Charlotte City Council approves $650 million for Bank of America Stadium renovations

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte City Council voted, 7-3, Monday night to approve the $650 million Bank of America Stadium renovation project.

It was a little over a year ago when Channel 9′s Joe Bruno broke the news that Charlotte City Council was considering a $1.2 billion package to renovate Bank of America Stadium.

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The upgrades include a new “park-like atmosphere” outside of the stadium, plus new concourses, concessions, and a deck section with standing room only.

Since the renovations will happen, the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC will commit to being in Charlotte for another 20 years. After that? Then we start talking about the new stadium.

The money would come from the Convention Center Fund. That’s a bucket of money that can only be used for Convention Center upgrades, amateur sports, or Bank of America Stadium upgrades.

The vote came after a lengthy debate over the terms of the deal and the time the council had to consider it.

Ultimately the seven people who voted in favor of the project said having the Panthers and Charlotte FC in the Queen City is a worthwhile investment.

And that upgrades are needed to the stadium to make sure it can recruit top events to Uptown.

After the vote, Channel 9′s Joe Bruno spoke with Mayor Vi Lyles and Panthers President Kristi Coleman.

“We know we’re growing fast,” Lyles said. “We know people are choosing our city and they are doing that in large part, because one, we have great weather, but also we are moving and advancing so as we do sports and entertainment. We are going to have opportunities for people to not only come to work, but to be in a place where we are a regional magnet for entertainment and sports.”

“We are proud to call the Carolinas our home,” said Coleman. “Dave and Nicole are committed to Charlotte, and they’ve shown that over the last six years. We are excited for this partnership and for the future.”

Tepper Sports & Entertainment Owner David Tepper released a statement thanking the Charlotte City Council for the vote and said he looks “forward to delivering a venue that meets the needs of our community, players, and fans for years to come.”

The three councilmembers who voted against the project were Tiawana Brown, Dimple Ajmera, and Renee Johnson.

Statement from Tepper Sports & Entertainment Owner David Tepper:

“Today’s vote by the Charlotte City Council is the culmination of many thoughtful discussions with city officials, local leaders, and our fans to create a shared vision for Bank of America Stadium. Nicole and I are grateful for the collaboration and support of the project, as well as our ongoing partnership between Tepper Sports & Entertainment and the city.

For nearly 30 years, Charlotte has been the home of the Carolina Panthers and, more recently, Charlotte FC. We are proud to be in the Carolinas and look forward to delivering a venue that meets the needs of our community, players, and fans for years to come.”

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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