Amerant Bank Arena: Guide for Visiting Fans

Amerant Bank Arena isn't really close to where most tourists hang out when visiting South Florida — it's located in the suburb of Sunrise, about 12 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and a good 30 miles north of downtown Miami proper. The closest major airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL); a rideshare from FLL runs roughly 25–35 minutes without traffic and will cost $30–$50. From Miami International (MIA), budget 40–50 minutes and $55–$80.

Driving is the dominant mode. From I-95, take I-595 West to Exit 1 (136th Ave.) and proceed north — 136th Ave becomes Panther Parkway, and the arena is one mile north of Sunrise Boulevard on the left. You can also take the Sawgrass Expressway (FL-869) if coming from the north.

For transit, Broward County Transit (BCT) provides bus services that drop you near the arena; Route 72 stops just a short walk from the entrance. BCT routes 22, 23, 36, and 72 all serve the area. For playoff games and high-demand nights, BCT has run a dedicated Park & Ride shuttle: free parking at Government Center West on North University Drive in Plantation, with express buses for $2 to and from the arena. The ride drops you off right at Gate 7. Check BCT's website before your trip — this service runs selectively.

For rideshare, use Gate 3 for rideshare entrance, with guests dropped off at the North Pedestrian Walkway entrance.

Parking in the Amerant Bank Arena lot varies by opponent but on average costs $35–$40. Pre-purchasing online through SeatGeek is your best move — prices can jump day-of, especially for rivalry games. For Club and garage parking, enter through Gates 5 & 6. For general parking (D Lot), use Gate 1 or Gate 7; A Lot is accessed via Gate 2, 3, or 5.

The worst-kept secret in Sunrise: many fans simply park across the street at Sawgrass Mills mall and walk over, and clusters of cars form in the northernmost reaches of the Sawgrass Mills parking lot, closest to the arena. Traffic control cops are on hand to ensure pedestrians can cross safely, and "across the street" is still about a quarter-mile — nothing unreasonable, but worth knowing. For away fans, this free option is genuinely worth it if you arrive with time to spare.

Sunrise itself is not a destination neighborhood, but the immediate area has solid options. The AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise is a stylish option with 174 guest rooms and a rooftop bar, and you're within walking distance of Sawgrass Mills. The DoubleTree by Hilton Sunrise is a mile from the arena and a reliable mid-range choice — expect to pay $140–$200/night on game nights. The La Quinta by Wyndham Sunrise is another close option, generally cheaper and fine if you just need a clean bed.

If you want actual character, book in Fort Lauderdale proper — Las Olas Boulevard has boutique hotels and you're 20–25 minutes by car. The tradeoff is post-game traffic on I-595 eastbound. Beach travelers staying in Hollywood or Dania Beach will also find a manageable 30-minute drive, and you'll have far more dining options before and after.

Here's the honest truth: there is no strip of sports bars ringing this arena. You're in an office-park-adjacent suburb. But there are workable options:

Yard House (Sawgrass Mills) — The Yard House is located at the western section of Sawgrass Mills shopping mall, a 5-minute walk or quick drive from the arena. It's a chain, but it has a massive draft beer list, giant portions, and it absorbs pre-game crowds reasonably well. Arrive early — 90 minutes before puck drop or it fills fast.

Grand Lux Café (Sawgrass Mills) — Sawgrass Mills offers a solid mix of restaurants including Grand Lux Café, which is a step up from typical mall food in terms of both quality and menu breadth. Good for a group that can't agree on anything.

Mojitobar (Sawgrass Mills) — Enjoy a tropical drink and plates infused with Latin flavors at the Mojitobar. The South Florida Latin dining scene is genuinely good, and this spot captures a bit of that. The mojitos are the draw; the food is decent.

Funky Buddha Brewery Tap Room (inside the arena) — If you're skipping the pre-game bar scene entirely, Amerant Bank Arena has a brewery on the Plaza seating level — the Funky Buddha Brewery Tap Room, featuring beers from Funky Buddha Brewery based in nearby Boca Raton, including the Gloves Off IPA brewed especially for the Panthers. Worth arriving at gate-open time to grab a stool.

This is a strict venue on bags. No purses, backpacks, backpack purses, cinch bags, or sling bags are allowed inside — only small clutches sized 4"×6" and under, plus bags for medical needs and diaper bags. That is genuinely tiny. Plan accordingly — most people just travel light and use pockets. Bag lockers are available outside the main entrance at the bottom of the Publix Plaza stairs if you need to ditch something.

Doors open 60 minutes prior to puck drop for all regular season Panthers home games. Arrive at gate open if you want Funky Buddha Tap Room seats and a relaxed entry experience. The North and South Main entrances nearest to Pantherland have designated permitted bag lines to speed up entry if you're carrying a qualifying clutch. All tickets are mobile — all tickets are delivered electronically as mobile tickets, viewable on the SeatGeek or Florida Panthers app, with a QR code scanned at the doors.

The arena is completely cashless — no cash is accepted anywhere. There are no ATMs inside the building either. Load up your card or mobile wallet before you arrive.

Accessible seating is available for all events at Amerant Bank Arena, and each level of the arena is equipped with accessible seating. Designated seating is available for wheelchair users, guests who are visually or hearing impaired, and those with limited mobility. Up to three companion seats may be purchased for each accessible seat sold. Accessible seating must be purchased through SeatGeek.com or the arena box office — third-party brokers can't handle these exchanges.

