Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium is a multi-purpose venue located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Opened on August 3, 1996, it serves as the home stadium for the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte FC (MLS). The stadium has a seating capacity of 74,867 and is known for hosting major sporting events, including NFL games, soccer matches, and college football events. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations, including significant upgrades in 2014 and 2020, with future renovations planned for the upcoming years. The stadium features unique architectural elements, including larger-than-life panther statues at its entrances, and is a key venue for both local and international sports and entertainment.

Bank of America Stadium has a rich history, serving as one of the most iconic sports venues in Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally opening on August 3, 1996, as Ericsson Stadium, the stadium was built to house the Carolina Panthers after they were awarded an NFL franchise in 1993. The venue was the first in the NFL to be primarily funded through Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs), a new concept at the time.

In 2004, Bank of America purchased the naming rights for the stadium, marking the start of its current name. The stadium is known for its distinctive architecture, which includes large panther statues flanking its entrances and its bowl design, often referred to as a "classic American stadium."

Over the years, Bank of America Stadium has hosted numerous memorable events. In addition to being the home of the Panthers, it has served as a venue for Charlotte FC (MLS) since 2022, hosting their debut season matches. The stadium has also been used for college football games, including the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and the ACC Championship Game. It has played host to major international soccer events, such as Mexico vs. Iceland in 2010 and numerous International Champions Cup matches.

Renovations have kept the stadium modern, including $250 million in upgrades, particularly in 2014, where significant improvements were made, such as larger video boards and new concourses. With the arrival of Charlotte FC, further adjustments were made to accommodate soccer matches, including a FieldTurf surface in 2021.

Overall Design

• Bowl Shape: The stadium is designed in a bowl shape, typical of many American football stadiums, providing excellent sightlines from every seat. The bowl design, coupled with the open-air seating, creates an intense and dynamic atmosphere during events.
• Seating Capacity: It has a seating capacity of 74,867, making it one of the larger stadiums in the NFL and MLS. The seats are arranged in a multi-tiered structure, including a lower bowl, an upper bowl, and club-level seating for premium experiences.

Exterior Features

• Main Entrances: The stadium is known for its striking exterior features, including three massive main entrances, each flanked by larger-than-life bronze panther statues, which stand as symbols of the Carolina Panthers. These statues are the largest sculptures ever commissioned in the United States and depict crouching, snarling panthers with glowing green eyes.
• Light Domes: The stadium features six light domes on top of the main entrances, which have been updated with LED systems during renovations in 2014. These lights now project the Panthers' signature "process blue" and can create dynamic lighting effects.
• Arches and Columns: The upper deck is supported by columns with arches, which resemble the shape of a half football, adding to the stadium's aesthetic appeal. These arches, combined with the stadium's exterior landscaping, give it a grand yet inviting feel.

Interior Features

• Luxury Suites: The stadium includes luxury suites and club-level seating to offer premium fan experiences. These areas provide upgraded amenities such as upscale food, beverage options, and exclusive viewing areas.
• Video Boards: In 2014, the stadium underwent a major renovation, including the installation of two massive 200' x 56' HD video boards, which are among the largest in the NFL. This upgrade significantly enhanced the fan experience, providing clearer visuals and better access to replays and live action.
• Concourse and Amenities: The concourses were upgraded during the renovations, improving fan flow and accessibility. New signage, food stalls, and additional restroom facilities were added, making the space more comfortable for the thousands of fans attending events.

Additional Elements

• Panther Hall of Honor: The Panther Hall of Honor is located within the stadium, where life-sized statues and commemorations of legendary figures like Mike McCormack and Sam Mills stand proudly. These statues are a testament to the rich history of the team.
• Field Size: The field at Bank of America Stadium meets NFL and MLS standards, with a size of 105 meters by 68 meters (345 feet x 223 feet). The grass surface has been replaced with FieldTurf for MLS matches, while the stadium still uses natural grass for NFL games.
• Fan Plazas and Outdoor Areas: During the 2014 renovations, the stadium added fan plazas at the upper deck, which are open-air areas for fans to gather before and after games. These areas, along with the updated concourses, provide ample space for fans to enjoy the stadium’s atmosphere.

