FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A historic Fort Lauderdale landmark is getting a new lease on life with a musical twist.
The FTL War Memorial, which sits next to the Florida Panthers’ practice facility in Holiday Park, has been transformed into a modern music and event venue through a partnership between the Panthers and the city of Fort Lauderdale.
The 44,000-square-foot venue is now part of a small-scale multi-use district and is hosting concerts and shows, including this weekend’s performance by country-pop artist Niko Moon.
“Now to have a entertainment hub right in the middle of Fort Lauderdale in Holiday park bringing recreation and entertainment together it’s truly unique. It’s the first of it’s kind,” said Florida Panthers President Matt Caldwell.
The auditorium was originally built in 1950 and continues to hold historical significance while offering modern amenities like a state-of-the-art sound system, upgraded lighting, and new artist rooms.
“You’ll see every statue every plaque that was here before has been maintained and brought to light so that when people come here we want them to have fun and also remember the veterans that has given us these liberties,” Caldwell said.
The site’s 10-year agreement with Live Nation is expected to draw major musical acts to South Florida. Artists such as The Driver Era and GloRilla have already been booked.
“It’s state of the art, new sound system, new lighting all new artist room. We want people to come here and have a great time,” Caldwell added.
This weekend, Niko Moon will bring his beachy, feel-good sound to the newly revamped stage.
“I have a motto, no sad songs. It’s only good vibes only. Every single song,” Moon told Local 10’s Alexis Frazier. “I grew up loving Jimmy Buffett and artist like Kenny Chesney so my music very mush so takes you to the water where I found my piece of mind.”
But behind the music is a deeper purpose. A dollar from every ticket sold goes to Moon’s nonprofit, The Happy Cowboy, which helps provide access to therapy for those who can’t afford it.
“I like to think of my shows as a little bit of a getaway. Sometimes we need to hit the pause button on the stresses of life and we don’t have to go to Cabo to go on vacay,” Moon said. “Put on your Hawaiians and come celebrate with me.”
Click here for more ticket and event information that will take place at the venue.