FLA Live Arena

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The arena opened on October 3, 1998, with a Celine Dion concert. It was originally named the National Car Rental Center, then Office Depot Center, BankAtlantic Center, BB&T Center, and FLA Live Arena before becoming Amerant Bank Arena on September 19, 2023. It is currently the largest arena in Florida.

In Their Own Story

The arena has hosted major NHL events. The Florida Panthers hosted the 2001 NHL entry draft and the 2015 NHL entry draft at the arena. The arena served as the site for the 2003 NHL All-Star Game on February 2, 2003, where the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 6–5 in a shootout victory, marking the first 'official' shootout in the NHL. The arena was due to host the 2021 NHL All-Star game, but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The arena hosted the 2023 NHL All-Star Game on February 4, 2023. The arena hosted the third and fourth games of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. The arena 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. The arena hosted the third, fourth, and sixth games of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, with the final game resulting in the Panthers clinching the Stanley Cup again.

Reader's Guide

The arena has a seating capacity of 19,250 for ice hockey, 20,737 for basketball, and up to 23,000 for concerts. It features 70 suites and 2,623 club seats. The arena floor has 17,000 square feet of space for trade shows and other events.

Did You Know?

• The arena was built in 26 months, despite the architect never having designed a facility in less than 31 months.
• Over 2.3 million man hours were spent on construction without a single injury.
• The arena hosted the 2003 NHL All-Star Game, which featured the first official shootout in NHL history.
• The Florida Panthers clinched the Stanley Cup at the arena in 2024 and again in 2025.