Amerant Bank Tips

Planning a trip to Amerant Bank Arena? Whether you’re heading to Sunrise for a Florida Panthers game, a major concert, a family show, or another special event, knowing the arena’s quirks before you arrive can save you money, cut down on parking headaches, and help you choose much better seats.

This ultimate Amerant Bank Arena guide covers everything you need to know about tickets, entry, seating, parking, transportation, bag rules, food and drink, premium areas, and the insider tricks Panthers fans use to make event day easier.

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🎟️ Tickets & Entry

• Amerant Bank Arena is home to the Florida Panthers and can hold up to approximately 19,250 fans for hockey and 20,000 for concerts, basketball, and family shows.
• For Panthers games, arena doors generally open 60 minutes before puck drop.
• Concert and special-event door times vary by promoter and artist, so check the event-specific information before leaving home.
• The box office generally operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on event days.
• The arena is completely cashless. Bring a credit card, debit card, or supported digital payment method.
• There are no ATMs inside the arena.
• No re-entry: once your ticket is scanned and you leave, you generally cannot return unless an emergency arrangement is made.
• Pro Tip Looking for tickets? You can compare seat prices across all the major ticketing sites using our search tool.
  Florida Panthers, All Events at Amerant Bank Arena
• Pro TipDo one final phone-wallet-keys-ticket check before you enter. If you leave something important in your car after your ticket is scanned, the no-re-entry rule can turn a small mistake into a big headache.

General Admission Concerts

• For shows with a GA floor, the floor is typically standing-room-only and first come, first served.
• For qualifying GA events, guests may be permitted on arena property beginning around 7:00 a.m. on event day to form the GA line.
• GA guests receive a wristband after entry and should keep both the wristband and their ticket available for floor access.
• Pro TipNever use the Panthers hockey seating map to judge a concert floor setup. Stage placement, floor sections, production equipment, side-stage seats, and blocked-off sections can all change from show to show.

🚗 Parking & Transportation

Amerant Bank Arena sits at 1 Panther Parkway in Sunrise, Florida, directly across from Sawgrass Mills. The arena has roughly 7,200 on-site parking spaces, but event-night traffic can still become one of the biggest headaches of the entire visit.

Official Arena Parking

• The arena recommends purchasing parking in advance for Panthers games and concerts.
• For Panthers games, current drive-up pricing for general parking in A Lot and D Lot is approximately $40–$50 plus tax. Prices can change.
• D Lot: enter through Gate 1 or Gate 7.
• A Lot: enter through Gate 2 or Gate 3.
• Parking lots normally open about two hours before the scheduled event.
• Parking is cashless, and saving spaces for other vehicles is prohibited.
• Pro TipIf you already know you’re driving, buy parking before event day. It removes one decision from arrival and may be cheaper than paying at the gate.

The Sawgrass Mills Parking Strategy

Ask regular Panthers fans where they park and one answer comes up constantly: Sawgrass Mills. Fans frequently report parking around the mall and walking across rather than paying for an arena lot.

• The Oasis side of Sawgrass Mills is commonly recommended because of its proximity to the arena.
• The area near the AMC/movie theater is another popular fan-reported option, particularly for late-ending events because restaurants, bars, and the theater tend to stay active later than the mall itself.
• Fans typically describe the walk from the mall as roughly 10–15 minutes, depending on where you park.
• Important: Sawgrass Mills is private property. Parking there for arena events is a fan practice, not an official Amerant Bank Arena parking arrangement. Access, enforcement, and towing policies can change.
• Pro TipSome regulars park farther from the Oasis congestion—around Red Snapper Road—and accept a slightly longer walk in exchange for an easier exit afterward.
• Pro TipIf you’re heading toward Miami after the event, blindly following the biggest stream of cars toward Flamingo Road may not be fastest. Fans report that looping around the backside of Sawgrass Mills toward another highway access point can sometimes avoid the worst postgame jam.

Uber & Lyft

• Official rideshare vehicles enter through Gate 3.
• Drop-off takes place at the North Pedestrian Walkway, with vehicles exiting through Gate 2.
• After events, rideshare vehicles again enter Gate 3 and pick up guests near the northern end of the North Pedestrian Walkway before exiting Gate 2.
• Pro TipExpect your post-event rideshare pickup to take longer than your pre-event drop-off. Waiting a little while for the first wave of traffic to clear can sometimes make the experience easier.

