The Florida Panthers won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025, and if you have been anywhere near Panther Parkway on a home playoff night recently, you already know what that has done to the parking situation. The Sawgrass Expressway backs up well before puck drop, the general lots open two hours out and start filling fast, and the moment the final horn sounds — 19,000 fans funnel toward the same intersection of NW 136th Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard all at once. A Hollywood charter bus or party bus rental to Amerant Bank Arena doesn't just skip that chaos: your group gets its own dedicated entry through Gate 7, parks in Lot D2 for a flat $75, and the ride back to Hollywood is already handled the second you book.

This guide covers every operational detail a first-timer needs — the approach from Hollywood, exactly where buses drop off, what parking actually costs, how the post-game exit works, and which vehicle fits your group — using verified information straight from the arena's own published pages. Whether you are building a Panthers fan group run, coordinating a corporate suite night, or moving a large group to one of South Florida's biggest concerts, Partybushollywood.net makes it fast to find the right bus through a large network of transportation providers serving Hollywood and Broward County. Fill out the quick form or call 786-528-6973 any time to compare vehicles and pricing in under 30 seconds.

Amerant Bank Arena, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323 — the largest arena in Florida, home of the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, and a concert venue with capacity up to 23,000.

Why Rent a Bus to Amerant Bank Arena from Hollywood?

The arena's parking setup is functional — on a quiet Tuesday night. Amerant Bank Arena has 7,200 on-site spaces, all on a cashless-only system (credit and debit cards only, no cash accepted at any gate). Standard gate parking in the A and D lots runs $40–$50 plus tax for Panthers games, and lots open two hours before puck drop with a strict no re-entry policy once you leave.

On a weekend playoff game, those lots fill in the first 90 minutes after they open, the Sawgrass Expressway crawl starts well before then, and by the time most groups arrive, A Lot is directing late arrivals toward the back rows.

Post-game is the real pain point. When 19,000-plus fans exit the building at the same time, NW 136th Avenue backs up in both directions, Sunrise Boulevard clogs toward I-595, and rideshare surge pricing fires up the moment the final horn sounds. Rideshare pickup is designated at Gate 3, North Pedestrian Walkway — which keeps the Uber queue off the main lot roads, but on a Saturday playoff night, that wait can stretch 30 to 45 minutes before a ride actually shows up.

From Hollywood, a post-game surge Uber can easily run $60–$80 one way.

One bus changes all of that. Your group loads up in Hollywood, takes I-95 North to I-595 West — about 19 miles — and pulls into Gate 7 for Lot D2 while everyone else is still circling the Sawgrass on-ramp. When the game ends, the bus is already staged.

One agreed-upon exit window, no surge pricing, no regrouping across a dark parking lot. For groups of 15 or more coming up from Hollywood, the per-person math on a bus regularly beats coordinating multiple cars, individual $40–$50 parking passes, and the who-stays-sober problem — all in one flat rate.

Charter Bus & Party Bus Drop-Off at Amerant Bank Arena

Amerant Bank Arena has published, gate-specific entry procedures for buses, and they are clear. Per the official Florida Panthers parking page, buses enter through Gate 7 and are assigned to Lot D2, with a flat parking fee of $75 per bus. That rate applies regardless of vehicle size — a 15-passenger minibus and a 56-passenger charter bus pay the same $75.

Limousines use Gate 6 and pay double the standard event rate. Rideshare vehicles drop at Gate 3 and their vehicles exit via Gate 2. Taxis use Gate 1.

Lot D2 sits on the south side of the property. The bus parks there while your group is inside — no circling, no meter running out, no tracking down where the vehicle went. When the third period ends, you walk out to a staged coach instead of joining the Gate 3 rideshare queue.

That's the clearest advantage a private bus holds over every other option at this venue: rideshare users are waiting in a line that gets longer every minute after the horn sounds; your group boards and rolls.

Official bus logistics at Amerant Bank Arena: Enter Gate 7 → park in Lot D2 → flat fee of $75. Always confirm current procedures on the official arena directions and parking page before your event date, as specific routing can vary by event.

