Tag: Bank of America Stadium

Watch: Panthers arrive for first home game of 2021

The Carolina Panthers dripped their way into Bank of America Stadium for their (preseason) home game against the Ravens.

The Carolina Panthers were stylin’ and profilin’ into Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night for their first home game of 2021. And even though it’s just a preseason outing, some guys didn’t hold back on the quality drip prior to kickoff against the Baltimore Ravens.

Safety Jeremy Chinn, as promised, donned the Muggsy Bogues Charlotte Hornets throwback.

The jersey, as part of his season-long initiative, will be signed by himself and Bogues, and donated to charity.

Rookie running back Chuba Hubbard is getting ready for his home debut. He’s excited to fight for his role behind superstar Christian McCaffrey in front of the Carolina faithful.

And, behold, a gallery courtesy of the Panthers themselves. Peep that Robby Anderson look, by the way.

Is he wearing the ski mask because he’s out for the bag? He likely won’t be playing tonight due to a hamstring tweak, but could be in line for an extension in this all-important 2021 campaign.

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Panthers WR Robby Anderson not a fan of new playing field: ‘Turf is fake’

Wide receiver Robby Anderson wasn’t afraid to say that he’s not a fan, though.

The Carolina Panthers will be playing on a turf surface this coming season for the first time in franchise history. Players got to try it out on Friday night during their Fan Fest training camp practice. Afterwards, running back Christian McCaffrey gave a diplomatic answer, saying it is what it is and there’s positives and negatives to grass and turf alike.

Wide receiver Robby Anderson wasn’t afraid to say that he’s not a fan, though. Here’s what he said following Monday’s practice.

Turf is fake and more dangerous when it comes to injuries. It is cheaper than grass, though. With David Tepper’s soccer team taking the field next year it will be much easier to maintain between the two clubs than a natural surface.

As for Anderson, he had missed the previous few practices due to a family matter. He returned to practice today and made a stunning one-handed catch.

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Watch: Panthers great Steve Smith got a standing ovation at Fan Fest

Smith got a standing ovation from the crowd at Bank of America Stadium.

Steve Smith is finally back in the fold thanks to the efforts of Panthers owner David Tepper.

Last night at Fan Fest, the most popular player in franchise history got a standing ovation from the crowd at Bank of America Stadium.

On the broadcast Smith got emotional during the ovation, admitting that he had chills on-air, but also had an instinct to suplex somebody.

“I think they just realized I’m here. . . Actually gave me a little chill. Look at that. I got a little chill. I may go out there and suplex somebody. Just for one play, though.”

Never change, 89.

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Christian McCaffrey on Panthers’ new turf field: ‘It is what it is’

The Panthers got their first taste of the new turf field at Bank of America Stadium last night at Fan Fest.

The Panthers got their first taste of the new turf field at Bank of America Stadium last night at Fan Fest. Reviews from the players were generally positive. As for Carolina’s biggest star, Christian McCaffrey gave an admirable both sides answer.

“It doesn’t matter. It is what it is. We’ve gotta deal with it regardless of what I think. But there are different turfs. Some turfs are better than others. Some grasses are better than others. Obviously, grass is great, but you get a rainstorm and the grass gets terrible. That’s also not good. There’s pros and cons to both.”

The new surface will enable team owner David Tepper’s soccer venture – The Charlotte Football Club to use the stadium. It’s also coincidentally cheaper to maintain than grass.

McCaffrey also told reporters after practice that players were being a bit cautious on the surface in order to get used to it. There’s good reason for that. The NFLPA says players are 69% more likely to suffer a foot or an ankle injury on turf compared with grass.

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Panthers announce joint practices with Colts, Ravens

Panthers announce joint practices with Colts, Ravens

On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers announced a pair of joint workouts for mid-August in preparation of the 2021 season. And it doesn’t hurt that both will come against two of the league’s best.

The two-day practice sessions will see the Panthers meet up with the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens, both of which went 11-5 this past season in clinching two of the three AFC Wild Card spots. The team will travel to Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Ind. to mix it up with the Colts on Aug. 12 and 13 and will welcome the Ravens into Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. on Aug. 18 and 19.

