CHARLOTTE — Thursday night, Mecklenburg County Commissioners voted to contribute $30 million to a tennis complex in the River District.
Commissioners said they view the tennis complex as an economic development project. County Manager Dena Diorio said this is not the precedent for stadium projects. She said she told Panthers owner David Tepper that they won’t fund Bank of America Stadium renovations.
“I had a conversation with David Tepper in the past that Mecklenburg County will not participate in any financial support for stadium upgrades,” she said.
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- Mecklenburg County committee advances tennis proposal
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She said unlike the county, the city has a dedicated tourism fund for projects like Bank of America Stadium. As Channel 9 has reported, Charlotte City Council has discussed a $1.2 billion framework for renovations.
Last month, the Charlotte City Council voted to commit $65 million to the tennis complex.
The Charleston Firm Beemok Capital is considering relocating the Western & Southern Open to the new complex. The tournament is expected to draw over $350,000 attendees each year, with an annual economic impact of $275 million.
We’re asking the state of North Carolina when they will announce potential funding for the complex. The county said the state is considering a $25 million investment.
VIDEO: Mecklenburg County Commissioners to vote on west Charlotte tennis complex proposal
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