The Drive from Hollywood: I-595 West and Panther Parkway

Amerant Bank Arena is roughly 19 miles northwest of Hollywood, and the direct route is I-95 North to I-595 West, exiting at Exit 1 (NW 136th Avenue / Panther Parkway), then one mile north to the arena entrance on your left. Off-peak, that's a 25-minute drive. On a game night — especially a weekend or a playoff round — I-595's merge at 136th Avenue is where traffic typically stacks up first, and the same trip can take 50 to 70 minutes.

The arena's own visitor guidance suggests planning at least 45 minutes of travel time from Fort Lauderdale without event traffic, which puts Hollywood groups at 50–70 minutes when the Panthers are deep in a playoff run.

The arena's official directions page lists three main approach routes. The I-595 approach (Exit 1 northbound on 136th Ave) is the natural line from Hollywood and most of Broward's southeastern cities. The Sawgrass Expressway approach exits at Oakland Park Boulevard, turns onto Flamingo Road, then right onto Panther Parkway, arriving at Gate 3 — useful if you're coming from the northwest.

The I-75 approach via Pat Salerno Drive deposits traffic directly into Gates 1 or 2 and works well for groups originating from western Broward or Miami-Dade via the Palmetto or Florida Turnpike Extension. For a bus coming from Hollywood, I-595 West is the straight shot — and the approach is built into the routing, not something your group navigates in real time.

One thing that catches first-timers: the arena is positioned right at the western edge of Broward County, with the Everglades on its far side. There's no overflow parking one exit down. If you miss your approach window on a big night, the next U-turn opportunity adds meaningful time.

Building in a 90-minute buffer before a Saturday sellout — versus the 60-minute minimum the arena recommends for weeknight games — is not overcautious. It's the difference between a full tailgate window and a rushed entry.

Drive Times from Common Hollywood-Area Starting Points

From… Approx. distance Off-peak drive time Event-night estimate
Hollywood (city center) ~19 miles 25 minutes 50–70 minutes
Fort Lauderdale (downtown) ~12 miles 20 minutes 35–50 minutes
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) ~15 miles 20–25 minutes 40–55 minutes
Miramar / Pembroke Pines ~17 miles 25–30 minutes 45–65 minutes
Miami (downtown) ~35 miles 40–50 minutes 75–90+ minutes
Hollywood to Amerant Bank Arena via I-95 North to I-595 West — about 19 miles and 25 minutes off-peak. On a Panthers playoff Saturday, plan for 50–70 minutes as the I-595 / NW 136th Avenue corridor backs up before the lots even fill.

What Parking at Amerant Bank Arena Actually Costs

The arena runs entirely cashless — credit and debit cards only at every parking gate. Lots open two hours before puck drop (or event start) and remain accessible one hour after the game, with a no re-entry policy. Here is how the options break down based on the arena's published rates and official platforms:

Gate (day-of) pricing in the A Lot and D Lot runs $40–$50 plus tax for Panthers games, with the higher end more common on premium matchups and weekend playoff dates. Prepaid passes through SeatGeek (the official platform linked from the Panthers parking page) typically run $20–$30 when purchased 48 or more hours out — roughly half the gate rate and the smarter move for any planned group trip. Valet parking at Gates 1, 2, and 5 runs $55 plus tax.

Premium and club-level options include the Amerant Vault (Gates 1, 2, or 5), the F Club Lot (Gate 1), B Club Lots (Gate 5), C Club Lots (Gate 6), and the DEX VIP Executive lot (Gate 1).

The most-discussed workaround is Sawgrass Mills Mall — the enormous outlet mall directly across Panther Parkway, roughly a quarter-mile walk to the arena entrance. Mall parking is free during mall hours, and many locals use it. The catch: if your event runs long and the mall closes before you leave, your car is at real risk of being towed.

It's worth understanding that before building a group trip around it. The walk is also longer than the map makes it look after a three-overtime Panthers game in the South Florida heat.

