CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A renovation proposal for Charlotte’s popular sports stadium is stirring up controversy.
The Bank of America Stadium, operated by Tepper Sports & Entertainment, is home to North Carolina’s NFL and MLS teams, the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC.
But the decades-old stadium needs renovations and repairs.
TSE and the city of Charlotte are proposing a partnership to upgrade the stadium.
If approved, the city would pay $650 million for upgrades, including new seats and enhancements to the building’s exterior. According to the city’s proposal, TSE would foot $688 million of a total cost of $1.3 billion.
The renovation proposal includes a 20-year non-relocation clause for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC.
Grace Fendrick takes pride in being a sports fan. But she is deeply concerned about the city spending millions for the stadium upgrades.
Fendrick launched an online petition for her and others to voice their opinions about the proposal and funds.
“Don’t ask your fellow taxpayers to foot the bill for you,” she said.
Charlotte leaders say this project will not result in taxes being increased. Rather, the improvements will use dollars from the city’s hospitality and tourism tax.
By law, the city says those funds must be used to support the tourism economy.
“My response to that is you guys are the ones that did that to yourself. You’re handcuffing yourself,” Fendrick said.
Fendrick feels there wasn’t enough transparency and opportunities for residents to speak on the proposal.
She thinks something should be done to ensure millions go toward pressing needs in the city.
“I was disappointed,” Fendrick said. “You should be taking into account what your constituents want and give us ample opportunity to provide our feedback.”
Although some are against the renovation project, others think differently.
David McClelland has gone to every Carolina Panthers home game since 2010. He feels the renovations to the stadium are needed.
“I think the stadium could use a facelift,” he said. “It’s a great stadium, but it’s obviously becoming one of the older stadiums in the league. Seems like they’re opening up the stadium, making it more modern-looking.”
McClelland says he understands why some may be concerned about the cost.
“You could argue whether or not there should be a 1% tax on prepared food and beverage for this kind of thing,” McClelland said. “But the fact is, by state law, this 1% tax is only on prepared food and beverages and can only be used for this kind of thing. It can’t be used for sidewalks or other programs, it’s not a question of could the money be used for something else.”
“Having kids that are Panthers fans, it’s nice to know the next 20 years I’ll be able to pass on my fan [gear] to them and they’ll have a team,” he said. “I think it’s really important for Charlotte.”
TSE has not responded to a request for comment.
The city is expected to vote on the stadium renovations June 24.