Tag: Bank of America Stadium

Falcons, Panthers playing to near-empty stadium in Charlotte

There were not many people who showed up for the Falcons-Panthers game in Charlotte

There were no takers for the 45-cent tickets on the secondary market for Sunday’s Atlanta Falcons-Panthers game in Charlotte.

There were not many takers for any other ducats in the rainy weather in the Mid-Atlantic.

Bank of American Stadium was practically empty at kickoff.

Panthers using ‘blanket-type device’ to keep field warm for Week 15

The Bank of America Stadium turf is keeping warm this winter.

Even artificial turf could use a blanket this time of year.

Week 15’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons will mark the first December home game of the season for the Carolina Panthers. And with the weather outside becoming a tad frightful (or at least a lot colder), the field over at Bank of America Stadium is apparently getting some extra attention . . .

As Person notes, the field conditions during last year’s Christmas Eve clash with the Detroit Lions were, well, less than ideal. In what was the coldest home game in franchise history, the frosty Bank of America Stadium turf received blistering reviews from Lions players and, eventually, the NFL Players Association.

NFLPA president J.C. Tretter penned a scathing indictment of the field back in April:

We currently have a single test for all field surfaces called the “Clegg” test, which simply measures a field’s hardness. While we are working diligently and collaboratively with the NFL’s engineering experts to devise more advanced ways to measure field performance and safety, this test is all that we currently have. However, even this simple measure was too much for the NFL to adhere to when push came to shove in Carolina.

Last year on Christmas Eve, Carolina’s field failed the Clegg test. For a surface to pass this test, it must measure below 100g (units of gravities), and the meter for this test goes up to a maximum of 150g. When the field in Carolina was tested during the pregame check, it came back as — you guessed it — 150g.

Players reached out and told us the field was way too hard, describing it as concrete. Players reported that they couldn’t even wear cleats because they wouldn’t sink into the turf. When we reached out to the league, they told us they were aware of these concerns and were working to remedy them.

However, instead of delaying the game or finding another way to fix the issue, the league gave the green light to kick off the game as scheduled. Afterward, the league told us that late in the first half, the field finally did fall below the 100g max. But the fact remains that the players in that game had to play on a field that the league acknowledges was not safe. That is beyond frustrating to players and unacceptable in the eyes of our union.

While he did tell reporters on Wednesday that the “blanket-type device” was there to keep the turf warm, interim head coach Chris Tabor could not confirm if the use of that device is related to those complaints.

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Panthers, Bank of America extend stadium naming rights agreement

The Panthers and Bank of America announced an extension for the team’s stadium naming rights on Wednesday.

The Carolina Panthers will not be opening a new account elsewhere.

As announced on Wednesday morning, the Panthers and Bank of America have agreed upon an extension for the naming rights to Bank of America Stadium.

Panthers President Kristi Coleman stated the following via the official release:

“We are proud that the stadium will continue to carry the name of one of Charlotte’s most iconic and philanthropic companies. Extending our naming rights agreement not only speaks to the value of our partnership, but also underscores the mutual trust and shared commitment that defines our relationship.”

Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte, was also included in the release:

“Bank of America has a long-standing relationship with the Carolina Panthers and stadium. We look forward to our continued partnership and our strong support for the Charlotte Community.”

The Panthers, who will be continuing what’s been a 20-year partnership with the banking giant, have called home Bank of America Stadium since 2004.

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Mecklenburg County manager says no to public funding for Panthers

Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio recently shot down the idea of devoting public subsidies to the Panthers and owner David Tepper’s quest for a new stadium.

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If Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper wants a new or renovated stadium, he’ll have to build it without out the help of Mecklenburg County.

This past week, County Manager Dena Diorio shot down the idea of handing over public subsidies to its local professional sports franchises, the Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets. The topic came up during a conversation regarding the development of a new tennis complex in the River District, one the county is spending up to $30 million on.

When asked by Commissioner Pat Cotham if devoting such funds to the complex would eventually lead to the same for the pro teams, Diorio — per Steve Harrison of WFAE — said the following:

“And I have had a conversation with (Panthers owner) David Tepper in the past, that the county would not participate in any financial support for stadium upgrades because of what you (Cotham) said — that the city has a specific tax (on hotels and food and beverage preparation) that’s dedicated to that purpose, and the county does not have that.”