For a bus group, the math is simple. One bus at the flat $75 fee covers your entire group in Lot D2 — no individual cashless card requirements per person, no coordinating 10 separate parking passes, no lot assignment uncertainty. To give you an idea: a 40-person group driving themselves means roughly 10 cars at $40–$50 each in parking alone, plus gas for 10 vehicles, plus 10 people who cannot have a drink because they are the ones behind the wheel.

One 40-passenger party bus from Hollywood eliminates every piece of that math for one predictable quote.

Sawgrass Mills Mall to Amerant Bank Arena — about a quarter-mile, free parking, and a real tow risk if the game goes to overtime and the mall closes before you are back at your car. Popular for locals who know the timing; risky for groups that don't.

Party Bus or Charter Bus to Amerant Bank Arena: Which Vehicle Fits Your Group?

The right vehicle comes down to headcount, how far you are traveling from Hollywood, and whether your group wants the full pregame experience on the road or just a clean transfer. Partybushollywood.net connects you to a wide range of vehicle sizes through a large network of providers serving Hollywood and Broward County. Here is how the vehicle lineup breaks down for an Amerant Bank Arena run.

Vehicle Typical seats Best for Key amenities
14-passenger Sprinter limo / Sprinter van Up to ~14 Small suite groups, VIP game nights Premium leather, USB charging at every seat, tinted privacy windows
Party bus (15–50 passengers) ~15–50 Fan groups wanting the rolling pregame from Hollywood Color-changing LED lighting, Bluetooth sound, flat-panel TVs, wraparound seating
15–35 passenger minibus ~15–35 Mid-size groups, corporate runs, club-seat outings Powerful A/C, plush reclining seats, overhead storage
40–56 passenger charter bus Up to 56 Large fan groups, company outings, out-of-town groups via FLL Reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restrooms, undercarriage bays

For fan groups that want the full pregame energy from Hollywood — LED lighting, sound system, everyone together on Panther Parkway before puck drop — a 15- to 50-passenger party bus is the right fit. For larger outings or groups making the run from further south, a full-size charter bus fits up to 56 in Lot D2 at the same $75 flat fee, adds onboard restrooms for the return trip, and carries deep undercarriage storage for gear. For executive or suite groups under 14 people, a Sprinter keeps the arrangement tight and clean without paying for empty seats.

ADA-accessible vehicles are available through the network — note your needs in the quote request.

Amerant Bank Arena Party Bus & Charter Bus Rental Prices

Pricing for a Hollywood bus rental to Amerant Bank Arena depends on vehicle size, your total rental hours, the specific date, and where pickup originates. Partybushollywood.net returns quotes from multiple providers in under 30 seconds — no account required, no obligation. To give you a planning range: a 15–35 passenger minibus generally runs $200–$250 per hour on weeknights and $200–$275 per hour on weekends, with per-day rates from around $1,100–$2,150. A 40–56 passenger charter bus typically runs $200–$350 per hour on weekdays or weekends, with per-day rates from around $1,350–$2,850.

Party buses range by size: a 25-passenger party bus runs roughly $275–$375 per hour on weekend nights, while a 50-passenger party bus runs approximately $325–$500 per hour on peak weekend dates.

These are planning ranges — your real quote moves with the specific date, vehicle, and number of hours — and the $75 bus parking fee is a separate cost from your rental. Check out the Hollywood party bus prices page for a fuller breakdown, or call 786-528-6973 any time for a free, no-obligation quote on your specific date.

A Game-Night Example

To give you an idea: a 35-person Panthers fan group from Hollywood books a 40-passenger party bus. Pickup at 5:30 PM from Hollywood for a 7:30 PM puck drop — the bus reaches Gate 7 by 6:45 PM, well ahead of the lot rush. The group walks in, the bus stages in Lot D2 during the game, and everyone boards at an agreed 10:30 PM post-game window instead of standing in the Gate 3 surge queue.

A 5-hour rental at that size on a Saturday night might come to around $1,750–$2,000 total — roughly $50–$57 per person, which covers the full round trip, the pregame energy, and the ride back to Hollywood without a single rideshare app opened.

