Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium History

Stadium Information:
Name: Bank of America Stadium
Inauguration: 14 September 1996
Cost: $ 248 million
Capacity: 73,400 seats
Address: 800 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Pictures:

Stadium Directions:
Bank of America Stadium is located in downtown Charlotte, just east of I-77. Look for signs to exit I-77 at either John Belk Freeway (I-277) or Trade Street.

Stadium History:
After nearly a decade of existence, Bank of America Stadium is one of the top stadiums in the NFL. In 1990, the NFL announced that it would expand to thirty teams. Charlotte was one of the first cities mentioned as a possible site for a new NFL team. Fans in the area had always dreamed of having a local NFL team. In 1993, that dream became a reality when the NFL announced that Charlotte would receive a franchise, to begin playing in 1995. The team was named the Carolina Panthers. Construction began immediately on a new stadium. Originally, Ericsson Inc. bought the naming rights, and the stadium was named Ericsson Stadium. In January 2004, the Panthers and Bank of America agreed on a 20 year deal to rename Ericsson Stadium, Bank of America Stadium. When it opened it became one of only a few stadiums to be financed privately by club owners. Bank of America Stadium was not complete in time for the 1995 season. The Panthers had to play their inaugural season at Memorial Stadium, home of the Clemson Tigers (NCAA).

Bank of America Stadium was completed for the start of the 1996 season. The Carolina Panthers played their first game at the stadium on September 14, 1996. Bank of America Stadium is one of the NFL’s premier stadiums from the outside to inside. Located right outside of downtown Charlotte, the facade of Bank of America Stadium is very unique. It consists of massive archways, and domed towers. Bank of America Stadium features a striking black obsidian granite facade. A pair of black panthers, each eight-feet-tall, and weighing 2,000 pounds, perched on ten-foot pedestals, are located on both sides of each of the three 80-foot arched entrances. The 48-foot diameter light domes atop the entry towers are lit every night. The exterior also looks like many other notable stadiums, such as Soldier Field.

Bank of America Stadium consists of over 73,000 blue and silver seats in three tiers that circle the playing field. The stadium has many amenities, including the Bank of America club and 158 luxury suites. Two massive scoreboards are located atop the upper deck past each end zone. Bank of America Stadium also includes three practice facilities, training facilities, and administrative offices. The Panthers hope to have years of success at Bank of America Stadium.

Stadium Tickets:
Tel: 704-358-7800 (Ticket Office)