, 2023, 2024, 2025, a 2022 Presidents' Trophy banner, and various division title banners.
- Retired Numbers
- #1 Roberto LuongoThe legendary Hall of Fame goaltender and franchise icon.
- #37 Wayne HuizengaHonoring the original founder of the franchise the number represents his birth year, 1937.
- #93 Bill TorreyHonoring the legendary first team president and architect of the inaugural 1993 team.
- The Den of Honor / History DisplaysLocated on the main concourse, large glass display cases house historic memorabilia, including gear from the 1996 "Rat Trick" run, milestone pucks, and rotating trophies.
- Murals and Photo TimelinesThe walls feature massive graphics celebrating the 2024 and 2025 championship rosters, giving fans direct photo-ops with larger-than-life images of Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sergei Bobrovsky.
Seating & Special Sections
- The Amerant VaultThe ultimate VIP experience in South Florida. This ultra-exclusive, 12,000-square foot center ice lounge features a private arena entrance, private restrooms, and a dedicated waitstaff. Tickets which include glass seats come with completely complimentary, all-inclusive chef-crafted food, beer, wine, and soda.
- Dialpad Club LevelOccupying the arena's second tier, these premium sections feature extra-padded comfort seating with pristine, elevated sightlines. The exclusive club concourse offers high-end food and beverage options away from the main crowds. Side club sections are uniquely intimate, containing only three rows of seats.
- Corona Beach HouseLocated on the upper premium level, this zone offers a laid-back, social lounge atmosphere. Tickets for Panthers games and select concerts include all-inclusive food and beverages including beer and wine served in a vibrant, bar-style setting.
- Luxury SuitesPerfect for entertaining groups, these climate controlled private spaces feature high end decor, lounge seating, a kitchenette, and a private restroom. Suite holders can pre-order upscale catering packages highlighting South Florida specialties like Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and mahi-mahi fish tacos.
- Surfside SundeckA distinct outdoor, open-air deck that lets fans soak in the South Florida evening weather during intermissions and pre-game events.
Concessions
- Signature ItemsCuban sandwiches and empanadas reflect South Florida's Latin influence. Fresh seafood options are available.
- The BBQ ShackSection 119: Serves up robust smoked favorites, featuring BBQ chicken, pulled pork, hickory-smoked ribs, and the signature Panther Burger.
- Nashville Hot ChickenSection 330: Dedicated to the spicy chicken trend, offering fried hot chicken sandwiches, chicken & waffle sandwiches, and crispy fries.
- Tastes of Florida / The CarverySection 111: Features premium, upscale hand-carved sandwiches, including a famous slow-roasted Prime Rib sandwich and carved turkey breast.
- Poutine and Ice CreamSections 130 & 307: A nod to hockey's Canadian roots, serving classic gravy-and-curd poutine alongside a high-end steak poutine.
- Stoner’s Pizza JointSections 115 & 316: Fully locked in as the "Official Pizza of the Florida Panthers," this South Florida-based chain features a major branded concession footprint serving fresh cheese and pepperoni pizzas alongside their famous half-baked cookies.
- Lime Fresh Mexican GrillSection 127: A beloved local South Florida staple offering fresh, fast-casual Mexican street food, including tacos, chips & guacamole, queso, and loaded nachos.
- Playa BowlsSection 316: Capitalizing on the beach-adjacent market, this stand offers healthy, refreshing acai, pitaya, and coconut bowls topped with fresh fruit and granola.
- Kosher KornerSection 114: A dedicated, completely cashless stand serving certified kosher options, including all-beef kosher hot dogs. Note: closed Friday nights and Saturdays before sundown for religious observance.
- Mister SofteeSections 112 & 124: The go-to spot for classic soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, and specialized ice cream nachos.
- Funky Buddha Brewery Tap RoomMain Entrance & Section 105: Located right inside the front main doors, this massive taproom highlights South Florida's local craft beer scene, pouring fan-favorite local brews like Hop Gun IPA and Floridian Wheat.
- Jameson CrossbarSection 119: A premium, upbeat concourse lounge serving up signature whiskey cocktails and mixed drinks.
- Patrón PatioPlaza Level: A vibrant, indoor-outdoor social plaza designed for fans looking to grab specialized tequila cocktails and margaritas.
- VooDoo Vodka BBQ & BarSection 115: A unique hybrid spot pairing New Belgium Voodoo Ranger craft beers and vodka cocktails with unique stadium snacks like smoked turkey legs.
Arena Information
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this arena