(AP) — Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is investing an additional $500 million into ongoing stadium renovations to improve overall fan experience with an eye toward potentially bringing the Super Bowl, NFL draft, 2031 Women’s World Cup and other major sporting events to Charlotte. The investment coincides with the team announcing it has reached a long-term extension on a stadium naming rights deal Thursday with Bank of America. The additional investment in the 30-year-old downtown stadium brings the total cost of renovations to $1.3 billion.
The project is expected to be completed by 2030. The Panthers released new stadium renderings highlighting enhancements and a broader vision of what is referred to as the new “Charlotte corridor,” which includes a 4,400-seat music venue designed to help make the city a more attractive year-round weekend destination. “The long-term extension with Bank of America reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to the Carolinas,” Tepper, the owner and chairman of Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE), said in a statement.
“For over three decades, Bank of America Stadium has helped create lasting memories for our fans and we’re excited for them to see what’s ahead. Our goal is to create experiences that enhance the passion and energy of the region while transforming this corridor into a weekend destination for world class sports, entertainment and community events.” Bank of America Stadium is currently home to the Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC, as well as the Panthers. It regularly hosts concerts as well as the Atlantic Coast Conference football championship, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and, most recently, a soccer match between the United States and Senegal which served as a precursor to the World Cup.
What about a first-ever Super Bowl in Charlotte? When asked directly if the Panthers are considering submitting a bid to host a first-ever Super Bowl in Charlotte, team president and TSE CEO Kristi Coleman replied, “We would love to get a Super Bowl. … I think doing projects like this help you get it.
It for sure helps your resume.” Of course, there are other factors that go into ultimately landing the NFL’s biggest event, including number of hotels and other infrastructure. “Does this guarantee (a Super Bowl)? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who…
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