Images: Carolina Panthers
Plans have been announced for a major renovation of Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC.
Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE), which owns the two teams, has proposed a long-term agreement with the City of Charlotte to carry out wide-ranging upgrades at the venue. The deal includes a 20-year non-relocation for the Panthers and Charlotte FC.
The renovation would be an ongoing partnership between TSE and the city, with the latter set to invest $650m (£509m/€598m) over the term of the deal. The initial upgrades are slated to be carried out between 2025 and 2029.
TSE, which operates the stadium, would invest at least $688m, including $117m that was invested prior to June 2024 and an estimated amount of $571m (covering $150m of renovation work plus potential overages, and around $421m for capital improvements over the course of the deal).
The city’s investment will not require any new or increased taxes and will be funded by existing hospitality and tourism tax resources. The city council has confirmed that any money used to renovate the stadium would come from a special fund created by sales taxes for hotel rooms and prepared food and beverage, such as restaurants.
The project will focus on enhancing the fan and player experience, and modernising the infrastructure of a stadium that opened in 1996, making it one of the oldest venues in the NFL.
Upgrades will include a state-of-the-art sound system, scoreboard and video boards, new social areas with skyline views, improved concessions with regional offerings, and an expanded team store. Other elements will include brand-new seats throughout the stadium bowl, improved accessibility, stadium safety and security enhancements such as illuminated wayfinding, and a reimagined South Lawn Pavilion area.
Bathrooms will also be upgraded, while enhancements will be made to the exterior of the stadium. TSE will also seek to reduce the stadium’s impact on the environment and demand on city infrastructure through the modernisation of building systems.
TSE will implement a minority-owned and small business enterprises strategy that aligns with Charlotte Business Inclusion programme priorities and needs.
Panthers team president Kristi Coleman said: “Bank of America Stadium has been a special place for our Panthers, and now Charlotte FC, fans for nearly 30 years. While Bank of America Stadium has solid infrastructure, investments are needed to ensure that our decades-old venue continues to deliver the best experience for our players, fans, and community.”
Charlotte FC president Joe LaBue added: “Bank of America Stadium provides our club one of the best home pitch advantages in Major League Soccer. It also serves as a pillar of our community that supports our mission to be a unifying force in the city.”
Members of the Charlotte City Council will be meeting over the coming weeks to discuss the project in more detail.
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