In 1992 Blockbuster Video giant Wayne Huizenga won an NHL franchise for his hometown Miami in 1992. The Florida Panthers began playing in the Miami Arena, enjoying one of the most successful first seasons of an expansion team ever, just missing the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
After a miss of the playoffs in 1994/5, The Florida Panthers’ success soared in 1996, where they won their Conference Championship and narrowly missed a Stanley Cup victory.
In 1998 the Panthers moved into the 19,250 capacity National Car Rental Center, and in 2000 they made the playoffs again.