Both gatherings will precede the exhibition matchups that are set to take place between the teams. The Panthers are scheduled to clash with the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium for Week 1 of the preseason on Aug. 15 and will then host the Ravens at Bank of America Stadium six days later on Aug. 21.

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Panthers’ billionaire owner David Tepper: ‘I’m not building the stadium alone’

According to the Charlotte Observer, Tepper said he’s not going to build it alone and the “community” has to want to.

Panthers owner David Tepper has a net worth of around $14.5 billion, according to the latest estimate by Forbes. That won’t stop him from asking for hundreds of millions in public funding when it comes time to build a new stadium for his franchise.

Tepper made that much clear today when speaking with reporters at an event announcing a $700,000 donation for a special needs park in Rock Hill. According to the Charlotte Observer, Tepper said he’s not going to build it alone and the “community” has to want to.

“Community” of course means “taxpayers,” who will no doubt fork over whatever it is Mr. Tepper asks for without much of a fight from their elected officials.

Just because Tepper will get what he wants doesn’t make his entitlement here any less outrageous.

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Tom Brady, Cam Newton will make exciting returns to familiar stadiums in 2021

Both quarterbacks will see their former stadiums in different uniforms for the first time.

The 2021 season will be extremely fun for many different reasons, but it’ll be especially significant for these two MVP quarterbacks.

Cam Newton and Tom Brady will make returns to the stadiums they’re most used familiar with this year. Newton re-signed with the Patriots on Friday, likely ensuring the fact he’ll be on the roster and making his return to Bank of America Stadium to play the Carolina Panthers. Brady, a year after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will return back to Gillette Stadium for the first time in a different uniform.

Both players poured their hearts into the organizations and cities, meaning both reunions will be tremendously special and emotional.

The Brady vs. Bill Belichick matchup will be one for the ages.

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Watch: Panthers owners talk early voting, TNF on Good Morning Football

Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper talk early voting, fans on Good Morning Football.

Carolina Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper were guests on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football episode this morning. They touched on a lot of different things, including voting at Bank of America Stadium and tonight’s game against the Falcons.

Watch.

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Report: Panthers buy virus-killing robots to combat COVID-19 at stadium

According to a report by Jabari Young at CNBC, the Panthers have purchased two virus-killing robots that cost $125,000 each.

With the Titans and Steelers having their Week 4 matchup postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the Tennessee side, there are renewed questions about how the NFL can keep players, staff and fans safe during the pandemic. Speaking of which, The Panthers will be welcoming fans into Bank of America Stadium on Sunday for the first time this season. The crowd will be limited to 7% capacity in accordance with the latest orders by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. That’s around 5,200 fans.

As you might expect, team owner David Tepper is trying some cutting-edge things to contain the virus at the stadium. According to a report by Jabari Young at CNBC, the Panthers have purchased two virus-killing robots that cost $125,000 each. From the report:

“Two ultraviolet Xenex LightStrike robots purchased by the Panthers will be used in locker rooms, showers and other areas throughout Bank of America Stadium . . . According to Xenex, the robot can kill the virus that causes Covid-19 in minutes using ‘pulsed xenon, a noble gas, to create Full Spectrum, high-intensity UV light that quickly destroys infectious germs.’”

As for now, the other games are still on. So, the 1-2 Panthers will host the 2-1 Cardinals, who are the favorites.

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Panthers can host some fans starting Week 4 vs. Cardinals

Cooper’s order allows stadiums to fill to 7% capacity.

Yesterday, North Carolina governor Roy Cooper cleared the way for large outdoor stadiums to reopen their doors beginning October 2. That means the Carolina Panthers can begin hosting fans starting Week 4 against Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals.

Cooper’s order allows stadiums to fill to 7% capacity. For Bank of America Stadium, that means around 5,200 fans can be allowed in.

While having the energy of a few thousands fans will help reestablish some of the home-field advantage these Panthers missed Week 1 against the Raiders, those who are hoping for a blowout win to celebrate should adjust their expectations.

Arizona hasn’t been a contender since the Panthers beat them in the NFC Championship game five years ago. They even beat them last season with Kyle Allen starting at quarterback. Things are changing, though. Through two weeks, the Cards are 2-0 and Murray is becoming one of the league’s most dynamic, difficult to defend playmakers.

The odds for next week aren’t out yet, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Panthers are underdogs again.

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