Florida Panthers FAQ — Everything You Need to Know

Question 1

When were the Florida Panthers founded?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Panthers were founded on December 10, 1992, when businessman Wayne Huizenga was awarded an NHL expansion franchise. The team's name was officially announced on April 20, 1993, and the Panthers played their first game in October 1993.

Question 2

Where are the Florida Panthers based?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Panthers are based in Sunrise, Florida — located in Broward County, just west of Fort Lauderdale. They are the southernmost team in the NHL.

Question 3

Who founded the Florida Panthers?

Accepted Answer

H. Wayne Huizenga, the Blockbuster Video magnate who also owned the Florida Marlins (MLB) and co-owned the Miami Dolphins (NFL), was awarded the NHL franchise for Miami on December 10, 1992. He paid a $50 million expansion fee to bring the team to South Florida.

Question 4

Why are they called the Florida Panthers?

Accepted Answer

The team is named after the Florida panther, an endangered subspecies of large cat native to the Everglades region of South Florida. The name was chosen to reflect both the local wildlife and qualities of strength and agility. The team also actively supports Florida panther conservation efforts.

Question 5

Where did the Florida Panthers originally play?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers initially shared the Miami Arena with the NBA's Miami Heat for their first five seasons (1993–1998). They moved to their current home arena — now known as Amerant Bank Arena — in Sunrise, Florida in 1998.

Question 6

What was Amerant Bank Arena previously called?

Accepted Answer

Amerant Bank Arena has had several names since opening in 1998: National Car Rental Center (1998–2002), Office Depot Center (2002–2005), BankAtlantic Center (2005–2012), BB&T Center (2012–2021), and FLA Live Arena (2021–2023), before becoming Amerant Bank Arena in 2023.

Question 7

When did the Florida Panthers play their first ever game?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Panthers played their first game on October 6, 1993, a 4-4 tie against the Chicago Blackhawks on the road. Scott Mellanby scored the franchise's first-ever goal. Three days later, the Panthers recorded their first win — a 2-0 shutout of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Question 8

How did the Florida Panthers perform in their first season?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers had an outstanding inaugural season in 1993-94, finishing with a record of 33-34-17 and 83 points — an NHL record for points by an expansion team at the time. They missed the playoffs by just one point.

Question 9

When did the Florida Panthers first reach the Stanley Cup Final?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers first reached the Stanley Cup Final in 1996, just their third season, upsetting the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins along the way. They ultimately lost to the Colorado Avalanche in a four-game sweep.

Question 10

What is the rat tradition at Panthers games?

Accepted Answer

The rat tradition dates back to October 1995, when forward Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room at Miami Arena with his hockey stick, then scored two goals in that night's game. Fans began throwing rubber rats on the ice to celebrate goals, and the tradition — and the rubber rats — became a beloved part of Panthers culture, especially during big moments.

Question 11

Who was the first captain in Florida Panthers history?

Accepted Answer

Brian Skrudland was the first captain in Florida Panthers franchise history, serving as captain from the team's inaugural 1993-94 season through 1996-97. Skrudland was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in the 1993 Expansion Draft, had previously won the Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1986, and led the young franchise to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1996. He went on to play 256 games in a Panthers uniform, recording 99 points, and later returned to the organization as Director of Player Development and an assistant coach.

Question 12

Who was the first draft pick in Florida Panthers history?

Accepted Answer

Rob Niedermayer was the first-ever draft pick in Florida Panthers history, selected 5th overall in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft — the franchise's very first draft. The center from Cassiar, British Columbia was 18 years old at the time and had been playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. He became the first teenager to suit up for the Panthers, went on to play 518 regular season games in Florida, and recorded 266 points (101 goals, 165 assists) with the club. He is the younger brother of Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer.

Question 13

Who was on the Florida Panthers inaugural roster for the 1993-94 season?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers built their inaugural 1993-94 roster through the 1993 NHL Expansion Draft and the 1993 Entry Draft, supplemented by free agent signings. Key players on the first-ever Panthers roster included: John Vanbiesbrouck (G) — the team's first expansion draft pick, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks; Brian Skrudland (C) — first team captain, from Montreal; Scott Mellanby (RW) — scored the first goal in franchise history; Rob Niedermayer (C) — first-ever draft pick, 5th overall; Jesse Belanger (C) — set franchise rookie records for points and assists; Bill Lindsay (LW) — played all 84 games; Gord Murphy (D) — also played all 84 games; Paul Laus (D/RW) — played 530 games over nine seasons with the club; Dave Lowry (LW); Mike Hough (LW); Tom Fitzgerald (C); and Brian Benning (D), among others. The team finished 33-34-17, setting an NHL record for points by an expansion team at the time.

