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BankAtlantic Center Information
The search for a new arena began in 1993, when H.Wayne Huizenga obtained the new franchise for the Florida Panthers Hockey Team. The search process became a fast-track development strategy when the site in Sunrise, Florida was selected in June, 1996.
In July, 1996, Alex Muxo gathered more than a dozen architects, engineers and contractors for the first major design brainstorming session. Time was of the essence. A state-of-the-art arena had to be built by August 30, 1998, to accommodate the fall 1998 Hockey Season.
Architects Ellerbe Becket were given the 26-month time frame. They had never designed a facility that had taken less than 31 months from start to finish. They accepted the challenge.
Walter "Budge" Upton, Director of Construction for Arena Development Company, led the construction team of Centex/Rooney Huber, Hunt & Nichols and Morse Diesel. Together, they had to determine and coordinate a myriad of details to get the job completed on schedule. For months, workers were building the arena in two shifts, including weekends.
More than 600 construction workers set masonry, erected drywall, ran plumbing lines, installed air conditioning and ran miles of conduit for the electrical systems. Nearly 500 workers installed 19,000 theater style cushioned seats, carpeting and tile.
Seventy suites were completed with wet bars, closed circuited monitors and leather upholstery. Averaging over 650 square feet, the suites are the largest in the country for this type of facility.
All the activity was generated by over 50 subcontractors and 2.3 million man hours without a single injury.
The end result reflects the youthful, confident and dynamic character of the Florida Panthers Hockey Team, as well as, an effective civic image for a full range of entertainment offerings.
Accessible Seating
BankAtlantic Center recognizes the needs of guests with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Convenient wheelchair access to the BAC is available at the Plaza Level entry gates on the North and South side of the main entrance. There are two power assisted entrances located at the Event Level and four on the Plaza Level. Accessible turnstiles are located at both of these levels. Accessible ticket windows are located on the Plaza Level. There are also accessible ticket windows at each of the ticket offices outside and inside the arena. It is recommended that if disabled seats are required that you purchase your tickets in advance so that we can accommodate you and your party. There is handicap seating on the sidelines and end zones on each level of the arena.
BankAtlantic Convenience Center
BankAtlantic Convenience Center's are located on the Plaza and Upper Levels to answer any questions about the facility, upcoming events, available services or any comments or suggestions you may have. Concierge desks are located inside each Lexus Suite/Club entrance on the Plaza level to assist Suite and Club Level guests in receiving or sending any information. These service centers operate from the time doors open until the conclusion of the event.
A Season Seat Holder customer service table is set up outside section 103 with account representatives who can assist you with any needs.
Box Office
The box office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on event days. The box office windows will remain open for one hour after an event has started. Ticket information/Will Call is located on the Plaza Level at the main entrance. Tickets may be purchased with cash, American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa at the box office or by calling Ticketmaster at 954-523-3309 (Broward), 305-358-5885 (Dade) and 561-966-3309 (Palm Beach). Tickets are also available on the Internet at Ticketmaster.com.
Please note that once tickets are purchased, they are nonrefundable and not exchangeable.
Concessions
There are three food courts on each of the Plaza and Mezzanine Levels that include a wide selection of items on the menu. Guests also have an opportunity to enjoy dining on the two Carl's Patios outside the Plaza Level food courts.
Credit Cards are accepted at concessions located in sections 108 and 117.
Elevators
Two elevators outside of sections 104, 131, 404 and 431 service disabled guests attending events at the BankAtlantic Center. Disabled guests are given priority to use these elevators. Six elevators located on either side of the Plaza lobby provide access to the Lexus Suite and Club levels.
Emergency Phone Calls
In case of emergency while attending a game, you may be reached via Guest Services at 954-835-2001. Please be sure to leave your seat location with any person(s) who may need to reach you so stuff can relay the message to you. BankAtlantic Center does not have a paging system.
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