'It's Buzzing': Fans enjoy game-like atmosphere during Game 1 watch party

SUNRISE, Fla. -- After a nine-day break from clinching the Eastern Conference Final and a 27-year stretch from their last trip to the Stanley Cup Final, Florida Panther fans came energized to FLA Live Arena.

Over 13,000 fans cheered on the Cats against the Vegas Golden Knights in the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night during the team's first watch party at the arena this postseason.

"It's amazing," said Michael, a giddy 12-year-old that proudly professed he's a lifelong fan of the Panthers. "It was crazy that they were down 3-1 to Boston and here we are now. It's awesome!"

Fans in attendance were able to capitalize on general admission seating, free parking, discounted food and beverage, mascot and dance team appearances, and Stanley Cup merchandise at Pantherland.

"It's awesome," said Gary, who has been a season ticket holder since 2005. "It's a lot busier than I thought it was going to be and it's been a great time. The Cats really revved up. [Alex] Lyon was amazing, then Bobby (Sergei Bobrovsky) got in and put his foot down. Between him and [Matthew] Tkachuk putting the pedal to the metal, they've made this an amazing run. It's also been great seeing my favorite, [captain Aleksander] Barkov, picking up steam and I'm looking forward to seeing great things from all of them in the Cup Final."

Even with the team playing over 2,500 miles away in Sin City, that did not stop the "Let's go Panthers!" chants, rats being thrown on the ice, rally towel and pom-pom waving, or an eruption of boos to voice the displeasure of particular calls and non-calls during the fun and raucous watch party back in Sunrise.

"It's buzzing, absolutely buzzing," said Chris, a die-hard Panthers fan his entire life. "I hope we can keep this going for every watch party from here on out. This has been so awesome. After the last couple series, I think the biggest thing we've learned is that this team just never gives up. You think about the first round, but even against Toronto and Carolina they may have won those series by a few games, but they were all close games and they just never gave up."

With the Panthers looking to pull even in the Stanley Cup Final, Game 2 of the series will take place on Monday in Vegas at 8:00 p.m. ET. After a successful kickoff, the Panthers will open their doors at FLA Live Arena once again to welcome fans in for a second watch party to continue cheering on from back home.

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To see the Game 1 Watch Party photo gallery click

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