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Florida Panthers Reveal Opulent $65M HQ: Pickleball, Golf Carts, and State-of-the-Art Lockers
THE Florida Panthers are setting new standards in the NHL – both on and off the ice.
The Panthers have made their second consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and recently unveiled a world-class $65 million training facility.
Nearly three years after breaking ground, the Panthers recently moved into the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale.
The 144,000-square-foot facility features two NHL-regulation-size rinks with five curling lanes, plus seating for up to 1,000 fans.
There is also a 7,500 square-foot retail location and dedicated hockey and figure skating pro shop.
Other amenities include three food and beverage on-site options including grab-and-go kiosks, concession stands and a full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor patio.
There are also three multi-use party rooms and 11 locker rooms.
“In addition to the fact that this is a magnificent facility,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently said.
“One of the things the NHL prides itself on is our teams making a difference in the lives of the people in the communities in which they play.
“I don’t think there can be any better example than what we’re looking at here.
And it is the beginning of many, many, great things to come.”
The Panthers are also completely renovating the adjoining War Memorial Auditorium, which was built in 1950 and has fallen into disrepair.
It is being transformed into an upscale live music venue.
The facility has been designed with the Panthers players in mind.
Many players drive golf carts through the surrounding neighborhoods to get to practice – and specific golf cart parking has been installed.
In the main locker room, each space has its own heat source to dry the hockey equipment.
The player lounge has six TVs and a full-time chef.
There is also an expansive weight room, a hot and cold tub, plus a number of outdoor pickleball courts.
The team have lost their past two games, however, with the momentum firmly in the Oilers’ hands.
Game 6 of the Finals takes places in Edmonton on Friday evening.
