| Carolina
Panthers - Bank of America Stadium |
| Address: |
800 South Mint Street
Charlotte, NC 28202 |
|
| Name: |
Bank of America Stadium |
| Home Team:
|
Carolina Panthers |
| Capacity:
|
73,250 |
| Playing
Surface: |
Grass |
| Year Opened:
|
1996 |
|
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.
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