Florida Panthers' Hockey Success Fuels South Florida Real Estate and Hospitality Boom

The Florida Panthers' rise from a struggling NHL franchise to back-to-back Stanley Cup champions has ignited an economic renaissance in South Florida. With arena attendance soaring, tourism revenue hitting record highs, and major community investments like the $65 million IcePlex, the team's success is now a key driver of real estate appreciation and hospitality demand in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas. For investors, this hockey-driven growth presents a compelling opportunity to capitalize on a region reborn by sport.

Attendance Surge Sparks Economic Momentum

Since their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, the Panthers have become one of the NHL's most popular teams, averaging 19,181 fans per game in the 2024-25 season—third-highest in the league. The team sold out all season tickets for the first time, capping season-ticket equivalents at 15,000, and expects over 70% of home games to sell out completely. This demand isn't just about hockey—it's about a cultural shift.

The economic impact is staggering. The 2023 Stanley Cup Finals alone injected over $100 million into Broward County's economy, per the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority. By 2025, even before hosting home games in the Stanley Cup Finals, Visit Lauderdale reported an additional $30 million in revenue from tourism and hospitality. Hotels near the IcePlex—a 144,000-square-foot hub for hockey and community events—saw occupancy rates jump by 30-40%, while ticket resale prices for regular-season games surged by 46.7% compared to pre-2022 levels.

The IcePlex: A Catalyst for Urban Revitalization

The Panthers' $65 million redevelopment of the IcePlex in Holiday Park is a masterclass in community-driven real estate strategy. This state-of-the-art facility, which includes recreational ice rinks, a concert venue, and a renovated War Memorial Auditorium, has transformed a once-overlooked area into a year-round destination.

The IcePlex's impact is twofold:
1. Direct Real Estate Lift: Properties near the facility, such as apartments in the Holiday Park district, have seen rental prices rise by 15-20% since 2020 as families and young professionals flock to the area. The proximity to hockey amenities and entertainment spaces makes these locations highly desirable.
2. Commercial Growth: The venue's food court, retail spaces, and event areas have spurred small business growth. Restaurants and bars within a mile of the IcePlex report 20-30% higher revenue on game days and playoff weekends.

This success mirrors broader trends in Fort Lauderdale's downtown, where economic output hit $35 billion in 2023—a $6 billion jump since 2019. The city's $350 million park enhancement program, including upgrades to Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverwalk, has further amplified the area's appeal.

Investment Opportunities: Where to Look

1. Multifamily Housing Near the Arena: The surge in tourism and transient fans creates demand for short-term rentals. Investors should target properties within a 1-mile radius of Amerant Bank Arena, where occupancy rates for vacation rentals hit 95% during playoffs.
2. Hospitality Sector: Hotels and motels in the Fort Lauderdale-Sunrise corridor, especially those near the IcePlex, benefit from extended stay demand from out-of-town fans. Chains like Hyatt Place and Marriott have already expanded in the area.
3. Retail and Entertainment Spaces: The Panthers' growing fan base supports niche businesses, such as sports memorabilia shops and themed restaurants. The IcePlex's event calendar, which includes concerts and family nights, drives foot traffic year-round.

Risks and Considerations

• Overreliance on Hockey: South Florida's economy shouldn't depend solely on the Panthers' performance. Investors should pair hockey-driven assets with broader regional exposure.
• Supply-Side Constraints: While demand is strong, limited land availability in downtown Fort Lauderdale may keep housing prices elevated.

Conclusion: A Hockey-Driven Bull Market

The Panthers' sustained success has turned South Florida into a hockey-centric destination, with real estate and hospitality sectors primed for growth. The team's commitment to community investment (e.g., the IcePlex) and its financial discipline—valued at $1.35 billion as of 2025—ensures this isn't a fleeting trend.

For investors, the playbook is clear: buy into the hockey boom. Properties near the arena, the IcePlex, and downtown Fort Lauderdale's revitalized core are poised to benefit from a fan base that's now 1 million strong and growing. As the Panthers' legend grows, so too will the economic legacy of their Red Reign.

Investment Takeaway: Allocate to multifamily and hospitality assets in Fort Lauderdale's hockey corridor. The Panthers' success is more than a sports story—it's an economic blueprint for the region's future.