Bank of America Stadium

Charlotte joined an exclusive club in 1995 when the NFL awarded the Queen City an expansion team with the Carolina Panthers. After one season of playing at Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium in South Carolina, the Panthers moved into their permanent home, Bank of America Stadium — which was then known as Carolinas Stadium.

The 73,778-seat stadium was built using private funds and cost an estimated $248 million to complete. The design was done by HOK Sports Facilities Group, who then went on to design the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York and Wembley Stadium in London, England.

The stadium was also known as Ericsson Stadium until 2004 when a 20-year naming-rights contract was signed with Bank of America — whose headquarters is only a few blocks away from the stadium. Some reports claim that there are underground tunnels connecting the stadium to the bank headquarters and their main vault.

Although the stadium is primarily used for home Panthers games, it is also used for the annual ACC Football Championship and the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Occasionally the stadium will be used for large concerts such as a 1997 Rolling Stones show, and was also the site of a Pre-World Cup friendly soccer match between Mexico and Iceland in March of 2010.

The stadium plays host to birthday parties, catered parties and public tours as well. Every week, the public can take a tour of the entire facility on Wednesdays at 10 am, or on Fridays at 10:30 am or 12 pm. The cost of the tour is $3 for kids ages 5 to 15-years-old, $5 for adults, and $4 for Senior citizens. The tour is free for kids younger than 5 years old.

Group tours for more than 10-people can also be reserved for any day of the workweek. The private group tours are $75 for up to 30 people. For every additional 30 people, the tour costs an additional $75. To reserve a group tour, call 704-358-7538.

Children can also have their birthday party at the stadium for up to 20 people. The two-hour party includes a tour of the stadium, a visit from Panther’s mascot Sir Purr and playtime on the artificial turf model field called Sir Purr’s Play Den.

The stadium will also cater events in one of their five venues inside the stadium for up to 1,000 people. For more information about catered events, visit their Web site here. 

HelloCharlotte Tip: There is access to 46,500 parking spaces near the stadium with prices ranging from $10 to $30 on game days. Although a farther walk, parking in lots several blocks away are much less expensive and are located much closer to I-277 and I-77 entrance ramps.

- by Mike D'Avria, Charlotte Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

He worked for the daily newspaper, The Athens Banner-Herald in Athens, Ga. before turning to freelance writing and video production.

Mike is the Executive Editor of CampLeadership.org, and has lived in Charlotte for four years.