About Bank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium sits in the heart of uptown Charlotte — a 75,523-seat open-air venue where the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC share the field and the city’s sports identity. With its distinctive black obsidian granite facade, arched entrances, and domed towers, it is one of the most architecturally recognizable stadiums in the NFL.
The Panthers have called this place home since 1996, and Charlotte FC joined as a tenant for their MLS debut in 2022 — immediately setting the league’s single-game attendance record with 74,479 fans. The dual tenancy has made Bank of America Stadium one of the busiest venues in American professional sports, hosting NFL Sundays, MLS weekends, ACC Championship Games, and international soccer.
Designed by architect David M. Schwarz and built for $187 million — mostly funded through personal seat licenses — the stadium opened on September 14, 1996. An $800 million renovation beginning in 2026 will modernize the facility through 2030, adding premium amenities and updated infrastructure while both teams continue to play throughout construction. The current playing surface is FieldTurf.
Bank of America Stadium has hosted two NFC Championship Games (2004, 2016), Copa America 2024 matches including a semifinal, CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, and will host the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. With Charlotte’s rapid growth as a financial and sports hub, the stadium sits at the center of one of the fastest-rising sports cities in America.
Getting to Bank of America Stadium
Public Transit
Bank of America Stadium is well served by Charlotte’s LYNX light rail, with two stations within walking distance.
→ Via LYNX Blue Line: Take the Blue Line to Stonewall Station or Carson Station — both are a 5-minute walk from the stadium. The Blue Line runs from I-485/South Boulevard through uptown to UNC Charlotte. Fare: $2.20. Seven Park & Ride lots along the line offer free parking.
→ Via CATS Bus: Multiple Charlotte Area Transit System bus routes serve uptown, including routes 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 16.
CATS adds extra service before and after Panthers and Charlotte FC games. The Blue Line is the most convenient option — park at any Blue Line station for free and ride directly to the stadium.
Driving + Parking
The stadium address is 800 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. I-77 and I-277 (the uptown loop) are the primary approaches.
→ From Raleigh (~170 mi): I-85 South to I-77 South to I-277 into uptown. About 2.5 hours.
→ From Atlanta (~245 mi): I-85 North directly to Charlotte. About 3.5 hours.
→ From Greenville, SC (~100 mi): I-85 North to I-77 South. About 1.5 hours.
Over 30,000 parking spaces are available within a 10–15 minute walk of the stadium. The Mint Street Parking Deck, Legacy Union Deck, and Morehead Square Garage are popular options at $20–$40 on game days. There are no large tailgating lots — the uptown setting means parking is mostly in structured garages. Pre-purchase through SpotHero or ParkWhiz.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft have a designated drop-off and pickup zone at the corner of Third and Church Streets, next to Romare Bearden Park. From uptown hotels, expect $6–$10. From CLT Airport, about $20–$30. Post-game surge pricing is typical — walk toward Trade and Tryon Streets or Romare Bearden Park and wait 15–20 minutes for rates to settle.
From the Airport
→ Charlotte Douglas International (CLT): 7 miles west of the stadium, about 12–20 minutes by car. Major hub for American Airlines with extensive domestic and international service. Rideshare runs $20–$30. No direct light rail from the airport yet — the planned Silver Line extension will eventually connect CLT to uptown.
→ Piedmont Triad International (GSO): 90 miles northeast in Greensboro, about 1.5 hours. Can offer competitive fares on some routes.
The $800M Renovation
Bank of America Stadium is entering the most significant transformation in its history. In February 2026, Tepper Sports & Entertainment announced an $800 million renovation — more than four times the original $187 million construction cost — to modernize the nearly 30-year-old venue and keep it competitive through 2045.
Phase 1 begins in 2026 with the replacement of all 500-level seating. Subsequent phases running through 2030 will overhaul premium spaces, concourses, technology infrastructure, and fan amenities. Both the Panthers and Charlotte FC will continue to play at the stadium throughout the multi-year project. Clark Construction and D.A. Everett have been selected as the general contractor joint venture.
The renovation secures the stadium’s future in uptown Charlotte, where rapid growth has transformed the skyline around the venue. Combined with the 2026 MLS All-Star Game and Charlotte’s rising profile as a sports destination, the next decade at Bank of America Stadium will look very different from the first three.
