NHL Panthers Eyeing Entertainment Complex Near Arena

Panthers Looking To Develop Land Around BankAtlantic Center

The NHL Panthers' ownership group is pitching a proposal to redevelop 90 acres of parking around BankAtlantic Center “into a massive complex of hotels, shops, restaurants, condos, and entertainment venues,” according to Scott Wyman of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. The owners “privately approached Broward County about the concept” through its Sunrise Sports & Entertainment (SSE), which manages the venue. The county owns the land on the site of the arena, and county commissioners “will decide next month whether to let the company proceed with planning.” Initial reaction by officials “has been positive, but they’re investigating whether the project is allowable because they used tax-exempt financing to build the arena” in ‘96.  Officials also are “concerned about the impact on traffic and water supplies in light of other large developments under way in the surrounding area.” SSE has promised “to cover all costs of exploring the idea and that the county would have the right to approve any development.” SSE officials said that the project “would generate money needed to renovate the arena” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 12/19).