Question 14

Have the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup?

Accepted Answer

Yes — twice. The Florida Panthers won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in the Finals both years. The 2024 title was the franchise's first-ever championship.

Question 15

When did the Florida Panthers win their first Stanley Cup?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers won their first Stanley Cup on June 24, 2024, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7 at Amerant Bank Arena. The victory ended a 31-year wait for the franchise's first NHL championship.

Question 16

How did the 2024 Stanley Cup Final play out?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers dominated the early stages, taking a 3-0 series lead over the Oilers. Edmonton then staged an historic comeback, winning three straight games to tie the series. The Panthers won Game 7 by a score of 2-1, with Sam Reinhart scoring the winning goal.

Question 17

When did the Florida Panthers win the 2025 Stanley Cup?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers won the 2025 Stanley Cup on June 17, 2025, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

Question 18

Are the Florida Panthers back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup in both 2024 and 2025, becoming the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, and just the 10th franchise in NHL history to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions.

Question 19

Who was the MVP of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Accepted Answer

Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff MVP — the first Florida Panthers player in franchise history to win the award. Brad Marchand finished second in voting and Sergei Bobrovsky placed third.

Question 20

What happened in Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final?

Accepted Answer

Sam Reinhart scored four goals in the Panthers' 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers to clinch the series. Reinhart became just the sixth player in NHL history to score four goals in a Stanley Cup Final game. Matthew Tkachuk scored the Cup-clinching goal.

Question 21

What was the Panthers' record in the 2025 playoffs?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers went 16-7 in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning (5 games), Toronto Maple Leafs (7 games), Carolina Hurricanes (5 games), and Edmonton Oilers (6 games).

Question 22

Who coached the Panthers to their Stanley Cup titles?

Accepted Answer

Paul Maurice has coached the Florida Panthers to both their 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup championships.

Question 23

Who is the Florida Panthers team captain?

Accepted Answer

Aleksander Barkov is the captain of the Florida Panthers. The Finnish center has been with the organization since being drafted first overall in 2013 and is widely regarded as one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL.

Question 24

Who are some of the key players on the Florida Panthers roster?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers roster features Aleksander Barkov (captain), Sam Reinhart, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett (2025 Conn Smythe winner), Sergei Bobrovsky (goaltender), Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, among others.

Question 25

What division are the Florida Panthers in?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Panthers compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Question 26

Who are the Florida Panthers' minor league affiliates?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers are primarily affiliated with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL.

Question 27

What numbers have the Florida Panthers retired?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers have retired numbers for original owner Wayne Huizenga (No. 1), founding president Bill Torrey (No. 93), and legendary goaltender Roberto Luongo (No. 1). Roberto Luongo played 11 of his 19 NHL seasons with the Panthers.

Question 28

Who was the first Florida Panthers player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy?

Accepted Answer

Sam Bennett was the first Florida Panthers player ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, earning the award as the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff MVP.

Question 29

Who owns the Florida Panthers?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Panthers are owned by Vincent 'Vinnie' Viola, who purchased the franchise in 2013 through Sunrise Sports & Entertainment.

Question 30

How do I buy Florida Panthers tickets?

Accepted Answer

Tickets for Florida Panthers games are available through SeatGeek, the official ticketing partner of the Florida Panthers and Amerant Bank Arena. You can purchase tickets at SeatGeek.com, via the Florida Panthers app, or at the Amerant Bank Arena Box Office (open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, with extended hours on event days).

Question 31

What is a Florida Panthers Territory Membership?

Accepted Answer

Territory Memberships are the Florida Panthers' season ticket program. Members receive exclusive access, savings, and experiences throughout the season, including discounts at Pantherland and Amerant Bank Arena concessions, exclusive member benefits, and priority access to playoff tickets.

Question 32

How do I contact the Panthers Membership Services Team?

Accepted Answer

You can reach the Florida Panthers Membership Services Team at 844-4CE-TEAM, at 954.835.7703 (dedicated Territory Member line), or by email at clientservices@floridapanthers.com.

Question 33

Are Florida Panthers tickets mobile only?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Florida Panthers are fully mobile — all tickets, parking passes, and related items are accessed and displayed via the Florida Panthers app or SeatGeek app. No physical tickets are printed under any circumstances.

Question 34

Who is the official ticketing partner of the Florida Panthers?

Accepted Answer

SeatGeek is the official ticketing partner of the Florida Panthers and Amerant Bank Arena. To avoid counterfeit or invalid tickets, purchase only from SeatGeek.com or the Amerant Bank Arena Box Office.

