Blab Sports
Charlottes Bank of America Stadium to Receive $1.3 Billion Upgrade, Aiming to Boost Citys Event Profile
On Thursday, July 23, Tepper Sports and Entertainment (TSE) unveiled new renderings for a $1.3 billion renovation of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The project expands the original $800 million plan, adding $500 million in upgrades while the city’s $650 million contribution remains unchanged.
The proposed changes include an event pavilion on the south lawn, a social patio on the 500‑level concourse, upgraded seating options, and a new 44,000‑seat music and entertainment venue. According to TSE, the stadium currently hosts 40 to 50 events a year. The addition of the music venue could increase that number to 80 to 100 events annually, creating a “multiple‑times‑a‑week” schedule of public use.
Business and sports leaders in Charlotte see the expansion as a signal that the city is ready to host larger events. George Photopoulos, partner of The French Quarter restaurant, said the renderings are “amazing” and that the upgrades are needed. Photopoulos noted that the stadium draws visitors from Atlanta, Los Angeles, and other out‑of‑town locations, and that local restaurants benefit when those visitors choose neighborhood establishments over chain restaurants.
Michael Smith, CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners, emphasized the economic impact. “You put all that together, and multiple times a week, there are going to be tens of thousands of people that are utilizing this public asset,” Smith said. The Center City Partners organization works to promote equitable development and economic vitality in Uptown.
The Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF) has used the stadium’s reputation to pursue larger events. Miller Yoho, CSF spokesperson, said the organization has discussed hosting the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and additional college football games. Yoho added that the upgraded facilities would be a selling point when negotiating with event organizers.
The stadium, which opened in 1996 as Ericsson Stadium and was renamed in 2004 after Bank of America’s naming rights purchase, is the home of the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte FC (MLS). It also hosts the annual Duke’s Mayo Bowl and has previously hosted the ACC Championship Game through 2030.
The next major event at the current stadium is the MLS All‑Star game, scheduled for Wednesday, July 26. A weekend of activities will begin Saturday at Romare Bearden Park, with the match itself taking place on the field.
TSE’s expansion plan is part of a broader vision to position Charlotte as a “city of note,” according to Smith. The plan includes phased construction, with the new music venue and pavilion expected to open in the later stages of the project.
The $1.3 billion figure was confirmed by TSE’s CEO Kristi Coleman in a statement released Thursday. The city’s share of $650 million is unchanged from the original agreement. The total cost increase reflects additional concourse upgrades and the new entertainment venue.
The project is expected to create jobs during construction and in the long‑term operation of the new venues. Charlotte Center City Partners and the CSF anticipate that the upgrades will attract more visitors to Uptown, benefiting local businesses and supporting the city’s economic growth.
While the stadium’s capacity remains 75,037, the addition of a 44,000‑seat venue will allow the facility to host concerts, cultural events, and other large gatherings beyond sports. The plan aligns with Charlotte’s bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, which requires venues that can accommodate significant crowds.
As the city moves forward, stakeholders will monitor the project’s progress, funding milestones, and potential impact on Charlotte’s event calendar. The next steps include detailed design, permitting, and construction scheduling, with the goal of delivering the upgraded stadium to the public in the coming years.
In summary, the $1.3 billion renovation of Bank of America Stadium represents a significant investment in Charlotte’s infrastructure and event‑hosting capability. The project’s completion could position the city to attract major sporting and entertainment events, support local businesses, and enhance the overall experience for visitors and residents alike.
The proposed changes include an event pavilion on the south lawn, a social patio on the 500‑level concourse, upgraded seating options, and a new 44,000‑seat music and entertainment venue. According to TSE, the stadium currently hosts 40 to 50 events a year. The addition of the music venue could increase that number to 80 to 100 events annually, creating a “multiple‑times‑a‑week” schedule of public use.
Business and sports leaders in Charlotte see the expansion as a signal that the city is ready to host larger events. George Photopoulos, partner of The French Quarter restaurant, said the renderings are “amazing” and that the upgrades are needed. Photopoulos noted that the stadium draws visitors from Atlanta, Los Angeles, and other out‑of‑town locations, and that local restaurants benefit when those visitors choose neighborhood establishments over chain restaurants.
Michael Smith, CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners, emphasized the economic impact. “You put all that together, and multiple times a week, there are going to be tens of thousands of people that are utilizing this public asset,” Smith said. The Center City Partners organization works to promote equitable development and economic vitality in Uptown.
The Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF) has used the stadium’s reputation to pursue larger events. Miller Yoho, CSF spokesperson, said the organization has discussed hosting the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and additional college football games. Yoho added that the upgraded facilities would be a selling point when negotiating with event organizers.
The stadium, which opened in 1996 as Ericsson Stadium and was renamed in 2004 after Bank of America’s naming rights purchase, is the home of the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte FC (MLS). It also hosts the annual Duke’s Mayo Bowl and has previously hosted the ACC Championship Game through 2030.
The next major event at the current stadium is the MLS All‑Star game, scheduled for Wednesday, July 26. A weekend of activities will begin Saturday at Romare Bearden Park, with the match itself taking place on the field.
TSE’s expansion plan is part of a broader vision to position Charlotte as a “city of note,” according to Smith. The plan includes phased construction, with the new music venue and pavilion expected to open in the later stages of the project.
The $1.3 billion figure was confirmed by TSE’s CEO Kristi Coleman in a statement released Thursday. The city’s share of $650 million is unchanged from the original agreement. The total cost increase reflects additional concourse upgrades and the new entertainment venue.
The project is expected to create jobs during construction and in the long‑term operation of the new venues. Charlotte Center City Partners and the CSF anticipate that the upgrades will attract more visitors to Uptown, benefiting local businesses and supporting the city’s economic growth.
While the stadium’s capacity remains 75,037, the addition of a 44,000‑seat venue will allow the facility to host concerts, cultural events, and other large gatherings beyond sports. The plan aligns with Charlotte’s bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, which requires venues that can accommodate significant crowds.
As the city moves forward, stakeholders will monitor the project’s progress, funding milestones, and potential impact on Charlotte’s event calendar. The next steps include detailed design, permitting, and construction scheduling, with the goal of delivering the upgraded stadium to the public in the coming years.
In summary, the $1.3 billion renovation of Bank of America Stadium represents a significant investment in Charlotte’s infrastructure and event‑hosting capability. The project’s completion could position the city to attract major sporting and entertainment events, support local businesses, and enhance the overall experience for visitors and residents alike.
