FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale officials held a news conference Thursday to outline safety measures ahead of the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup championship parade, as the city prepares to host the massive celebration for the second year in a row.
The parade will take place at noon Sunday along the city’s beachfront, following the Panthers’ historic back-to-back championship win after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final.
With large crowds expected and dangerous summer heat in the forecast, city leaders and public safety officials are urging fans to take precautions.
Thursday’s press conference was held at Las Olas Oceanside Park and featured Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steven Glassman, Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bill Schultz and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollan.
Schultz warned that parking will be “extremely limited” and advised the public to consider alternate transportation options. “Anticipate that parking will be at max capacity,” he said.
The city is encouraging visitors to use rideshare services, water taxis or park downtown, where $10 public parking will be available.
Parking map and information:
Authorities said the Las Olas drawbridge will be locked down following the parade, restricting marine traffic.
Increased police personnel will be stationed throughout the area. Officials also reminded attendees not to bring expensive jewelry and to keep phones in front pockets.
“Light backpack with only essentials,” Schultz added.
To assist families with children, two tents will be set up to distribute wristbands for identifying lost children — one at A1A and East Las Olas, and another at Southeast Fifth Street.
Gollan emphasized heat safety as thousands are expected to gather on the beach. “Keep in mind when you’re wearing your Panthers gear in the heat,” he said. “Expect high heat and humidity. Enjoy our ocean and take plenty of water with you.”
He also advised attendees to “wear sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher and seek shade whenever you can.”
Medical tents will be placed along the parade route and water will be distributed to help fans stay hydrated.
Gollan said medical staffing will be increased, including the presence of a field hospital on site to assist those in need of transport or treatment.
Sunday’s parade will begin at A1A and Riomar Street and continue south along A1A to Southeast Fifth Street, ending with a rally on the sand at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, across from Hotel Maren.
Officials said the route will largely mirror last year’s celebration, which drew more than 200,000 people despite heavy rain.
“We started planning weeks ago just in case,” said Glassman on Wednesday. “You can’t pull this off in one or two minutes. There will be ways to take the water taxi and shuttles to the beach.”
Panthers fans can purchase 2025 Stanley Cup Champions merchandise at Pantherland, located inside the Baptist Health IcePlex, open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More information about parking, transportation and safety protocols will be released in the coming days. Fans are encouraged to visit FloridaPanthers.com/PlayoffCentral and follow the team’s social media channels for updates.
Attendees can also click here for more information on parking and transportation.
Watch the press conference here:
