SUNRISE, Fla. — BankAtlantic Center, the new home of the NHL Florida Panthers, offers everything a team looks for in a great hockey player: speed, grace, championship experience and team loyalty. As the Panthers prepare to open the season in their new home on October 9, 1998, here are a few of the building's attributes:

Speed
Completed in 26 months, the BankAtlantic Center was designed and constructed faster than any other NHL arena in history.

Grace
The elegant exterior has been compared to an opera house. In fact, popular artist Celine Dion will perform the first concert there October 3, 1998.

Championship Experience
The BankAtlantic Center's architect — Ellerbe Becket — has designed arenas that have hosted the last two Stanley Cup Finals: Core States Center in Philadelphia (1997 Finals) and MCI Center in Washington, D.C. (1998 Finals).

Team Loyalty
The unique "shoot-twice end" at BankAtlantic Center pushes screaming Panthers fans "in the face" of opposing players as they attempt to shoot on goal.

Facts & Figures
Seats: 20,000

Area: 872,000 sq.ft./81,010 m²

Amenities:

• 70 private suites
• 4 party suites
• 2,300 club seats
• 8 co-op suites
• 2 skyview party suites

Parking: 7,600 on-site spaces

Cost: US $185 million

Recognition: Called a "model of accessibility" by the U.S. Department of Justice

Events: Indoor soccer, arena football, boxing, and others