Florida Panthers Games at Amerant Bank Arena

The Florida Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup champions (2024 and 2025), and Amerant Bank Arena runs near capacity on most nights as a result, with sellouts routine across the playoff run. The regular season runs October through April, with home games spread throughout the week. The 2026–2027 home slate opens on October 10 with Minnesota Wild at the Panthers, kicking off another home season at a venue that now carries Stanley Cup banner energy from the moment you walk in.

High-profile divisional matchups — Tampa Bay Lightning visits in particular — sell through fastest, and SeatGeek prepaid parking for those dates can move within 24–48 hours of going on sale. During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Sawgrass Expressway and Panther Parkway hit a different level of congestion entirely. Fan groups arriving from Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and all of Broward converge on the same single intersection, and the two-hour lot-opening window fills measurably faster on playoff nights than on regular-season dates.

A Hollywood sporting event party bus or charter bus rental for playoff rounds is worth sorting out well in advance — vehicle availability through the provider network tightens as a series progresses and every group in South Florida has the same idea.

Amerant Bank Arena Concerts: Party Bus Rental to South Florida's Largest Stage

Amerant Bank Arena is the largest arena in Florida, with a concert configuration that reaches 23,000 capacity — making it the biggest room for touring artists in all of South Florida. The fall 2026 calendar is already stacked: Weezer plays October 13 on "The Gathering," Journey follows October 16 on the Final Frontier Tour, Teddy Swims hits the arena October 23 on The Ugly Tour, and the Lil Baby & Kodak Black Fall Fest stop lands September 5. With three major tours landing within a two-week stretch in October alone, Panther Parkway sees back-to-back concert-night traffic patterns that fall-season groups can plan around once they know they're coming.

Concert nights at Amerant Bank Arena behave differently from hockey games in one important way: post-show rideshare surge at Gate 3 tends to build across a busy concert stretch, since local rideshare demand adjusts to the pattern of back-to-back big shows. A Hollywood concert party bus rental stages in Lot D2 at the flat $75 rate — no real-time pricing, no 45-minute wait in the North Pedestrian Walkway. For the biggest tours and sold-out weekends, booking 6–8 weeks out is realistic advice: the provider network covering Broward gets thin fast when multiple major events run the same weekend across South Florida.

Post-Game Exit at Amerant Bank Arena: Where a Bus Earns Its Keep

Getting out is where the parking decision you made two hours ago either pays off or costs you. When the lights come up and 19,000 people move toward the exits at once, the arena's two general lots drain in predictable directions: the A Lot exit funnels more naturally toward NW 136th Avenue and eastbound I-595, while D Lot flows better for groups heading west onto the Sawgrass Expressway. If your bus is in Lot D2 on the south side and your group is heading back to Hollywood on I-95, the routing confirmation is built into the post-game plan before you ever walk in — not something anyone in your group figures out on the fly in a dark parking lot.

The rideshare reality after a sold-out game is worth spelling out plainly. Pickup is designated at Gate 3, northern end of the North Pedestrian Walkway, with Lyft as the official partner. On a regular-season weeknight, a 15–20 minute post-game wait is normal.

On a Saturday playoff game where the Panthers take it to overtime, that wait pushes past 40 minutes, and surge pricing fires immediately when the horn sounds. The walk from Gate 3 to the rideshare pickup area is longer than the app illustration suggests when you're moving with 19,000 other people. A private bus is already in Lot D2 when you walk out.

There is no better way to frame the value than that.

A post-game Uber from Amerant Bank Arena back to Hollywood on a playoff Saturday can run $60–$100 with surge pricing — per car. One charter bus covers your entire group at a flat rate, already staged in Lot D2, and rolls when your group is ready. No algorithm involved.

Every Transportation Option to Amerant Bank Arena, Compared

For one or two people on a weeknight regular-season game, rideshare to Gate 3 is reasonable. The moment your party grows past a few cars' worth of people, the coordination cost of separate vehicles — different arrival times, multiple Uber fares, the parking scramble, the post-game surge — tips decisively toward one bus. Here is an honest look at every option.

