Panthers Fan Fest begins tonight: Traffic alerts for Uptown

CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers Fan Fest takes place on Friday night at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Gates for the event open at 5 p.m. with the evening culminating in a fireworks and laser show.

>>LINK: Stay updated on live traffic conditions

Practice is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Dave Canales, head coach of the Carolina Panthers, aims to use the energy and excitement from the crowd to push the team during the practice session.

The Panthers return to their home stadium after spending the past two weeks training in the heat. Friday night marks the first time the team will be in front of the Charlotte crowd since the conclusion of the previous season.

The fan base previously provided the team with significant energy during the NFC South Championship.

Supporters remained standing and cheering from the initial kickoff through the end of the game.

Team members and staff discussed that crowd response throughout the offseason. According to team officials, the support from the fans sparked high hopes for the upcoming season.

Event details

5 p.m.: Gates and team store open
5:30 p.m.: Pre-practice entertainment begins
6:30 p.m.: Players begin on-field warmups
7:30 p.m.: Practice begins
8:45 p.m.: Practice ends and autograph session begins
Post-practice: Fireworks and Laser Show Begins

Buy tickets here.

Expect delays

Expect delays near Bank of America Stadium for Panthers Fan Fest

Drivers heading into Uptown for Fan Fest should be prepared for traffic delays and road closures around the stadium.

For those attending the event or those looking to avoid the area altogether, here’s a list of the closures to keep in mind:

4th St. both eastbound lanes between Graham St. and Mint St.
Brooklyn Village Ave. between Church St. and College St.
Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd between Mint St. and Tryon St.
Mint St. both southbound lanes between W Trade St and Martin Luther King Jr Bv
S Church St between Carson Blvd. and Morehead St.
Graham St. both southbound lanes between Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and W 6th St.
Graham St. between Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and Mint St.
Mint St. between Carson Blvd. and Morehead St.
Graham St. right southbound lane between 4th St. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
1st St. between Mint St. and Church St.
Mint St. right northbound lane between W. Trade S.t and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Brooklyn Village Ave. between Mint and Church St.