Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is putting an additional $500 million into the ongoing renovation of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina — a move that could help the city land marquee events including the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft, and the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
The announcement came Thursday alongside news that the team has secured a long-term extension of its naming rights agreement with Bank of America. With the new investment, the total cost of the stadium overhaul now stands at $1.3 billion, with completion targeted for 2030.
Tepper, who serves as owner and chairman of Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE), described the renewed partnership as a reflection of shared values. “The long-term extension with Bank of America reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to the Carolinas,” he 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.”
The Panthers released new renderings Thursday outlining a sweeping transformation of the 30-year-old downtown venue and its surroundings — a concept team officials are calling the “Charlotte corridor.” Among the highlights is a 4,400-seat music venue outside the stadium’s North gate, designed to turn the area into a year-round destination.
The additional funding is entirely privately sourced, with no new taxpayer dollars involved. TSE has also agreed to cover any cost overruns and ongoing maintenance expenses.
The city of Charlotte had originally contributed $650 million to the project in 2024, with TSE adding $150 million at that time, for an initial renovation budget of $800 million. That came after Tepper chose to renovate the existing facility rather than construct a new stadium.
The redesign touches nearly every part of the venue. New renderings show expanded indoor-outdoor spaces across all seating levels, a social patio on the 500 level with panoramic views of Uptown Charlotte, larger and more advanced scoreboards, and upgraded audio systems. Premium seating options featuring personalized technology have also been added.
On the outside, the stadium will undergo a dramatic transformation. The black metal gates surrounding portions of the building will be taken down, replaced by a more open, park-style atmosphere. A signature illuminated crown is planned for the building’s exterior, giving it a fresh presence on the Charlotte skyline.
Inside, fans can expect more restroom capacity, additional food, beverage, and retail options, and flexible spaces that can serve community and corporate events during the offseason.
Panthers president and TSE CEO Kristi Coleman said the driving goal has been to bring Tepper’s vision to life — and that fan feedback played a major role in shaping the project. The team took fans to other NFL cities to observe what they appreciated about rival stadiums and also gathered input from existing seat license holders.
“Our fans from Raleigh or Charleston and other places would say ‘we want this to be a weekend destination, not just for Sundays,’” Coleman said.
Music emerged as a top priority from those conversations, she added, which led to the decision to build the new entertainment venue. The space is expected to host between 80 and 100 concerts and events annually, while also providing enhanced hospitality on Panthers game days.
“So now people can come on a Friday and go to a concert, go to a soccer match on Saturday and then stay for a Panthers game on Sunday,” Coleman said. “That was really the vision.”
Coleman emphasized that the improvements are designed to benefit fans at every level of the stadium — from the lower bowl to the upper deck to luxury suites. “I’m so excited that every fan will experience something different,” she said.
Bank of America Stadium currently serves as home to both the Panthers and Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC. The venue also regularly hosts concerts, the Atlantic Coast Conference football championship, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and recently welcomed a U.S. men’s national soccer match against Senegal ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Charlotte Mayor Rob Harrington praised the project, calling it an investment in the city’s future — “preserving an iconic venue, enhancing the fan experience, and ensuring Bank of America Stadium continues to create unforgettable memories while giving visitors countless reasons to return to our city for years to come.”
