BB&T Center

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Lore & Background

The arena's history is tied to the Florida Panthers' move from the now-demolished Miami Arena. In December 1995, Sunrise City Manager Pat Salerno made public a $167-million financing and construction plan. Broward County approved construction in February 1996, and the site was chosen by the Panthers in June 1996. Architects Ellerbe Becket accepted the 26-month deadline despite never having designed a facility in less than 31 months. Construction involved over fifty subcontractors and 2.3 million man hours without a single injury. The arena has hosted major NHL events, including the 2003 and 2023 NHL All-Star Games, and was the site of the Panthers' Stanley Cup clinching games in 2024 and 2025.

In Their Own Story

The humidity clings to your skin as you walk through the parking lot, but the moment you step inside, the air turns crisp and cold. The ice gleams under the bright overhead lights, reflecting the red and teal of the jerseys on the boards. A player taps his stick against the glass near the bench, signaling a timeout, while the crowd hums with anticipation. Outside, palm trees sway in the warm night breeze, but here, time freezes until the puck drops.

Reader's Guide

Game nights at this South Florida arena blend tropical heat with frozen intensity. Fans arrive early for tailgating, a rare tradition in NHL culture that thrives under the palm trees outside Sunrise. The parking lots transform into communal spaces where jerseys are worn alongside casual summer attire, reflecting the region's unique climate. Inside, the air conditioning meets the chill of the ice, creating a stark contrast that sharpens focus during every shift. Rituals include the collective roar when the team scores, echoing through the concourse and back to the locker rooms. The crowd knows when to hush for penalty draws or erupt for power plays, showing a deep understanding of hockey's rhythm. Local businesses often sponsor community nights, tying the franchise tightly into the broader South Florida identity beyond just sports. This venue represents more than ice; it is a gathering place where diverse cultures unite under one banner. The Panthers integrate regional pride by highlighting local heroes and hosting youth hockey clinics within the facility walls.

Did You Know?

• The arena was built in 26 months by architects Ellerbe Becket, who had never designed a facility in less than 31 months.
• Construction involved 2.3 million man hours without a single injury.
• The arena hosted the first 'official' shootout in NHL history during the 2003 NHL All-Star Game.
• Marco Antonio Solís set the Latin gross revenue record at the arena in April 2022, then beat his own record on April 1, 2023.
• The arena was originally known as the Broward County Civic Center during construction.

Foundations and Early Resilience

The arena was completed in 1998 at a cost of US$185 million, almost entirely publicly financed. It features 70 suites with wet bars, closed circuit monitors, and leather upholstery, as well as 2,623 club seats. Construction was generated by over fifty subcontractors and 2.3 million man hours without a single injury. Known as the Broward County Civic Center during construction, the naming rights were won in July 1998 by National Car Rental, a company purchased by Panthers owner Wayne Huizenga in January 1997. A certificate of occupancy was given on September 12, 1998, and the arena opened on October 3, 1998, with a Celine Dion concert.

Confronting Historical Legacies

The source does not provide information about historical legacies related to slavery or corporate apologies. This section cannot be written based on the provided source.

The Merger and Corporate Transformation

In February 2019, it was announced that BB&T would be merging with SunTrust Banks to form Truist Financial Corporation. The merged company decided not to renew the naming rights agreement after it expired in 2021. The arena was temporarily named FLA Live Arena until a new rights partner was found. On September 19, 2023, it was announced that Amerant Bank would be the new rights partner, renaming the arena to Amerant Bank Arena.

Brand Evolution and Community Presence

The arena's naming rights have changed multiple times. It opened as the National Car Rental Center in 1998. It became the Office Depot Center in the summer of 2002. On September 6, 2005, it became the BankAtlantic Center. After BB&T acquired BankAtlantic in July 2012, the arena was rebranded as the BB&T Center. In October 2012, Sunrise Sports and Entertainment completed installation of the Club Red [now Amerant Vault], a 12,000+ square-foot exclusive lounge. On May 14, 2013, Broward County voted to fund a new scoreboard, which debuted on October 11, 2013. The arena hosted the 2023 NHL All-Star Game on February 4, 2023, and the third and fourth games of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. It also hosted the first, second, fifth, and seventh games of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, with the final game resulting in the Panthers clinching the Stanley Cup.