FTL War Memorial Auditorium

 

Project Type

Historic Auditorium Renovation

Location

Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Date

2024

Team

ROSSETTI
Lemartec
Freedom Enterprise Inc.
DreamSeat

Image rights reserved: Rosetti, Florida Panthers, FLT War Memorial, Michelle Eve Sandberg, Lemartec

FTL War Memorial Auditorium logo

The historic Fort Lauderdale War Memorial Auditorium has undergone a comprehensive renovation to enhance the fan experience and preserve its legacy.

This auditorium renovation, designed by architects ROSSETTI, was part of a $65 million redevelopment spearheaded by the NHL’s Florida Panthers. Now, in addition to the recently finished Baptist Heath IcePlex, the venue offers a modern multi-use concert and live event space, using 3,000 ft² [280 m²] of color-matched SPS to provide superior strength and vibration resistance in the upgraded balcony area.

SPS: Structural Terrace & Balcony Areas

SPS was chosen as part of this auditorium renovation for its exceptional structural benefits:

  • SPS panels are robust, vibration-resistant and provide stability for high-capacity venues.
  • The inherent dampening properties of SPS minimize noise transfer and improve sound quality for concerts or live events.
  • SPS is designed for wear-and-tear and to accommodate high-traffic areas. Despite this, it requires minimal maintenance and actually extends the lifespan of the infrastructure it serves.
  • SPS is lightweight and prefabricated, ensuring timely completion of construction without compromising quality.
  • SPS is customizable and can be color-matched to suit the application.

Historical Auditorium Renovations with SPS

Built in 1950, the Fort Lauderdale War Memorial Auditorium has welcomed numerous U.S. Presidents and iconic performers throughout its history. When preserving this landmark, SPS played a crucial role by providing a lightweight solution for the mezzanine-level terrace. As a result, this approach minimized the need for structural reinforcement, allowing the auditorium to retain its classic exterior while protecting the building’s original foundations from excessive load.

Previously, versatile SPS stadia decking was also used in the renovation of another LiveNation venue, the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta’s Truist Park.

We’ve done a great job preserving the original structure and the exterior. It will look familiar to people walking up but we have completely transformed the inside – the beautiful second floor mezzanine, the hospitality, bars and VIP spaces. The feel that we were going for is making sure that we are preserving the past but really celebrating the future.

Bryce HollwegFlorida Panthers, Chief Operating Officer