Walking & Public Transportation

• Pedestrians are currently directed onto arena grounds through Gate 6 using the designated sidewalk and stairs.
• Gate 5 is no longer the pedestrian entrance, so older guides may send you the wrong way.
• Broward County Transit serves the area with Routes 22, 23, 36, 72, 110, and 114.
• Individual transit schedules vary, so check your route carefully if your event is expected to end late.
• Eligible riders who cannot use regular BCT service may be able to use TOPS paratransit.

Tailgating

Fans do report grilling and tailgating in the parking areas, but the arena’s current public parking guidance does not provide a blanket policy specifically authorizing grills, tents, open alcohol, or traditional tailgate setups.

• Pro TipTreat tailgating as a “verify before you go” situation. Don’t build your entire pregame around bringing a grill or elaborate setup unless your specific event’s rules confirm it.

🛍️ Bag Policy & Security

• The arena strongly discourages bringing bags.
• Standard permitted bags are small clutches, crossbody bags, and wristlets measuring less than approximately 4″ × 6″ × 1.5″.
• Clear bags are encouraged but are not required.
• Medical, diaper, and breast-pump bags can qualify for exceptions but are still subject to screening.
• Guests pass through security screening and walk-through metal detectors. Bags may be visually searched or X-rayed.
• Prohibited items include oversized bags, backpacks, coolers, detachable-lens cameras, GoPros, laptops, selfie sticks, weapons, drones, fireworks, lasers, airhorns, whistles, smoking devices, lighters, outside alcohol, and illegal drugs.
• Signs larger than 2′ × 2′ or attached to poles are prohibited.
• Pro TipShowed up with the wrong bag? The arena currently offers bag lockers outside the main entrance at the bottom of the Publix Plaza stairs. That’s much better than trekking all the way back to your car.

Outside Food & Water

• Guests may bring one unopened plastic water bottle per person.
• Outside food and beverages are otherwise generally prohibited.
• Exceptions may be available for medical needs, religious dietary requirements, and certain child-related food.

Cameras & Electronics

• Camera and electronic-device policies can change depending on the performer or promoter.
• For Panthers games, iPads/tablets may be permitted.
• For non-hockey events, tablets should generally be treated as prohibited unless the event-specific policy says otherwise.
• Pro TipConcert rules are the place where people get burned by assuming hockey policies apply. Check the specific event page before bringing a camera, umbrella, tablet, or unusual electronic device.

📍 Seating Tips & Best Sections

Amerant Bank Arena is generally divided into Plaza/lower-bowl seating, Club and suite areas, and the upper level. Seat widths vary from approximately 17 to 22 inches, so comfort can vary noticeably depending on location.

Best Seats for Panthers Hockey

• First row of the upper level: a fan-favorite compromise between price and unobstructed sightlines, especially near center ice or in a corner.
• Higher rows of the lower bowl: often better for seeing the entire sheet than extremely low seats near the glass.
• First row of the Club Level: repeatedly praised by fans for elevated, unobstructed views and the ability to follow action at both ends.
• Pro TipFor hockey, closer is not automatically better. Very low rows can put the glass directly in your sightline when watching play at the opposite end. Fans who care about seeing plays develop often prefer more elevation.

Sections 105 & 107

Lower rows around Sections 105 and 107 can be particularly fun because fans report that the Panthers use this area near their entrance tunnel. That makes these seats appealing if seeing players emerge up close matters more to you than having the perfect scoring-end view.

• Pro TipThese sections are on the Panthers’ shoot-once end, so think of them as atmosphere and player-proximity seats rather than the ideal choice for watching the Panthers attack twice.

Seat-Specific Watchouts

• Section 109 front row: a fan-submitted report warns that the mascot or cheer team can occasionally affect the sightline.
• Section 114: at least one fan praised the view but complained about limited legroom.
• Pro TipIf you’re tall, don’t judge seats only by the view. With seat widths and spacing varying around the building, comfort can be just as important over a full hockey game or three-hour concert.

Concert Seating

• Concerts can use end-stage layouts with either a reserved floor or a general-admission floor.
• Stage extensions, soundboards, production equipment, and blocked-off seats vary by show.
• Pro TipAlways inspect the map attached to the exact concert you’re buying. A section that is fantastic for hockey can become side-stage, limited-view, or completely unavailable for a concert.

The “Puck N Play” Rule

During Panthers games, ushers may hold fans at the aisle after they leave their seats and wait until the next stoppage in play before allowing them to return.

• Pro TipTime your beer, bathroom, and food runs with whistles or intermission. Walking back at the wrong moment can leave you standing at the tunnel while the game continues.

🍽️ Food & Drink

Amerant Bank Arena has standard arena concessions plus several premium lounges and specialty areas. Exact vendors can change, especially from season to season and between hockey games and concerts.

