In 1992 the NHL awarded an expansion franchise to H. Wayne Huizenga, chairman of Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation. The team, officially named the Florida Panthers, joined the NHL for the 1993-94 season. On October 9, 1998, the Florida Panthers began their sixth NHL season in a new arena, National Car Rental Center (now named BankAtlantic Center), with a 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.