Option Cost shape Arrive together? Drop-off point Best for
Private charter bus or party bus One flat rate split by group + $75 bus parking Yes — one vehicle, one arrival Best — Gate 7, Lot D2 Groups of 15–56
Rideshare (Lyft / Uber) Per car each way + post-game surge No — multiple cars, staggered ETAs Fair — Gate 3, North Pedestrian Walkway 1–4 per car; weeknight small groups
Taxi Metered rate, surges less sharply than apps No — separate cars Fair — Gate 1 for drop-off and pickup 1–4 per car
Self-drive + arena lot (A or D) $40–$50 per car + tax; pre-paid $20–$30 No — caravan required Varies by lot assignment Small groups; weeknight games
Self-drive + Sawgrass Mills free lot Free parking, quarter-mile walk No — still need multiple cars Quarter-mile walk each way + tow risk if game runs late Locals who know mall closing times
Public transit (Broward BCT) Low fare, routes 22/23/36/72 serve the area No — no post-game return service 9-minute walk to nearest stop; no service back after games Not viable for groups

Broward County Transit routes do reach the arena vicinity, with stops on NW 136th Avenue a short walk away. In practice, there is no nighttime return service after games or concerts — you would need to arrange your own way back. That rules it out for any group outing.

Brightline's nearest station (Fort Lauderdale) sits about 12 miles east of the arena with no direct shuttle, making it a multi-step option that doesn't keep the group together. A private bus is the only transportation that picks your whole group up at one address in Hollywood and drops them at another, without a single transfer, both ways.

First-Timer Tips for Amerant Bank Arena

A few things that genuinely catch first-time visitors off guard, straight from the arena's published security policies and A-Z Guide:

  • The venue is entirely cashless. No cash is accepted at parking gates, concession stands, or anywhere inside. Credit and debit cards only. If anyone in your group relies on cash, they will need another plan before arriving.
  • Bags must be smaller than 4″ × 6″ × 1.5″. Only small clutches, crossbodies, and wristlets under that size are permitted. Backpacks, large purses, and hard-sided bags are not allowed. Bag lockers are available outside the main entrance at the Publix Plaza stairs — a real option if anyone in the group has a bag that won't qualify. Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are permitted with additional screening.
  • No re-entry once you scan your ticket. If someone in your group leaves the arena grounds after ticket scan, they cannot return. Make sure everyone is ready and together before going through the gate.
  • One sealed water bottle per person. A single factory-sealed plastic bottle is permitted. Outside food, beverages, cans, and coolers are not allowed past the gate.
  • Pedestrian access uses Gate 6. If your group is walking in from the bus, the pedestrian sidewalk runs through Gate 6 to the front arena stairs. Gate 5 is no longer open for foot traffic.
  • ADA parking is first-come, first-served. Designated accessible spaces are available at the north and south main entrance through Gates 1, 2, 5, and 7 — but they do not reserve in advance. A valid placard is required, and arriving early is the only guarantee.
  • Lots close one hour after games. The no re-entry rule applies to parking areas as well as the building. If your bus needs to leave the lot and return for a pickup, plan accordingly — staging nearby during the game and post-game is the standard approach for private buses at this venue.
  • Save the arena's contact. Amerant Bank Arena is at 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323; the main number is 954-835-7000. If anyone gets separated from the group, that's the first call to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly does a charter bus drop off at Amerant Bank Arena?

Buses enter through Gate 7 and park in Lot D2, per the official Florida Panthers parking page. The bus parking fee is a flat $75. Rideshare vehicles use Gate 3 at the North Pedestrian Walkway; taxis use Gate 1; limousines use Gate 6.

How much does bus parking cost at Amerant Bank Arena?

Buses pay a flat $75 regardless of vehicle size, per the arena's published rates. Standard car parking in the A and D lots runs $40–$50 plus tax at the gate, or $20–$30 prepaid via SeatGeek when purchased 48 or more hours out. Valet runs $55 plus tax.