Tepper hasn’t kept his hopes for a new venue or a renovated Bank of America Stadium under wraps. The billionaire owner has stated on numerous occasions that he won’t be building a new stadium alone.

Well, while it may not be alone with the city of Charlotte in talks over a recent $1.2 billion proposal from Tepper Sports and Entertainment, it probably won’t be with the county.

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Photos from USMNT’s Sunday night win at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium played host to Sunday’s 6-0 Gold Cup victory for the United States men’s national soccer team.

On Sunday night, the (unofficial) house of the Carolina Panthers played host to a pair of CONCACAF Gold Cup matches. First up was the tilt between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, one the “home team” dominated.

Here, including a special appearance from that elusive natural grass playing surface, are 25 photos from the USMNT’s 6-0 victory:

Stadium agreement between Panthers, Charlotte officially expires

The Carolina Panthers’ stadium agreement with the City of Charlotte has now ended. So what does that mean for the team’s future?

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The Carolina Panthers are no longer contractually tethered to the city of Charlotte.

On Friday, the 10-year agreement that has kept the franchise in its hometown officially ended. So, no the Panthers are not currently tied to Bank of America Stadium.

What does that mean? According to spokespeople from both sides, probably not much.

Here, via WBTV investigative reporter David Hodges, are the following statements from both sides regarding the expired pact:

Tepper Sports and Entertainment Spokesperson: “The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC are integral to the fabric of Charlotte and the Carolinas. Bank of America Stadium serves as a community asset that delivers world-class sports and entertainment to the area and we are proud to be a primary driver of economic development in uptown Charlotte and throughout the region.”

City of Charlotte Spokesperson: “Tepper Sports and Entertainment have proven their commitment to Charlotte over the years by investing in our communities and bringing Charlotte FC to our city and making upgrades to Bank of America stadium. The Teppers and their organization have been outstanding allies, with investments in Charlotte that reach far beyond the field. We are optimistic about the future of our partnership.”

The lapsing of the stadium agreement does not mean that Panthers owner David Tepper, who also owns Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer, is planning to move the team. But it does mean that such a move would bring lesser financial penalties for Tepper. Any relocation would have to be voted on and approved by three-fourths of the league’s owners.

Per Hodges, if the team relocates between now and 2027, Charlotte taxpayers would be allowed to buy the stadium from Tepper Sports at “fair market value.”

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Bank of America Stadium installs natural grass for Gold Cup matches

Once again, it’s the fútbol players—not the football players—who will be playing on natural grass at Bank of America Stadium.

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The grass vs. turf saga continues over at 800 South Mint Street.

As noted by Carroll R. Walton of The Charlotte Ledger on Tuesday, natural grass has been installed at Bank of America Stadium for this weekend’s Concacaf Gold Cup matches. The home of the Carolina Panthers will play host to two matchups on Sunday—one between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago and the other between Honduras and Haiti.

Given that Tepper Sports and Entertainment uses a turf playing surface for its Panthers game, which is widely unfavorable amongst NFL players due to safety concerns, this move to grass has begun to draw the ire of fans. And it’s not the first time they’ve laid out the good stuff for a premier soccer event, as last summer’s friendly between Charlotte FC and visiting Chelsea F.C. also got the green carpet treatment.

Back in April, the NFL Players Association ripped the organization for its use of turf—specifically citing the frigid conditions of Carolina’s Week 16 meeting with the Detroit Lions. President J.C. Tretter wrote the following about the ‘unacceptable’ surface:

We currently have a single test for all field surfaces called the “Clegg” test, which simply measures a field’s hardness. While we are working diligently and collaboratively with the NFL’s engineering experts to devise more advanced ways to measure field performance and safety, this test is all that we currently have. However, even this simple measure was too much for the NFL to adhere to when push came to shove in Carolina.

Last year on Christmas Eve, Carolina’s field failed the Clegg test. For a surface to pass this test, it must measure below 100g (units of gravities), and the meter for this test goes up to a maximum of 150g. When the field in Carolina was tested during the pregame check, it came back as — you guessed it — 150g.

