The Charlotte City Council has "directed city staff to meet with the Carolina Panthers and ask the team how much financial assistance it might want for a stadium renovation, even before the NFL team has made a formal request," according to a front-page piece by Steve Harrison of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. During a "closed meeting" Sept. 27, council members "voted 6-4 for city staff members to meet with the team." The Panthers are "working on a long-term plan to improve Bank of America Stadium." The team has "declined to say how much the renovations might cost, and have given only a few details as to what the rehab would entail." Panthers President Danny Morrison has said that Owner Jerry Richardson "wants escalators to make it easy for fans to reach the upper bowl." Morrison also said that the team "would likely want larger, better video boards." But Harrison writes the "willingness of some elected officials to offer financial help to the team before being formally asked has reportedly rankled some other council members." The Panthers have partnered with K.C.-based architectural firm Populous on their plan, "which will likely be finished at the end of the year." City Council member Claire Fallon "supports meeting with the team." She said it is important to “find out what they are thinking, where they are going.” She added that "one concern among council members is the future of the team." Harrison notes Richardson is 76 and "received a heart transplant three years ago." Fallon: "What’s he going to do with the team? We need to know about the succession plan. I think it’s smart business for the council to look ahead” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/11).