• Funky Buddha Brewery Tap Room: located just inside the main doors across from Pantherland. For Panthers games, it typically opens one hour before puck drop and is also available for selected other events.
• Dialpad Club Level: Club-ticket holders get access to upgraded lounge and dining options overlooking the lower bowl.
• Recent fan recommendations on the Club Level include the pulled pork sandwich and sliced turkey near the band area.
• Fans have also given strong recent reviews to Lime Fresh Grill, although concession vendors can change.
• Pro TipIf there’s one concession you absolutely want to try, verify it for your specific event rather than assuming every restaurant operates for every concert or game.

Eating & Drinking at Sawgrass Mills

Because Sawgrass Mills is directly across from the arena, it doubles as one of the easiest pregame food-and-drink zones around Amerant Bank Arena.

• Fans regularly recommend eating or grabbing drinks in the Oasis area before walking to the arena.
• Yard House is a particularly common fan-reported pregame stop.
• Pro TipPregaming at Sawgrass can solve two problems at once: you eat before paying arena prices and avoid sitting in the parking lot waiting for doors to open.

🍻 Pregame & Premium Experiences

Patrón Patio

Patrón Patio is an outdoor social area with games such as Giant Jenga, ring toss, and bubble hockey, plus beverage specials. For Panthers games, it typically opens about two hours before puck drop.

• After Panthers games, the area can continue with an approximately one-hour “4th Period Postgame Party” featuring music and drink specials.
• Pro TipIf you like arriving early but don’t want to sit in your seat for an hour, Patrón Patio gives you somewhere to make the early arrival worthwhile.

Surfside Sundeck

The Surfside Sundeck is a beach-themed outdoor space featuring seating, games, beverages, and occasional live country music. For Panthers games, it is currently advertised as opening approximately two hours before puck drop.

Amerant Vault

• One of the arena’s top premium experiences.
• Features premium central or center-ice sightlines.
• Includes complimentary food, beer, wine, and soda.
• Offers private restrooms, private entrance access, dedicated waitstaff, and selected premium-event invitations.

Corona Beach House

• All-inclusive lounge available for Panthers games and select concerts/events.
• Offers direct or panoramic event views.
• Can include complimentary food, beer, wine, and soda plus private restrooms.
• Pro TipFor concerts, confirm exactly what your premium ticket includes. The all-inclusive package is not guaranteed for every non-hockey event.

Pantherland Team Store

Pantherland is the main Florida Panthers team store in the Plaza-level lobby. On Panthers game days, it generally stays open until approximately 30 minutes after the game ends.

• Pro TipUnless you want a specific item that could sell out, shop after the game rather than carrying merchandise around all night.

♿ Accessibility & Guest Services

• Accessible seating is available on every arena level.
• Up to three companion seats can generally be purchased with one accessible seat, subject to availability.
• ADA parking is available on both the north and south sides of the arena and is first come, first served.
• North ADA parking: use Gates 1, 2, or 5.
• South ADA parking: use Gates 1 or 7.
• A valid accessible-parking placard must be displayed.
• Wheelchair escorts can be requested from Event Services upon arrival.
• ASL interpreters can be arranged for concerts and events with approximately two weeks’ notice.
• Pro TipADA spaces are first come, first served, and fans report that they can fill quickly. Arriving near the beginning of the parking window is the safer play.

First Aid & Restrooms

• First Aid is available outside Section 119 on the Plaza Level.
• Another First Aid location is near Section 320 upstairs.
• The arena reports 34 public restrooms, all accessible and equipped with changing stations.
• Family-restroom listings vary within arena guidance, so ask Guest Services for the closest location if needed.

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🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

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⎵ Bottom Line

Buy parking ahead if you want the easiest arrival, or investigate the fan-favorite Sawgrass Mills strategy if you’re comfortable with unofficial parking. Arrive early for ADA parking or pregame areas, keep your bag tiny, bring one unopened water bottle, and remember that the arena is completely cashless with no re-entry.

For Panthers games, prioritize elevation over simply getting as close to the glass as possible. First-row upper-level and Club Level seats are strong fan favorites, while Sections 105 and 107 offer a fun player-entrance experience. Add a pregame stop at Sawgrass, Patrón Patio, or the Surfside Sundeck, and you’ve got a much smoother Amerant Bank Arena game plan.

🤔 How do we know all of this?

UPFRONT is a Ticketing Intelligence Site dedicated to getting fans into the seats they love at a price they can afford. That’s why we try to do everything in our power to make your experience awesome, like making these guides!

Did we forget something or get something wrong? Let us know in the comments!