Bank of America Stadium

Professional football in Charlotte became a step closer to reality in 1991, when the NFL announced they would expand by two teams. Five cities were in the running for the two teams, including Charlotte, St. Louis, Baltimore, Memphis and Jacksonville. Fans in Charlotte had always dreamed of having a local NFL team. In October 1993, that dream became a reality when the NFL announced that Charlotte would receive a franchise. Named the Carolina Panthers, they would begin playing in 1995. After being awarded a franchise, Richardson announced that the Panthers stadium would be built in Center City in Charlotte and financed through the sales of Personal Seat Licenses. Originally, LM Ericsson 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. 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. It ushered in a new wave of stadiums in the NFL as more than a dozen stadiums have opened since 1996. 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 inside to outside. 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. Lit and glowing every night 48-foot diameter light domes atop the entry towers. Bank of America Stadium consists of over 73,000 blue and silver seats in three tiers that circle the playing field. It has many amenities including the Bank of America club and 158 luxury suites. Bank of America Stadium also includes three practice facilities, training facilities, and administrative offices. The stadium has changed little since its opening in 1996. A new 31.5ft by 77ft High Definition Diamondvision scoreboard was added before the 2008 season.