City Council Continues Conversation On Panthers Stadium Renovation

CHARLOTTE – City council and Panthers top brass talk face to face about proposed renovations to Bank of America stadium at Wednesday’s economic development meeting.

David Tepper is asking for $650 million from the city to help renovate the 28 year old stadium.

Tepper Sports and Entertainment Chief Venues Officer Caroline Wright spoke with WCCB’s Emma Mondo.

“A lot of this is education, both for us and the community to learn and understand all of the facets and details of of a project of this magnitude.”

The money would come from Charlotte’s tourism and hospitality tax fund. Local business owners shared how stadium events have positively impacted them.

“2021 to 2022 to 2023, we we’re all seeing major hits across the board,” said Resident Culture CEO Amanda McLamb. “The days that we are not seeing hits, however, are on stadium days.”

Team officials told council members that the renovations are not just a want – but a need.

“At this point in time, you know, investment is needed for us to remain competitive and to drive future growth,” said Panthers president Kristi Coleman.

There is public concern with Tepper’s plans after the Rock Hill Panthers project fell apart. Councilman Ed Driggs defended Tepper.

“There was a lot of reporting about some things that happened that affected public perception,” said Driggs. “His good deeds and his investments are underreported.”

Council member Malcolm Graham talked with Mondo after the meeting. She asked him if council will truly listen to people at the public hearing, or if they already have their minds made up.

“Certainly we will listen to the to the public and we will take their comments into consideration,” Graham said. “But at the end of the day, it’s that factor times ten other factors as well.”

Public hearing for the renovations will take place at 3pm on Monday, June 17th. The final city council vote will be on June 24th.