CATS COOKOUT FIRES UP FANS

First Summer Party a Hit with Fans---Next Cookout Set for June 1

SUNRISE, Fla. – More than 500 season seat prospects attended the first Cats Cookout of the summer on Thursday evening on the BankAtlantic Center's South Carls Patio. Florida Panthers G Roberto Luongo, C Olli Jokinen, C Serge Payer, C Stephen Weiss and RW Anthony Stewart all attended the event, along with Cats TV analyst Denis Potvin and Panthers radio tandem Steve Goldstein and Randy Moller. Due to the overwhelming success, Cats Cookout II is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 1 at the BankAtlantic Center.

"The response and feedback that we received from the barbecue has been tremendous," said Sr. V.P. of Sales & Marketing Chad Johnson. "Our fans really enjoyed the opportunity to meet with our players in a casual setting, while also learning about some of our new ticket initiatives for next season. We look forward to hosting future events like this one throughout the summer in the South Florida community."

The festivities included a free barbecue dinner, open bar and live music on the Carls Patio. In addition, fans had the opportunity to meet the Florida Panthers sales team, select seats for the upcoming season and get tours and information on memberships to the new "Captain's Club." Numerous ticket packages were sold last night after fans had the opportunity to view their future seat location inside the BankAtlantic Center. All guests attending the cookout also received a discount voucher courtesy of Carls Patio.

"The fans turnout last night for the cookout was great and it seems that the community is already getting excited about next season," said Jokinen. "These summer events are a great way for us to give back to our fans for all their support throughout the year."

For more information on Cats Cookout II or other summer events please call (954) 835-PUCK.