For guests unable to use standard BCT bus service, TOPS provides door-to-door transport using minivans, sedans, lift-equipped vans, and small buses — reachable at 954-357-8400. For any other ADA accommodation questions, contact the arena's guest experience team directly at guestexperience@floridapanthers.com before your visit.

There is no formal designated away section at Amerant Bank Arena — you sit where your ticket says, Panthers country or otherwise. Despite the large capacity, there really are no bad seats; sightlines are excellent even in the 300 level.

You can expect to pay $100–$150 for lower level seats and $40–$80 in the 300 level. For away fans, the upper 300-level corners (sections 301–306, 319–324) offer solid sightlines at value prices and tend to attract fans who are there for hockey rather than the spectacle. You're far enough from the loudest sections of the home crowd to have a good time if your team scores. Avoid sitting dead-center in the lower bowl end zones closest to the Pantherland entrance — that's where the most vocal home faithful congregate. Mid-ice lower bowl is the premium view for hockey and worth the extra spend if your team is making the trip worthwhile.

Amerant Bank Arena concentrates its food concessions in a food court format across three courts on each of the two general seating levels, which actually keeps the concourse moving better than you'd expect. Prices for adult beverages include domestic beers at $15 (16 oz), wine at $22, and premium liquors at $17.50. The standout stop is the Funky Buddha Brewery Tap Room on the Plaza level, pouring Boca Raton craft beers including the arena-exclusive Gloves Off IPA. Outside food and beverages are not permitted — bring one sealed plastic water bottle and leave everything else at the car.

The Panthers did suffer from attendance issues during their early years, but with back-to-back championships, the fanbase is now genuinely energized — and you'll notice large numbers of Canadian license plates in the lots, as many Canadian snowbirds have winter homes in the area. That Canadian contingent is, quietly, among the most knowledgeable hockey crowds in the NHL's sunbelt, and they know a good play when they see one regardless of which team makes it. Away fans in visiting gear are generally treated fine — this isn't a hostile building in the way a playoff atmosphere at Madison Square Garden can be. The stands are a sea of red celebrating championships, and the noise level on big games is real, but traveling fans have reported feeling safe and even welcomed. The one thing to brace for: toy rats fly out of the stands after every Panthers win — don't be alarmed when it rains rubber rodents.

Driving: The lots empty slowly in all directions. The Sawgrass Expressway (FL-869) northbound clears faster than the I-595 eastbound ramp, which can log 25–40 minutes of standing traffic post-game. If you're heading to Fort Lauderdale, consider going north to Commercial Boulevard and then cutting east on surface streets — it adds a few miles but moves. If you parked at Sawgrass Mills, expect a quarter-mile walk and a slightly faster exit since you're not boxed into the arena lots. Wait at least 20–25 minutes after the final whistle before attempting to exit — the first wave out is the worst.

Rideshare: After events, rideshare vehicles are directed to enter Gate 3 and pick up guests at the northern end of the North Pedestrian Walkway, then leave via Gate 2. Surge pricing post-game is real — expect 1.5–2x rates in the first 20 minutes. The smart move: walk toward Sawgrass Mills mall, request your ride from the mall parking lot instead of the arena pickup zone, and you'll often get a cheaper fare and shorter wait.

Transit: BCT Route 72 runs until around midnight, but frequency drops post-10 p.m. If the game runs long, confirm the last departure. On BCT Park & Ride shuttle nights, buses run post-game until the crowd clears. The opinionated tip: if you took the BCT shuttle in, stay in your seat until about 10 minutes after the final buzzer — the platform queue at Gate 7 empties noticeably once the first wave departs, and you'll board faster without fighting the rush.

What is the nearest transit to Amerant Bank Arena?

BCT bus lines 22, 23, 36, and 72 stop near the arena; the nearest stops are at NW 136th Avenue/Orange Grove Drive and NW 136th Avenue/Red Snapper Road. On high-demand game nights, check for BCT's express Park & Ride shuttle from Plantation.

What is the bag policy at Amerant Bank Arena?

No purses, backpacks, backpack purses, cinch bags, or sling bags are allowed — only small clutches sized 4"×6" and under, plus medical bags and diaper bags. There is a bag locker station outside the main entrance if needed.

How much does parking cost at Amerant Bank Arena?

Arena lot parking averages $35–$40 depending on the opponent. Many fans park free across the street at Sawgrass Mills mall and walk over. Pre-purchase through SeatGeek to lock in the lower price.

What time do gates open for Panthers games?

Doors open 60 minutes prior to puck drop for all regular season Panthers home games.

Does Amerant Bank Arena accept cash?

The arena is completely cashless — no cash is accepted and there are no ATMs inside the building. Bring a card or loaded mobile wallet.

Where are the best seats for away fans? There is no official away section. Upper 300-level corners are affordable and offer good sightlines with a more mixed crowd. There really are no bad seats — sightlines are excellent even in the 300 level.

How far is Amerant Bank Arena from Fort Lauderdale and Miami?

The arena is about 12 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and a good 30 miles north of downtown Miami. Budget 25–35 minutes from FLL airport and 40–55 minutes from Miami in normal traffic.

What are the food and drink highlights inside Amerant Bank Arena?

Options include the Funky Buddha Brewery Tap Room for craft beers, the Jameson Crossbar for a premium bar experience, the Patrón Patio outdoor space, and the Corona Beach House all-inclusive lounge. Standard concessions run from pizza and burgers to local-inspired dishes at the food court clusters on each level.