Players reached out and told us the field was way too hard, describing it as concrete. Players reported that they couldn’t even wear cleats because they wouldn’t sink into the turf. When we reached out to the league, they told us they were aware of these concerns and were working to remedy them.

However, instead of delaying the game or finding another way to fix the issue, the league gave the green light to kick off the game as scheduled. Afterward, the league told us that late in the first half, the field finally did fall below the 100g max. But the fact remains that the players in that game had to play on a field that the league acknowledges was not safe. That is beyond frustrating to players and unacceptable in the eyes of our union.

But, if you want to see some acceptable conditions, Sunday’s Gold Cup contests kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET.

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NFL visits Charlotte, hears out city’s pitch to host future draft

As first reported by WSOC’s Joe Bruno, NFL leaders have visited Charlotte to hear out the Queen City’s pitch to host a future draft.

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Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is the man who brought live music to Charlotte. So can he help bring the city a future NFL draft as well?

Well, as reported by Joe Bruno of WSOC on Monday morning, league executives have already visited the Queen City to gauge the possibility. The meeting, which took place on May 4 at Bank of America Stadium, featured Panthers team president Kristi Coleman and the Charlotte Sports Foundation.

Charlotte’s interest in hosting a draft was first noted by Joe Person of The Athletic on April 27, just hours before they selected quarterback Bryce Young atop of this year’s event. With Detroit set to host in 2024 and Green Bay as the perceived favorites for 2025, it’s possible that Charlotte could be in contention for 2026.

Bruno was provided the following statement from a city spokesperson after what was heralded as an impressive visit:

The city has been engaged in conversations with our partners about Charlotte hosting the NFL Draft. Through our participation in the Charlotte Sports Foundation the city has a great track record of working with our community to lead similar efforts to attract marquee events to our city which have increased the profile of Charlotte and created economic opportunities for the people and business of Charlotte. In these pursuits we have leaned into our partnerships and supported events including financial support and with implementation, including event support, marketing and logistics. These events are important to our city, and we intend to continue to attract as well as execute world-class events. We look forward to continuing that work regarding the NFL Draft.

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Lions rip conditions of Panthers’ home turf after Week 16 matchup

As reported by Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, a number of Lions players were taken aback by the “cement-like” playing surface of the Panthers’ home turf on Saturday.

We’ve already heard of “Defend the Bank.” But would this be a case of “Offend the Bank?”

Following the Carolina Panthers’ 37-23 win over the Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve, some of the visiting players had some naughty things to say about the Bank of America Stadium turf. Here are just some of the comments, courtesy of MLive.com Lions beat reporter Kyle Meinke . . .

Quarterback Jared Goff:

“I thought the field conditions were below NFL-level standard, specifically pregame. I know it warmed up a bit as the game went on, but I don’t know what the deal is here. They need to make the turf not feel like cement. I don’t know why that is. You said it was the coldest game (here), so maybe it has something to do with that. It got better as the game went on, but pregame it was in no condition to be played on. Happy guys came out of this one relatively injury free.”

Center Frank Ragnow:

“Yeah, that field was tough. I don’t want to make excuses, but it was pretty hard, man. It’s tough to brace with the toe and everything. It was tough.”

Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson:

“That was the most concrete field I’ve ever been on in my whole life. I didn’t think that was actually legal to play on. Warming up, you’re trying to turn the corner, and literally in warmups, I fell in my first one-on-one rep right on my face.”

This definitely isn’t the first batch of unfavorable reviews for Carolina’s field conditions. Earlier in the season, Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore said team leaders spoke with owner David Tepper about the potentially dangerous turf.

Quarterback PJ Walker didn’t exactly endorse back in November either.

“I don’t mind it,” Walker said. “But I think it’s tough on the body. It’s tough on the body. Especially for like those big guys. Receivers as well—planting, coming out of breaks. It’s tough. So do I think the league should go to more grass fields? Absolutely.”

Hopefully, as the league-wide issues and objections with turf fields persist, something is done before any more needless injuries occur.

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