The Florida Panthers' home arena is undergoing a name change -- again. For the third time in a decade, the arena has been renamed, this time going from the BankAtlantic Center to the BB&T Arena.
"We are absolutely thrilled that BB&T has chosen to become the long-term naming rights partner for the Broward County-owned BB&T Center," said Michael R. Yormark, president and COO of the Panthers and SSE.
So, what does this mean for fans?
Absolutely nothing. It's doubtful that any fan had a particular attachment to the BankAtlantic Center as a name. It's not like it's the Boston Garden becoming the Fleet Center or the TD Bank North Garden or anything like that.
Panthers fans and hockey fans should just be hoping that the season gets underway this year, as the the NHL and NHLPA look to be headed toward a lockout, and that the two sides can come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement.
Otherwise, nobody will be going to the BB&T Arena for NHL action this year.