The NFL Panthers on Thursday unveiled $47M in additional upgrades to Bank of America Stadium. The improvements cover total revamps of the 300 and 400 premium levels, with new club layouts and bars, plus new midpriced all-inclusive terrace suites. In addition, the 100 level concourse has undergone a facelift, with new fronts to concession stands, giving a cleaner look and less clutter overall with the elimination of most beer portables. The 100 level's craft beer destination has been expanded with greater options. Outside the South gate of the stadium, the Panthers are constructing a new building to house technology equipment, including components tied to the stadium's distributed antenna system. As it stands now, all public and private spaces that touch the fan have been upgraded over the last three-plus years, said Panthers Exec Dir of Stadium Operations Scott Paul. Previously, the team renovated all 153 suites and the 500 level, the stadium's upper deck. In 2014, new video boards were installed in both end zones, as well as 360-degree ribbon boards and a distributed sound system. A new and expanded WiFi system was activated in 2016, doubling the number of access points. The security footprint around the stadium has been strengthened with magnetometers installed on event days at all gate entrances (Don Muret, Staff Writer).
: Paul said that of the upgrades -- part of a "five-year, public-private financing agreement with the City of Charlotte" -- $17M has "come from the city." In Charlotte, Katherine Peralta notes the revamped 100-level concourse concession-stand configurations is "designed to sell more food and drinks and get people through the lines faster." Paul said that the new technology building housing cellular equipment will "make it easier for fans to use their mobile devices in the stadium." Paul added that on the field, the Panthers "spent $800,000 on a complete renovation, something that hasn't been done in 22 years." The work has included "adding a new irrigation and drainage system, replacing the soil and re-sodding" (
CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/4).
