Not only are the Florida Panthers in a push for the Stanley Cup, the team has broken ground on their $65 million revitalization of the Fort Lauderdale War Memorial and Baptist Health IcePlex. The Panthers will update and renovate the Fort Lauderdale War Memorial Auditorium as well as build a new state-of-the-art practice and community ice facility which will be known as the Baptist Health IcePlex. In total the public-private venue will span 144,000 SF.
The Panthers hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking with Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, District 2 Commissioner Steven Glassman, Florida Panthers Chairman, Owner & Governor Vincent J. Viola and CEO & President Matt Caldwell, who introduced the new project and continued partnership with Baptist Health.
The Baptist Health IcePlex is expected to be completed next summer 2022. The facility will feature two regulation-sized indoor ice rinks, including a dedicated public rink offering a variety of youth and adult hockey programs, public skating, and figure skating. The Panthers official practice rink will feature a private locker room, fitness center and stadium seating for up to 1,000 fans during practices and training camps, which will be free and open to the public.
The Fort Lauderdale War Memorial Auditorium will get an updated and fully-renovated ballroom and theater. Live Nation is expected to be the facilities’ official programming partner pending a 10-year agreement which is in the works. The War Memorial Auditorium will also continue to serve as a tribute to honor Broward County's fallen military heroes.
Images via Florida Panthers and Rossetti