History of Bank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium was built after Charlotte won the NFL’s 29th franchise in October 1993. The Panthers, led by founding owner Jerry Richardson, needed a permanent home after playing their inaugural 1995 season at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium. Architect David M. Schwarz designed a 73,298-seat open-air stadium with a classical granite facade, funded largely by personal seat licenses — a pioneering approach that raised over $100 million before the first game was played.
First Game (September 14, 1996): The Panthers hosted the Atlanta Falcons and won 29–6 before a sellout crowd.
First Concert (October 10, 1997): The Rolling Stones played to 50,000 fans — the stadium’s first non-sporting event.
NFC Championship (January 11, 2004): The Panthers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 14–3 to reach Super Bowl XXXVIII in their first conference championship appearance.
NFC Championship (January 24, 2016): Cam Newton’s 15-1 Panthers demolished the Arizona Cardinals 49–15 to reach Super Bowl 50.
Charlotte FC Debut (March 5, 2022): Charlotte FC hosted LA Galaxy before 74,479 fans, setting the MLS single-game attendance record in their inaugural home match.
Copa America 2024 (July 2024): The stadium hosted multiple matches, including a semifinal where Colombia defeated Uruguay 1–0.
From a franchise’s first home to a dual-sport venue hosting international soccer and soon a major renovation, Bank of America Stadium has evolved alongside Charlotte itself — a city and a stadium that keep outgrowing every expectation.
Photo Gallery
Fun Facts
Charlotte FC's inaugural home match on March 5, 2022, drew 74,479 fans — setting a new MLS single-game attendance record that shattered the previous mark by over 1,000.
Bank of America Stadium was built for just $187 million in 1996, mostly funded by personal seat licenses. An $800 million renovation beginning in 2026 will cost more than four times the original construction.
The stadium's distinctive black obsidian granite facade with massive archways and domed towers was designed by architect David M. Schwarz, giving it a classical aesthetic rare among NFL venues.
Stadium Location
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the seating capacity of Bank of America Stadium?
- Bank of America Stadium seats 75,523 for NFL games. The MLS attendance record at the venue is 74,479, set during Charlotte FC's inaugural home match on March 5, 2022.
- Where is Bank of America Stadium located?
- The stadium is at 800 South Mint Street in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina 28202. It sits in the heart of Charlotte's uptown district, walking distance from hotels, restaurants, and the LYNX Blue Line.
- How do I get to Bank of America Stadium by public transit?
- Take the LYNX Blue Line light rail to Stonewall Station or Carson Station — both are a 5-minute walk from the stadium. The Blue Line runs from I-485/South Boulevard through uptown to UNC Charlotte. Fare is $2.20. Park & Ride lots are available at seven stations along the Blue Line.
- Is there parking at Bank of America Stadium?
- The stadium does not have large dedicated surface lots, but over 30,000 parking spaces are available within a 10–15 minute walk in uptown garages and lots. The Mint Street Parking Deck and Morehead Square Garage are popular options. Pre-purchase through SpotHero or ParkWhiz — expect $20–$40 on game days.
- Who plays at Bank of America Stadium?
- The Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte FC (MLS) both call the stadium home. The Panthers have played here since 1996, while Charlotte FC joined as a tenant in 2022 for their inaugural MLS season.
- What was the stadium called before Bank of America Stadium?
- The stadium opened as Carolinas Stadium in 1996, was renamed Ericsson Stadium under a naming deal with the Swedish telecom company, and became Bank of America Stadium in January 2004 under a 20-year agreement.
- What major events has Bank of America Stadium hosted?
- The 2004 and 2016 NFC Championship Games, 2024 Copa America matches (including a semifinal), 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup, ACC Championship Games, the upcoming 2026 MLS All-Star Game, and concerts from The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, and Luke Combs.
- Is Bank of America Stadium being renovated?
- Yes. An $800 million renovation beginning in 2026 will modernize the nearly 30-year-old stadium through 2030. Phase 1 replaces the 500-level seating in 2027. Both the Panthers and Charlotte FC will continue to play at the stadium throughout construction.
Last updated: 2026-03-04