How far is Amerant Bank Arena from Hollywood, Florida?

About 19 miles via I-95 North to I-595 West, exiting at Exit 1 (NW 136th Ave / Panther Parkway) and continuing one mile north. Off-peak, that's around 25 minutes. On a Florida Panthers game night — especially a Saturday or playoff date — plan for 50–70 minutes as I-595 and NW 136th Avenue back up toward the arena.

Where do rideshare vehicles pick up after games at Amerant Bank Arena?

Rideshare pickup (Lyft is the official partner) is at Gate 3, northern end of the North Pedestrian Walkway. Rideshare vehicles exit via Gate 2. On sold-out games and concerts, post-event waits at Gate 3 can run 30–45 minutes with surge pricing in effect — the main reason groups prefer a staged private bus over an app after the final horn.

Can I park at Sawgrass Mills Mall and walk to Amerant Bank Arena?

Many locals do — it's a roughly quarter-mile walk across the street and free during mall hours. The real risk is that if your game goes to overtime or your concert runs late past mall closing, towing is a genuine possibility. Worth knowing before building a group trip around it.

Does Amerant Bank Arena accept cash?

No. The venue is cashless — credit and debit cards only at parking gates and inside the arena. No exceptions at any point of sale.

What is the bag policy at Amerant Bank Arena?

Only bags smaller than 4″ × 6″ × 1.5″ are permitted — small clutches, crossbodies, and wristlets. Backpacks, large purses, and hard-sided bags are not allowed. Bag lockers are available outside the main entrance at the Publix Plaza stairs.

Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are permitted with additional screening at entry. One sealed water bottle per guest is allowed; no outside food, coolers, or beverages.

How early should we arrive for a Panthers game?

Lots open two hours before puck drop. For a weeknight regular-season game, arriving 60–75 minutes out gives your group time to park, walk in, and settle. For Saturday games, playoff rounds, and any sellout matchup, plan 90 minutes — the I-595 and NW 136th approach backs up fast, and the general lots fill well before those events begin.

Is public transit a realistic option for groups heading to Amerant Bank Arena?

Not really. Broward County Transit routes 22, 23, 36, and 72 stop near the arena, with the closest stop a 9-minute walk away. The practical problem: there is no nighttime return service after games or concerts.

You would need to arrange your own way home regardless. For any group trip from Hollywood, a private bus is the only option that keeps everyone together in both directions without a transfer.

How far in advance should we book a bus to Amerant Bank Arena for a Panthers playoff game?

As early as your date is confirmed. Panthers playoff rounds generate real demand across the Broward and Miami-Dade vehicle network, and the right-size vehicles go first. For regular-season weeknight games, two to four weeks of lead time is workable.

For playoff weekends, major concerts like multi-night runs, and marquee weekend matchups, book as soon as you know the date — the earlier you move, the more options you have.

How do I get a quote for a bus to Amerant Bank Arena from Hollywood?

Partybushollywood.net shows pricing in under 30 seconds with no account and no obligation. Use the quick online form with your group size, event date, and pickup location in Hollywood, or call 786-528-6973 any time — a support team is available every day of the year to help build a quote around your specific itinerary.

Book a Charter Bus or Party Bus to Amerant Bank Arena Today

The Florida Panthers are at the top of the NHL, Amerant Bank Arena hosts some of the biggest touring acts in North America, and getting a group of 20, 40, or 56 people from Hollywood to Panther Parkway without the Sawgrass scramble is exactly what a Hollywood group transportation bus rental is built to do. Gate 7, Lot D2, $75 flat — and the ride back is already handled before puck drop.

Partybushollywood.net connects you to a large network of charter buses, party buses, minibuses, Sprinter vans, and Sprinter limos serving Hollywood and all of Broward County. Your quote comes back in under 30 seconds, and help is one call away any time. Also planning a Heat game or a Broward Center concert on the same trip?

The Kaseya Center guide and the Broward Center guide cover those drop-offs in the same detail. Call 786-528-6973 or use the online form to compare vehicles and get pricing for your Amerant Bank Arena run today.