Tepper said the team is still investigating plans for a new facility to replace Bank of America StadiumGETTY IMAGES
NFL Panthers Owner David Tepper yesterday "provided some fresh details on the new training and practice facility he's planning, as well as some changes that fans can expect" at Bank of America Stadium next season, according to Katherine Peralta of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Tepper said that the search is "ongoing for a property to house a team headquarters that will include a practice and training facility." Tepper also said that he has been "working closely with leaders of both North and South Carolina to assess options." Tepper said that the Panthers will be "making some changes in order to fully embrace the team's 'Two States One Team' mantra." While Tepper said that the stadium will "remain in uptown Charlotte," the practice facility "could be elsewhere in the Carolinas." Peralta notes the team "doesn't have plans to renew its contract to hold training camp at Wofford College" in Spartanburg, S.C., past '19. Tepper said, "'Two States One Team' does not mean we're in Charlotte all the time, or just in South Carolina." Peralta notes Tepper has "bemoaned the team's practice facilities." Tepper also said that there were "some changes" within Bank of America Stadium that "need to happen before next season." More Tepper: "We do not have the best facilities in the league. We do not have the best weight room, we do not have the best cafeteria. Whatever it is, we don't have it. We have to make it better." Tepper also said that the team is "still investigating" plans for a new facility to replace Bank of America Stadium (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 1/15).
NEXT STEPS: Tepper said of his decision to keep coach Ron Rivera and GM Marty Hurney in place despite missing the playoffs, "We had very good meetings. We talked about philosophy, coaches and players. I think we're pretty much all on the same page." Tepper also said that he and new Panthers President Tom Glick are in "ongoing discussions" with MLS about a Charlotte expansion team. He said, "When the time comes, we are very much studying that, very focused on it. I personally believe that's something that belongs in Charlotte" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/16). Tepper said he "has confidence" in Hurney and Rivera to make the right football decisions, so now it is a "question of philosophy and what my philosophy is, along with talking to those two guys." Tepper, on how involved he will be in football decisions, "I'm not shy about saying what I believe. I'm also not shy about telling people to tell me if something's dead wrong about what I believe" (PANTHERS.com, 1/15).
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler writes Tepper "continues to be a straight shooter." Tepper is also "moving fast" on the practice facilities, and he "isn't afraid to stoke the flames of a rivalry." The Panthers have "never strung together two winning seasons in a row." Fowler: "Tepper sounds very much like a man who wants to change that quickly. And if it doesn't start next season, I think his patience will wear out very quickly. And heads will roll" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/16).
CHANGE THE CULTURE: In Charlotte, Erik Spanberg noted Tepper made a "thinly veiled reference" to former Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson's "sexual harassment scandal -- spurring the Panthers sale -- and efforts to change the culture within the organization." Tepper yesterday "named Kristi Coleman as Panthers CFO," and had previously promoted Dr. Nancy Gritter to lead internist and hired Tish Guerin as team therapist. Tepper said of these personnel moves, "These people weren't put in the positions because they're women. They were put in the position because they're good. Full stop" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/15).
