Earlier this offseason when the Panthers sent a survey to season ticket holders and Panthers fans gauging their interest in changes to Bank of America Stadium, it was clear that the changes David Tepper had spoken about in the months after purchasing the team would be coming to fruition sooner rather than later, not only to enhance the fan experience – moves like adding The 5th Quarter and putting the logo at midfield achieved that, but to make more money for the team as well.
It would appear the next changes will achieve both as a report from Don Muret of VenuesNow states that the Panthers plan to build bunker suites at ground level of Bank of America Stadium in the west end zone that would not have views of the field but would include seats in the lower level of the bowl and feature wet bars, living room areas, dining tables, restrooms and catered meals for 10 to 12 guests each, according to a Request For Proposal obtained by the publication.
While the suites themselves would not have views of the field, the west end zone where they’re proposed sits along the path the Panthers would walk from their locker room to the tunnel to be introduced before the game. This would be a logical move for the Panthers, whose Team President Tom Glick previously worked with Manchester City FC, where the club added bunker suites to their Etihad Stadium in 2013.
Those were described as “the only suite situated in the heart of the action…making it the most spirited atmosphere in which to watch the game.”
The survey sent out in April asked for opinions on the following:
- Party decks in the northeast and southeast corners of the upper deck similar to those in Dallas, San Francisco and other stadiums around the NFL. They also gauged the interest in an all-inclusive food and drink package and what pricing would be palatable to fans, offering choices of $150, $200 or $250.
- Membership Clubs, that would be in addition to tickets purchased, which would feature climate control, private entrances, members-only restrooms, upgraded food and beverages and televisions.
- Field-level suites and small group seating.
- Press-level suites and small group seating.
- Tailgates inside of the newly built practice bubble such as those offered in San Francisco and Houston.
- A high-end “Carolina Club” that would allow Panthers fans to get together and discuss their favorite team over luxury food and drinks.
While the first five options obviously refer to the uptown stadium, the ‘Carolina Club’ would be at the Panthers new headquarters and practice facility in Rock Hill, similar to the Cowboys Club at the Star in Frisco.
Photo Credit: Cowboys Club
While the Panthers weigh their options to upgrade Bank of America Stadium, they still face some pitfalls in order to install the suites.
According to Muret, “some existing seats would most likely be eliminated by building a pathway between the bunker suites and the bowl, and team officials are concerned about PSL holders affected by the retrofit.”
The project would begin after the season ends and aim to be completed by July 31, 2020.
