Florida Construction News staff writer
The Florida Panthers haveunveiled an NHL Practice Facility and Community Hub that opens for public programming.
Baptist Health IcePlex is part of the revitalization of the historic FTL War Memorial.
“We are thrilled to open this first-class facility, Baptist Health IcePlex in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. This project is a true success story of when the public and private sector work together to create something to benefit and impact our local community,” said Panthers President & CEO Matt Caldwell. “With these additional two sheets of ice in Fort Lauderdale, we truly are expanding the Panthers footprint from the Everglades to the beach.
“This rink is a welcoming environment for anyone to participate in the diverse list of youth and adult programming, shop at the retail store and enjoy a day in Holiday Park.”
The complex was designed by ROSSETTI and general contracting completed by Lemartec. It will serve as a standard-setting practice facility for players, coaches and hockey operations staff and a community hub for Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Park.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Florida Panthers through the impressive transformation of the War Memorial Auditorium into the Baptist Health IcePlex,” said Bo Boulenger, President & CEO of Baptist Health South Florida. “This state-of-the-art facility not only serves as an excellent practice venue for the team but also fosters community engagement and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle. We look forward to the positive impact this space will have on the community for many years to come.”
The 144,000 sq. ft site features:
- Two NHL-regulation sized ice rinks (Baptist Health Rink and SeatGeek Rink) including five curling lanes, a 26’x15’ LED display and color kinetic lighting
- Designed by 555 International, Pantherland powered by FLA Team Shop is a 7,500 sq. ft Florida Panthers Flagship retail location and dedicated hockey and figure skating pro shop including multiple fan engagement points and immersive features such as:
- Florida panther conservation wall
- ‘Freeze Frame’ – an augmented reality fan engagement feature
- Curved video wall
- Artistic light installations including puck and stick chandeliers
- Large Panthers shield photo opportunity
- Armed Forces salute recognizing the Florida Panthers ‘Heroes Among Us’ program which has proudly honored our veterans at every home game since 2013
- Three food and beverage on-site options including:
- Grab & go kiosks
- Concession stands
- ‘The Federal’, a full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor patio operated by Knallhart Management Group
- Three multi-use party rooms
- 11 locker rooms
The Panthers will host a Community Festival on Saturday, April 6 from 10 AM to 3 PM where residents can try select programming for free, enjoy food trucks, games and get a first-hand look at the newly constructed Baptist Health IcePlex. The Panthers will host their first Learn to Play sessions at the Baptist Health IcePlex from 1:30-3:30 PM.
The South Florida community can look forward to ‘The Federal’ opening to the public in late April. ‘The Federal’ is a full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor patio operated by Knallhart Management Group located inside Baptist Health IcePlex overlooking Holiday Park’s pickleball courts and roller rink.
