You’re heading to South Florida, you’ve got your jersey ready, and you’re looking for the Cats. But then you look at the map and realize things are a bit confusing. Most people assume a team called "Florida" or representing the "Miami area" would be right in the heart of downtown, maybe next to the Heat’s arena. They aren't.
If you’re wondering what city does florida panthers play in, the answer is Sunrise, Florida.
Not Miami. Not Fort Lauderdale. Sunrise.
It’s a specific, suburban spot that sits right on the edge of the Everglades. Honestly, if you walk out of the arena and look west, you aren't seeing skyscrapers; you’re seeing sawgrass and swamp. This isn't just a technicality—it fundamentally changes how you plan a trip to see a game.
The Reality of Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise
The Florida Panthers play their home games at Amerant Bank Arena. If that name sounds new, it’s because it basically is. Before September 2023, you might have known it as FLA Live Arena, or the BB&T Center, or even the Office Depot Center if you’re a real old-school fan.
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The address is 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323.
Sunrise is located in Broward County. To give you some perspective on the distance, it’s about 12 to 15 miles west of Fort Lauderdale. If you’re coming from the glitz of Miami, you’re looking at a 35 to 45-minute drive, provided the Florida traffic gods are smiling on you. If it's rush hour? Forget it. You're looking at an hour plus.
The arena itself is huge. It seats about 19,250 for hockey. It’s also sitting right across the street from Sawgrass Mills, which is one of the largest outlet malls in the United States.
Why Sunrise and Not Miami?
Back in 1993, the Panthers actually did play in Miami. They shared the old Miami Arena with the Heat. It was a classic barn, but it wasn't built for the long term. By the late 90s, the late Wayne Huizenga—the guy who basically built the Panthers and the Marlins—wanted a dedicated space.
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They looked at the demographics. Broward County and Palm Beach County were where the season ticket holders lived. Moving to Sunrise put the team smack in the middle of their core fan base. It was a strategic move to be closer to the "hockey people" of the north rather than the transient tourist crowd of South Beach.
Special Events and the 2026 Winter Classic
While Sunrise is the permanent home, things are getting a little "outside the box" lately. For the first time ever, the team is actually playing a home game in Miami. On January 2, 2026, the Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers at loanDepot park (the Marlins' baseball stadium) for the NHL Winter Classic.
It’s a massive deal. It’ll be the southernmost outdoor game in NHL history.
But don't let that one-off event fool you. If you buy a ticket for any other regular-season game, you are headed to the suburbs.
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Getting There: What You Need to Know
Don't try to take a train. Public transit in this part of Florida is, frankly, pretty rough for sports fans. You’re going to need a car or a ride-share.
- Parking: The arena is surrounded by a sea of asphalt. Most fans just park in the official lots, but some savvy locals park over at Sawgrass Mills and walk across. Just be careful with the mall's towing policies; they've gotten stricter over the years.
- The Vibe: Because it’s in Sunrise, the pre-game scene is mostly centered around the mall or the "Patio" areas at the arena. You won't find a "downtown" bar-hopping scene here. It’s more of a tailgate or "dinner at the mall" vibe.
- The "Edge of the World": One of the coolest parts of the Sunrise location is the sunsets. Since there are no buildings to the west of the Sawgrass Expressway, the sky turns incredible colors right before puck drop.
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you're planning to attend a game, here is the "insider" way to do it:
- Check the Arena Name: Before you put "Panthers Arena" into your GPS, make sure it says Amerant Bank Arena. Old labels on Google Maps still sometimes point to outdated names.
- Stay in Fort Lauderdale: If you're visiting from out of town, stay in Fort Lauderdale rather than Miami. It’s a 20-minute Uber versus a 50-minute one.
- Arrive Early for Sawgrass Mills: If you need gear, there’s a massive "Pantherland" store inside the arena, but the mall across the street is great for killing three hours before doors open.
- The Winter Classic Exception: If your game is on January 2, 2026, you are going to Little Havana in Miami, not Sunrise. Double-check your ticket!
Knowing what city does florida panthers play in saves you a lot of headache. Sunrise might not have the "cool factor" of Miami, but for the reigning Stanley Cup champs, it’s been the perfect place to build a fortress.