The City of Charlotte and Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE) have entered into a partnership to secure a multimillion-dollar renovation of Bank of America Stadium, home to NFL side the Carolina Panthers and MLS team Charlotte FC.
The goal is to keep the stadium, which is an important community asset, in its prime uptown location. The renovation will enhance the fan and player experience, modernise infrastructure, and continue to deliver world-class sports and entertainment to Charlotte and the region.
“Bank of America Stadium has been a special place for our Panthers, and now Charlotte FC, fans for nearly 30 years,” said Kristi Coleman, Carolina Panthers team president. “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.”
The City’s investment does not require any new or increased taxes. It will 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. The restricted funds cannot be used for other city functions like transit, education, affordable housing or public safety.
“Our goal is to build a collaborative partnership so that this community asset can continue to generate unique and memorable experiences for fans, as well as economic impact for the city and region for years to come,” said Coleman.
Visitors will enter the renovated stadium through an inviting park-like setting, which will feature exterior video boards for watch parties and other viewing opportunities. Once inside, fans will experience the best in technology with a new state-of-the-art sound system, scoreboard, and video boards. They can enjoy exciting, unique social areas with skyline views, improved concessions with regional offerings, and an expanded Team Store to better accommodate Panthers and Charlotte FC fans. Arts and culture elements will be infused throughout the design to reflect the vibrant culture across the Carolinas.
Other important elements include:
- 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 to reaffirm its place as an iconic, beloved fixture of the Charlotte skyline.
- Reduced impact on the environment and demand on city infrastructure through the modernisation of the building systems, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical and HVAC.
“Bank of America Stadium provides our Club one of the best home pitch advantages in Major League Soccer,” said Joe LaBue, Charlotte FC team president. “It also serves as a pillar of our community that supports our mission to be a unifying force in the city.”
The renovation would be an ongoing partnership between TSE and the City of Charlotte. Total investment includes a fixed investment of US$650 million from the City of Charlotte over the term of the deal and a total investment of US$688+ million by TSE, including US$117 million that was invested prior to June 2024 and an estimated US$571 million (US$150 million towards the renovation plus potential overages, and an estimated US$421 million for capital improvements over the term of the deal).
Charlotte has become one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country and a marquee destination for sports and entertainment events, many of which take place at Bank of America Stadium. The city has one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL and, at the same time, one of the most active buildings in the NFL and MLS. Since 2018, TSE has opened the stadium to create nearly year-round programming around the NFL schedule, with MLS and international soccer, stadium-filling concerts, NCAA and high school football as well as 100 corporate and community events.
