CHARLOTTE, NC — A Panthers’ win Sunday would mean big bucks for local business.
Game day at Bank of America Stadium draws thousands of people into Uptown, and an extra game equals extra cash.
“The last two games, it’s picked up a lot with them winning,” says Angelo Tszpelis.
The Panthers winning is always good for business. One more win brings back-to-back NFC South titles, and one more home game.
“If they’re winning, and they know they’re going into the playoffs, it’s even better,” says Tszpelis. “The economic impact the city has with them winning is huge.”
Angelo Tszpelis is the general manager at The French Quarter on South Church, a restaurant and bar a few blocks from the stadium. BOA Stadium holds 74,000 people, but Panthers home games bring even more fans to Uptown.
“Sit at the bars and restaurants and watch the games,” says Tszpelis. “You know, just be a part of it, even if they don’t have tickets. It brings more people into the city.”
And those fans are spending money. Paying to park. Buying meals. Enjoying pre- and post-game drinks.
It’s an extra pay day for stadium staff, and an infusion of cash for surrounding businesses.
“Once we get there, we’re going to be behind our team, no doubt,” says Panthers’ fan Craig Johnson. “And I think it will be great for the economy.”
We reached out to the Panthers organization. They tell us they are excited about the playoff opportunity, but would not comment specifically on the monetary benefit from a home game.
