A mainstay in the Carolinas will keep its sense of familiarity while also getting a modern-day makeover.
The NFL’s Carolina Panthers have reached a long-term agreement with Bank of America to extend one of the NFL’s longest stadium naming rights deals.
Along with fan-focused enhancements and an increase in private investments, the long-term plan is worth more than $1.3 billion.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXBUSINESS.COM
The agreement will keep the stadium known as “The Bank” for the foreseeable future, and renovations will be underway at the 30-year-old venue.
“The long-term extension with Bank of America reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to the Carolinas,” said David Tepper, owner and chairman of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Panthers. “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.”
Bank of America Chair and CEO Brian Moynihan added, “Over the years, Bank of America’s partnership with the Carolina Panthers has become one of the most enduring in professional sports. With nearly 20,000 teammates and a local history dating back to 1874, our ties to Charlotte run deep, and so does our commitment to its continued growth. The extension recognizes Bank of America Stadium’s important role of attracting millions of visitors, driving economic opportunity and showcasing Charlotte and the Carolinas.”
SAQUON BARKLEY TACKLING STREAMING MAZE AS NFL KEEPS GROWING WORLDWIDE: ‘I’M ALL ABOUT EYES’
After initially opening in 1996 as Ericsson Stadium for the Swedish telecom company LM Ericsson, Bank of America purchased the naming rights in 2004 under a 20-plus-year deal.
The relationship between Bank of America and the Panthers dates back to the team’s founding in the early 1990s, when former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl played a key role in helping the Carolinas secure an NFL expansion franchise. That shared history laid the foundation for a partnership that has helped shape countless moments for fans while maintaining a longstanding commitment to community impact.
Renovations to the stadium will include expanded indoor-outdoor gathering spaces across all levels, a 500-level social patio with sweeping views of Uptown Charlotte, larger and more dynamic scoreboards and displays, upgraded seating options, premium offerings, and technology designed to create a more connected and personalized experience.
Renderings also reveal an elevated vision for the stadium exterior, with upgraded materials and a signature illuminated crown that will become part of the Queen City skyline. Design details will draw inspiration from the people, places and landscapes of the Carolinas, creating spaces that feel authentic to the region.
The Panthers won the NFC South this past season before narrowly missing out on a huge upset against the Los Angeles Rams on their own home field. Quarterback Bryce Young is entering his fourth season, and the Panthers will look to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since making it each season from 2013 to 2015.
Read the full article here