Question 35

Are 2026-27 season tickets available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida Panthers Territory Memberships for the 2026-27 season are available now at floridapanthers.com/tickets.

Question 36

Where is Amerant Bank Arena located?

Accepted Answer

Amerant Bank Arena is located at 1 Panther Pkwy, Sunrise, FL 33323, in Broward County, just west of Fort Lauderdale. It has been the home of the Florida Panthers since 1998.

Question 37

What is the seating capacity of Amerant Bank Arena?

Accepted Answer

Amerant Bank Arena has a capacity of up to 19,250 for hockey games, 20,737 for basketball, and approximately 23,000 for concerts.

Question 38

What time do Amerant Bank Arena doors open for Panthers games?

Accepted Answer

Arena doors open 60 minutes prior to puck drop for all regular season Florida Panthers home games.

Question 39

What is the bag policy at Amerant Bank Arena?

Accepted Answer

Amerant Bank Arena strongly discourages bringing bags. No purses, backpacks, backpack purses, cinch bags, or sling bags are permitted. Only small clutches sized 4" x 6" x 1.5" or smaller are allowed. Exceptions are made for diaper bags, breast pump bags, and medically necessary bags, which are subject to visual and x-ray screening.

Question 40

Is Amerant Bank Arena cashless?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Amerant Bank Arena is a completely cashless venue. All food, beverage, and merchandise purchases must be made digitally or by card. Mobile ordering is also available for contactless pick-up at select concession stands.

Question 41

Where can I park at Amerant Bank Arena?

Accepted Answer

Parking lots open 2 hours prior to puck drop and remain open 1 hour after each game. General parking can be accessed through Gates 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. Garage parking is available through Gates 1, 5 and 6. A complimentary Lexus Lot is available for Lexus drivers. Rideshare via Lyft is available with pickup and drop-off access.

Question 42

Where can I buy Florida Panthers merchandise at the arena?

Accepted Answer

Pantherland, the official Panthers team store, is located in the main lobby on the Plaza level of Amerant Bank Arena. It is open on all game days and closes 30 minutes after the game ends. Additional merchandise kiosks are located at Section 112, Section 125 (custom jerseys), and Section 301 (Upper-Level Pantherland). Game-used items can be found at Inside the Boards at Section 122.

Question 43

Can I re-enter Amerant Bank Arena after leaving?

Accepted Answer

No. Guests who exit Amerant Bank Arena during an event may not re-enter the building.

Question 44

Are strollers allowed at Florida Panthers games?

Accepted Answer

Strollers are generally not permitted inside Amerant Bank Arena for Panthers games, except for guests with tickets to Suites, the Amerant Vault, or the Corona Beach House.

Question 45

How can I watch Florida Panthers games in South Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida Panthers games air locally on 'The Spot — South Florida,' part of the Scripps Sports broadcast network. In the Miami/Fort Lauderdale market, games broadcast on WSFL (channel 39). You can also stream locally produced games on PanthersPlus.TV.

Question 46

What is Panthers Plus?

Accepted Answer

Panthers Plus is the Florida Panthers' official streaming service, available at PanthersPlus.TV. A season pass includes access to all 70 locally-produced Scripps Sports broadcasts of Panthers games, plus first-round playoff coverage. Note: nationally exclusive games on ESPN, ABC, or TNT are not available on Panthers Plus.

Question 47

How much does Panthers Plus cost?

Accepted Answer

The Panthers Plus Season Pass is available for $69.99 for the entire season. The service is available on web browsers, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.

Question 48

Can I watch Panthers games if I live outside South Florida?

Accepted Answer

Out-of-market fans can stream Florida Panthers locally broadcast games via ESPN+. Nationally broadcast games are available on ESPN, ESPN+, ABC, and TNT.

Question 49

Which national networks broadcast Florida Panthers games?

Accepted Answer

National NHL broadcasts are split between ESPN/ABC and TNT Sports. ESPN broadcasts 36 regular season games, TNT broadcasts 72, and ABC broadcasts 16 Saturday games. All TNT games are simulcast on truTV.

Question 50

Can I watch Panthers games for free?

Accepted Answer

Preseason Panthers games are available for free on PanthersPlus.TV with a free account registration. During the regular season, fans with a digital TV antenna in the South Florida market can watch locally broadcast games for free over the air on WSFL (channel 39).

Florida Panthers History

Stanley Cup Championships (2024 & 2025)

Team and Players

Tickets and Membership

Arena and Game Day

Watching and Streaming