The Florida Panthers, together with Broward County, are opening the doors of Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise to host a series of free World Cup watch parties that run throughout the tournament. These gatherings aim to bring the excitement of global soccer to fans who might not be able to afford tickets, offering a communal space to cheer, eat, and celebrate.
The schedule is tightly packed. The first event arrives on June 19, when the United States faces Paraguay, followed by a second gathering on June 27 that pits Colombia against Portugal. Later in the knockout stage, the arena will broadcast the July 11 semifinal and the July 19 final, ensuring that supporters can follow every pivotal moment of the competition.
Each watch party is curated to reflect the culinary traditions of the competing nations. For the USA‑Paraguay match, guests can enjoy hamburgers, Buffalo wings, nachos, empanadas, quesadillas, and street tacos. The Colombia‑Portugal night will feature arepas, fried plantains, chorizo‑topped nachos, and other regional specialties, turning the arena into a miniature festival of flavors.
Admission and parking are completely free, but fans must secure their spots through SeatGeek.com, where tickets are claimed in advance. Parking lots open two hours before kickoff, and the arena doors welcome guests an hour before the first whistle, providing ample time to soak up the pre‑game atmosphere and mingle with fellow supporters.
A community celebration of soccer
Beyond the matches, the plaza in front of the arena will be transformed into a soccer‑themed festival, complete with interactive activities and a massive high‑definition screen that boasts the best air‑conditioning and the largest display in South Florida. This comfortable refuge from the summer heat allows fans to enjoy the games without worrying about the weather.
Special transportation will also be provided; Broward County Transit will run a Park‑Ride service that shuttles supporters from designated lots to the arena and to Hard Rock Stadium, streamlining the journey for those traveling to the events.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to make international sport accessible to all residents of Broward County, turning a world‑class arena into a gathering place where neighbors can share food, cheer for their favorite teams, and enjoy a shared love of soccer without financial barriers.