Bank of America Stadium Exterior
Review by Chris Burch, Stadium Journey Correspondent
The Panthers moved into Bank of America Stadium in 1996 after playing their inaugural season at Clemson University Memorial Stadium. Bank of America Stadium is located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.
This stadium is a great benchmark for the newer stadiums in the NFL. It’s heavily guarded by six ferocious bronze Panther statues; below the statues are the names of the PSL owners that helped bring the team to life. Outside of the stadium you can find two more statues worth checking out: One of Mike McCormack, and one of linebacker Sam Mills. These two men have been inducted into the Panthers Hall of Honor.
Panther at the Gate
FANFARE Score: 29
Food & Beverages: 4
For people 21 and up the beer selection is between Budweiser and Miller and draft beer is priced around $7, they also sell Yellow Tail wine also for $7.
If you are a soda fan the stadium sells only Pepsi products (Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist Pepsi and Diet Pepsi) and water is also available, Aquafina is the supplier.
You can find a Bojangles, Wendy’s, and the BBQ Shack. They also sell personal pan Domino pizzas only cheese or pepperoni for $5. When I go to the concession stand I usually get the supreme nachos and that come with chili, cheese, sour cream and jalapenos (they’re awesome) and they will run you for $4. There are also areas set up inside the stadium with picnic style tables with televisions setup so you don’t miss any of the action going on in the seating bowl.
Atmosphere: 5
The atmosphere in the stadium is great. It may not be like Dallas or Pittsburgh, but the fans will cheer for their team no matter what and if they are doing terribly they will let the players and coaches know their mind. There have been fights in the stands before, but nothing major.
You may have heard this stadium is a cheese and wine crowd but don’t under estimate this city’s passion about pro football. There are diehard fans just about everywhere you sit.
Neighborhood: 5
Tailgating is a must when you come to Charlotte; you can look across the parking lots and see people grilling, throwing the football and playing beer pong and the bean bag toss game.
There are bars for those who don’t like the hassle of tailgating. The Cedar Street Tavern is a place that I have heard good things about but I never been inside. Also a key point of interest is the CPI Dog House located on Mint and Morehead St. right across from the Stadium. It’s pretty much a large tailgate with radio personnel from 610 AM WFNZ , a sports radio station in Charlotte.
Fans: 4
Like I stated earlier Charlotte is grasping on to their football tradition, and the fans come in pumped and ready for their team to play. We don’t have that magic you see in Pittsburgh but we come prepared. It is a great scene on Sundays because the Panthers place their jersey schedule on their website, it tells the fans the jersey color the team will wear and encourage fans to wear that color for that game. It is especially powerful to see the stadium in all black.
Access: 4
The closer you park, the more you pay. I paid $30 to park and I was on the back side of the stadium, and the walking distance was easy. They also have plenty of porta-potties and a large trash bin. I would definitely recommend tailgating, because everyone does it.
Beer Butt Chicken
Return on Investment: 4
The game was enjoyable for me as the Panthers upset the Vikings. The atmosphere was electric, and me and my family had a great time there and look forward to many visits.
Etc: 3
Bank of America Stadium is great place for a ball game, I don’t think you could for more the fans treat excellent and it has the southern hospitality feeling everywhere you go.
