You’re heading to Sunrise to see the Cats. The energy is high, the 2024 Stanley Cup banner is hanging from the rafters, and the Florida Panthers are finally the hottest ticket in South Florida. But then you look at a map. The Amerant Bank Arena—formerly the BB&T Center, and FLA Live, and well, several other things—sits right on the edge of the Everglades. It’s not in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It’s not on the beach. Honestly, if you pick the wrong spot, you’re looking at a 45-minute slog through traffic or a $60 Uber bill.
Most people assume "near the arena" means a quick walk. It usually doesn't. This part of Florida was built for cars, not pedestrians. But there are a few exceptions that make life way easier for hockey fans.
The Walkability Trap Near Florida Panthers Arena
Let's get real about walking. In Sunrise, the arena is separated from civilization by massive parking lots and a multi-lane highway (Panther Parkway). If you think you’re going to stroll from a hotel in Plantation or Weston, you’re in for a sweaty, dangerous surprise.
There are exactly two hotels where walking is actually a viable, human thing to do.
AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills / Sunrise
This is the gold standard for Panthers fans right now. It’s basically on the grounds of the Sawgrass Mills mall. You walk out the front door, cut through a bit of the mall’s outer ring, and you’re at the arena in about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s sleek. It’s modern. It has a rooftop bar called Horizon Exclusiv that overlooks the glades. If you want to skip the $35+ parking fee at the arena, stay here.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Sunrise - Sawgrass Mills
This one is just across the street. Sorta. It’s a bit further than the AC Hotel—roughly a 20-25 minute walk. Most people don't mind it in January, but in October? You’ll be drenched. The "DoubleTree Cookie" is a nice perk, but the real value is the proximity. They often run shuttles to the arena for big events, but honestly, checking the schedule beforehand is a must because they can be hit or miss depending on the crowd size.
Luxury and the "Seaside" Alternative
Sometimes you don't want to live in a mall. I get it. If you’re looking for a higher-end experience, you have to decide if you want to be near the ice or near the ocean.
If you stay out by the beach in Fort Lauderdale, you’re looking at a 20-mile drive. Is it worth it? Maybe. The Atlantic Hotel & Spa has been leaning hard into Panthers culture lately, even offering specific game-day packages. They’ve historically partnered with players for meet-and-greets. It’s a vibe. You wake up, see the Atlantic Ocean, grab a coffee on Las Olas, and then head west for the puck drop.
Just leave early. The I-595 westbound at 6:00 PM is a nightmare. Truly.
Back on the "West Side" (near the arena), the options are more suburban-premium.
- Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West: Located in Plantation. It’s about 15 minutes away by car. It feels more "adult" than the hotels directly at the mall.
- Sheraton Suites Fort Lauderdale West: Also in Plantation. Every room is a suite. If you’re traveling with a family of four and don't want to kill each other in a cramped double-queen room, this is your spot.
The Budget Reality Check
Let's say you spent all your money on glass-seat tickets and a signed Barkov jersey. You need a cheap bed.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sawgrass is usually the first name that pops up. It’s fine. It’s located about 2.5 miles from the arena. You aren't walking from here—don't even try. But a ride-share will only cost you about $12-$15 unless it’s a playoff night.
Comfort Suites Tamarac is another sleeper hit. It’s a bit further north but usually sits at a lower price point than anything in Sunrise proper. It’s clean, it’s basic, and the breakfast doesn't taste like cardboard.
Hidden Logistics: What Nobody Tells You
Parking at Amerant Bank Arena is expensive. In 2025 and 2026, prices have hovered between $35 and $50 depending on the event. This is why the AC Hotel is almost always "worth it" even if the nightly rate is $40 higher than a hotel five miles away. You save the parking fee and the 30-minute wait to get out of the garage after the game.
If you aren't staying within walking distance, use the Rideshare Zone. It’s located near Gate 5. Pro tip: Don't call your Uber the second the final horn sounds. Walk across the street to the Sawgrass Mills mall area, grab a late-night snack or a drink at a place like Yard House, and wait 45 minutes. The surge pricing will drop, and you won't be standing in a crowd of 500 people looking for a white Toyota Corolla.
Quick Distance Cheat Sheet:
- AC Hotel Sawgrass: 0.7 miles (Walkable)
- DoubleTree Sunrise: 1.0 mile (Walkable-ish)
- La Quinta Sawgrass: 2.4 miles (5-minute drive)
- Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale/Plantation: 6.2 miles (12-minute drive)
- Fort Lauderdale Beach: 18.5 miles (30-40 minute drive)
Why Location Actually Matters Here
Sunrise isn't a "city" in the traditional sense. It’s a collection of suburbs. If you stay in Weston, you’re surrounded by quiet, manicured streets and great parks like Markham Park. If you stay in Plantation, you’re closer to the "real" South Florida food scene.
But if you are here only for the Florida Panthers, staying anywhere other than the Sawgrass Mills circle is a mistake. The mall itself is one of the largest in the United States. You can spend an entire afternoon there, walk to the game, and never have to touch your car keys.
Final Insights for Your Stay
Don't book a hotel in "Fort Lauderdale" and expect to be near the arena. Check the zip code. You want 33323 or 33325.
If you are flying in, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) is your best bet. It’s about a 20-25 minute drive to the arena area. Miami International (MIA) is a slog—easily an hour or more with traffic.
Your Game Plan:
- Book the AC Hotel if you want the easiest possible night.
- Stay in Plantation if you want better dining options and a slightly lower hotel bill.
- Use the Sawgrass Mills parking lots at your own risk. While many fans park there and walk over to save money, the mall has been known to strictly enforce "no arena parking" rules during the playoffs. Check the signs.
- Download the Broward County Transit app if you’re really on a budget. The 22 bus runs along Broward Blvd and can get you close, but it’s slow.
Once you’ve settled on a spot, your next step is to check the arena’s bag policy. It’s incredibly strict—small clutches only, or clear bags. Most fans end up walking back to their hotels to drop off backpacks they weren't allowed to bring in. Save yourself the double trip.
Check the Panthers' home schedule and the mall's holiday hours before you finalize your dates, as game-day traffic around the holidays at Sawgrass Mills is a level of chaos most people aren't prepared for. Overlapping a Saturday night game with a December shopping crowd is a recipe for a two-hour commute from five miles away. Plan accordingly.