Popstar Ariana Grande returned home to South Florida for three sold-out shows on June 30 as well as July 2 and 3 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, drawing in thousands of fans just miles away from Boca Raton, where she was born.
“I think Ariana felt more comfortable and emotional performing in Florida because it’s where she grew up,” said Emma Lazarus, a long-term fan of Grande who attended a Sunrise show. “First time she sang in that arena, she was only eight years old. That made the shows feel more personal for both her and the fans.”
Known for her success in both music and acting, Grande first gained attention in 2010 as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” before becoming one of pop music’s biggest sensations. Most recently, she returned to acting as Glinda in the film “Wicked” before launching her first concert in seven years, “The Eternal Sunshine Tour,” which follows her latest album, “Eternal Sunshine.”
Before taking the stage for her first night, Amerant Bank Arena and the NHL’s Florida Panthers surprised Grande backstage with a custom bedazzled jersey featuring her last name on the back. Videos across multiple platforms show Stanley C. Panther personally presenting the gift to Grande, who was often seen at the arena in 2024 and 2025, when the Panthers won the Stanley Cup.
Grande also brought out a rubber rat on stage each night during the song “the boy is mine” as a tribute to Florida Panthers tradition of throwing toy rats on the ice to celebrate wins. All in all, it added a special hometown touch to the performances.
“The Florida shows meant a lot to Ari, performing there probably brought back memories,” Lazarus said. “You could tell she was grateful to be there with the fans who have supported her for so long.”
For employees at Amerant Bank Arena, the concert created a different experience unlike the facility’s typical hockey games.
“I’d say that this event is twice the amount of busy compared to the Panthers,” said Karina Gala, an FIU graduate and a greeter at the arena. “Keep this in mind, concerts add about another 1,000-plus people because obviously the ice is removed, or covered, and that alone is enough for you to feel the difference in crowds, as top acts will garner more attendance than a typical Panthers game.”
By the end of the show, Grande shared a special moment with the crowd reflecting on what the significance of being home and connecting with the fans meant for her.
“I always get emotional about it, but it really is just so huge and I’m so grateful every day,” Grande said during her July 2 performance. “There’s no place like home.”
Following the South Florida performances, Grande continued The Eternal Sunshine Tour with stops in Atlanta, Brooklyn, Boston, Montreal, Chicago and London.
“For me, it was about appreciating the performer that Ariana is,” Gala said. “Keeping in mind this is someone with acting experience as well, the theatrics and overall presentation of this tour was simply incredible and definitely unforgettable.”
