The Charlotte City Council voted to approve a joint $800 million stadium renovation plan with the Carolina Panthers.
According to NFL.com, the city will pay $650 million toward the renovation of Bank of America Stadium in return for Panthers owner David Tepper keeping the team in Charlotte through 2045. Tepper will pay the remaining $150 million up front.
Tepper already has invested more than $117 million in stadium upgrades and also has agreed to another estimated $421 million in potential overages for capital improvements over the term of the deal.
The city’s investment would be funded by existing hospitality and tourism tax resources, which are required by the state to be spent on projects to support the city’s tourism economy.
According to the Panthers, highlights of the renovation include:
- And inviting perimeter with a park-like setting and exterior video boards for watch parties and other viewing opportunities.
- A new state-of-the-art sound system, scoreboard and video boards inside the stadium.
- Unique social areas with skyline views.
- Improved concessions with regional offerings.
- An expanded team store to better accommodate Panthers and Charlotte FC fans.
- Brand-new seats installed throughout the bowl.
- Improved accessibility throughout the facility, designed and constructed in a way that allows individuals with a range of disabilities to have access without barriers.
- Stadium safety and security enhancements, including illuminated wayfinding and improved lighting.
- A reimagined South Lawn Pavilion area that can be used as a community gathering spot and outdoor classroom on game days and non-event days.
- Upgraded restrooms throughout the stadium for better sustainability, accessibility and speed of service.
- Enhancements to the stadium exterior.
- A reduction of our impact on the environment and demand on city infrastructure through the modernization of the building systems, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical and HVAC.
See the full article on NFL.com.