 Bank
of America Stadium
Charlotte, NC
In a state known for Tobacco Road
and NCAA Basketball, professional football has been a part of the
Carolina sports scene for over a decade. The push for a NFL
franchise began in the mid to late 1980s, after
Charlotte was awarded an expansion NBA franchise. In 1987, former
NFL player Jerry Richardson led the effort to obtain an expansion
NFL franchise. Richardson was joined by politicians, citizens and businesses from both North and South Carolina in his bid for a team
and to construct a new stadium. Prior to being awarded a
franchise, several sites were under consideration for the location
of a new stadium. Possibilities included near Lowes Motor Speedway,
in Center City in Charlotte, and Carowinds Amusement Park where the 50 yard line would be on the
NC/SC border.
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 downtown Charlotte
and financed through the sale 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).
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