Iconic Statues

• The stadium also features the Jerry Richardson statue (removed in 2020) and bronze statues of players in the Hall of Honor, celebrating the team's legacy.

1. NFL Football

• Home of the Carolina Panthers: As the home stadium for the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Bank of America Stadium is primarily used for American football games, including regular-season and playoff matches. The stadium has been hosting the Panthers' home games since it opened in 1996.

2. MLS Soccer

• Home of Charlotte FC: Since 2022, Bank of America Stadium has been home to Charlotte FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team. With the expansion of MLS, the stadium has been adapted to meet the requirements of soccer, including the installation of a FieldTurf surface and other adjustments to accommodate the soccer pitch.

3. College Football

• Duke’s Mayo Bowl: The stadium hosts the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, a major college football bowl game that typically features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and either the Southeastern Conference (SEC) or the Big Ten Conference. It has been a regular venue for college football in Charlotte.
• ACC Championship Game: Until 2015, Bank of America Stadium was the host for the ACC Championship Game, and it will continue to do so through at least 2030. The stadium has been a staple for college football in the region, attracting large crowds for these high-profile games.

4. International Soccer Matches

• International Friendlies and Tournaments: The stadium frequently hosts international soccer matches, including friendly games and tournaments. Teams from all over the world, including Mexico, England, Germany, and others, have played at the stadium. Notably, it has hosted matches in the International Champions Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup.

5. Concerts

• Music and Concerts: Since its renovation in 2014, Bank of America Stadium has become a venue for major concerts. Some of the biggest names in the music industry, including The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Metallica, and Kenny Chesney, have performed at the stadium. These concerts are a key use of the venue, attracting tens of thousands of fans for each show.

6. Other Sporting Events

• High School Football: The stadium has also been used for high school football games, with significant matchups like the Keep Pounding High School Classic. This provides local high school teams with the opportunity to play in a professional sports venue.
• Other Sports: On occasion, the stadium hosts events such as rugby matches, lacrosse games, and motorsport-related events, showcasing the stadium’s flexibility in hosting various sports.

7. Public and Private Events

• Community Events: The stadium serves as a venue for community events and celebrations, such as charity fundraisers, corporate events, and public gatherings. It is also used for cultural events and festivals like the Untappd Beer Festival and the Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival.
• Special Events and Expositions: Bank of America Stadium is also available for expositions and special events, including fan festivals, trade shows, and other large-scale gatherings.

8. COVID-19 Vaccination Site

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bank of America Stadium was converted into a vaccination center, serving the local community by providing easy access for mass vaccinations in 2021.

9. Film and Media

• The stadium has occasionally been used for film shoots and media productions, thanks to its iconic architecture and large capacity. It offers a dramatic backdrop for various projects, particularly those focused on sports.

10. Corporate and VIP Events

• Private Functions: The stadium’s luxury suites and club-level seating are used for corporate hospitality, VIP events, and private parties. These areas offer an exclusive experience for high-profile guests and businesses hosting events at the stadium.

Books

• Thompson, M. (2006) The Carolina Panthers: An NFL Legacy. Charlotte: Carolina Press.
• Richards, D. (2014) The Evolution of NFL Stadiums: A Cultural Perspective. New York: HarperCollins.

Websites

• Carolina Panthers Official Site: Information about the Panthers' history, games, and news. Available at: https://www.panthers.com
• Charlotte FC Official Site: Updates on Charlotte FC's MLS journey and team details. Available at: https://www.charlottefootballclub.com
• Bank of America Stadium: Official page for venue details and events. Available at: https://www.bankofamericastadium.com

Articles

• The Charlotte Observer: Features on Bank of America Stadium’s history and renovations. Available at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com
• Sports Illustrated: Coverage of major events held at Bank of America Stadium. Available at: https://www.si.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Panther Pride: The Story of Bank of America Stadium (2019): Directed by John Hughes. This documentary offers an inside look into the construction and significance of the stadium, featuring interviews with former team executives and local historians.