CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The NFL’s Carolina Panthers have unveiled plans for a renovation of its Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte totaling $1.3 billion.
Highlights of the renovation include a park-like setting and exterior video boards for watch parties at the stadium’s entrance. Once inside, fans would experience a new sound system, scoreboard and video boards. Plans call for social areas with skyline views, improved concessions with regional offerings and an expanded team store.
Additional improvements include new seats installed throughout the bowl; improved accessibility throughout the facility; stadium safety and security enhancements; a reimagined South Lawn Pavilion area; upgraded restrooms; enhancements to the stadium exterior; and modernization of the building systems.
The renovation would be an ongoing partnership between the City of Charlotte and Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE), which owns and operates the Carolina Panthers, Bank of America Stadium and Major League Soccer’s Charlotte Football Club.
Details of the proposed partnership include a fixed investment of $650 million from the City of Charlotte and a total investment of $688 million by TSE, including $117 million that was invested prior to June 2024.
The city’s investment does not require any new or increased taxes, according to a release from the Panthers. The project would be funded by existing hospitality and tourism tax resources, which are legally required by the state to be spent on projects to support the city’s tourism economy.
Opened in 1996, Bank of America Stadium is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL. Since 2018, the stadium has hosted soccer, concerts, NCAA and high school football, and corporate and community events. Nearly 40 ticketed events take place at Bank of America Stadium each year. In 2023, the stadium’s events generated $1.1 billion in economic impact for the city, according to the Panthers.
Members of the Charlotte City Council will meet over the course of the next several weeks to discuss the renovation project. A further estimate on a construction timeline will be available once that process is complete.
— Kristin Harlow