Carolina Panthers plan $800 million renovation of Bank of America Stadium with public money to keep NFL team in downtown Charlotte

The Carolina Panthers have plans to renovate Bank of America Stadium – one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL.

The franchise has an $800 million renovation project for the stadium, which would use public resources money to keep the NFL franchise in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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The Carolina Panthers and the city of Charlotte would be able to keep the NFL team for 20 years.

The renovation would include a fixed investment of $650 million from the city, while Panthers owner David Tepper would contribute $150 million.

Tepper already had $117 million on the stadium before June and would also spend another $421 million on capital improvements.

Charlotte City Council members are expected to meet this month to discuss the Bank of America Stadium renovation project.

The stadium opened in 1996 and is in downtown Charlotte.

It currently serves as the headquarters of Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC and also hosts the college soccer games and concerts.

Upgrades will include improved video and audio systems.

There will be improved social areas and redesigned concourses with improved concessions.

Restrooms will be updated and new seats will also be added throughout the basin.

Other elements include improved accessibility throughout venues, which will allow fans with a range of disabilities to have barrier-free access.

And an expanded team store will be added for Panthers and Charlotte FC fans.

Outside, the stadium will have an “inviting perimeter” with a park-like atmosphere and an external video board for viewing parties and other events.

The southern grassy pavilion area would be a community gathering place and outdoor classroom.

“This renovation aims to modernize the stadium to provide elevated experiences while preserving the overall character and location that fans have known and loved for decades,” Panthers team president Kristi Coleman said in a team statement.

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In 2023, The Athletic ranked Bank of America Stadium 22nd out of 30 NFL stadiums.

The Panthers haven’t had a winning season since 2017.

Carolina had a league-worst 2-15 record in 2023.

It was a year that forced Tepper to hire a third coach in three seasons.

They’re hoping for a better second season from 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, who threw 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last year.