BofA Stadium renovations may come sooner rather than later

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The city is trying to write one final check to Bank of America Stadium. The sooner that check is cashed, the quicker fans will see improvements.

Nearly every week in the fall, thousands of people pack Bank of America Stadium to watch the Panthers play.

"Great team, great for the city," Don Young, a season ticket holder, said. "It seems a bit more roomy here. The parking is better."

Don Young has seen many changes since Bank of America Stadium opened in 1996.

The changes are in part thanks to an April 2013 agreement for the city of Charlotte to fund $75 million worth of improvements over 10 years.

The city agreed to make those payments in three installments, the last one being on December 1, 2017. Now, the City Council wants to push that payment up a year to this December.

"I think being old gives it a kind of ‘je ne sais quoi’ that’ you’re not going to find anywhere and makes it ours," Kynbell Bishop, a fan, said.

By paying early, Bank of America Stadium will see renovations to the 100 level concourse sooner, including an escalator from the 100 level to the 500 level and a new team history area.

It also means the city will be able to take advantage of currently low interest rates and save $5.3 million.

If approved, the Panthers are offering to let the city host more major events in the stadium rent-free. That means Charlotte could host international soccer games through 2022.

These changes are good news to many longtime fans. They say the improvements will not only create a better atmosphere for games, but will also help the City long term.

"I think the stadium needs upgrades and now is a good time to do it," Bishop said. "The team is doing well, people are excited about it.  People are willing to spend their money when they are excited."

City Council is set to vote on its approval Monday at the Government Center.

Cox Media Group