The NFL Panthers yesterday unveiled the "first set of renovations at Bank of America Stadium," which include "new escalator bays and two display screens flanking the field," according to Megan Cassella of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Panthers Dir of Stadium Operations Scott Paul said that the renovations, which began in January and were expected to cost $65M, "came in under budget." Paul "wouldn’t say how much the renovations cost," but added that the remaining money "will be used for future renovations, which will continue over the next two years." Paul said that only "minor projects remain -- tasks such as installing flagpoles, finishing landscaping projects and securing lightning protection for the new display screens" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/26). In Charlotte, Erik Spanberg wrote the Panthers are "upgrading in an effort to compete with high-definition TVs, smartphones and all of the instant video and technology fans can use to watch games, check scores and track their fantasy-league players." Paul said, "We want to try to replicate what they can get at home as best as possible, and these boards are going to do that" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/25).
