The Bobcats “hope to have a plan for upgrading” Time Warner Cable Arena before the venue hosts the Democratic National Convention in September, according to Erik Spanberg of the CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL. The team hired architect Populous “to analyze an arena revamp,” which could mean “conversion of some luxury suites to party areas and lounges, among other changes.” Bobcats President & COO Fred Whitfield said, “We’ve looked at some preliminary drawings, and we’re in the process of discussing things internally to prioritize what areas of the building would make sense for us to move forward with first.” Plans are “expected to take shape this spring” (CHARLOTTE BUSINES JOURNAL, 2/3 issue). Meanwhile, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and City Council member James Mitchell “expect to discuss possible city funding” for renovations to Bank of America Stadium with NFL Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson later this month. Mitchell, who serves as City Council Economic Development Committee Chair, said, “We just know there’s a need, there’s a role. They would like the city to participate in some type of new development. We just don’t know what that is.” The Panthers have been “noncommittal when asked about using taxpayer money to update the stadium.” Panthers President Danny Morrison said that the team “must outline priorities and costs for the stadium improvements before it tackles anything else.” Morrison: “We’re trying to focus on the master plan to see the needs of the stadium over the next decade.” The team “could be willing to consider a slight reduction in capacity to create more ticket demand.” The Panthers “might also consider changes” to the 158 luxury suites and 11,000 club seats. Mitchell said that the city “could justify an investment in the Panthers renovations based on results from an economic impact study due this month” (CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 2/3 issue).
