Bank of America Stadium guide: What to know about the Carolina Panthers’ home field (2024)

This article is part of theStadium Guidesseries, a comprehensive guide to your NFL team’s stadium experience.

Buy tickets on StubHub to Carolina Panthers games at Bank of America Stadium here.

Danny Morrison, the Carolinas Panthers president under Jerry Richardson, used to say Bank of America Stadium had a “stadium in the park” feel to it. And while fans walk under 10 types of trees, including oaks, live oaks and crepe myrtles, on their way into the open-air stadium in downtown Charlotte, BoA lost part of that natural vibe in 2021 when the Panthers tore out the grass and put in artificial turf.

The switch was made to keep the surface consistent under the heavy usage that came with owner David Tepper buying an MLS franchise (which also plays its home games at BoA) and bringing in an aggressive concert schedule in the summer and early fall. The Rolling Stones and Beyonce are among the artists who have played BoA since Tepper purchased the team in 2018. Panthers players have told Tepper they don’t like the turf — both in meetings and via a NFLPA survey in which they gave him a “D” because of facilities.

The Panthers played their home games at Clemson during the inaugural season while workers finished BoA (then known as Ericsson Stadium), which opened in 1996. The stadium will be getting a major facelift after Charlotte’s city council in June approved $800 million in renovations, including $650 million in public funds.

The Athletic has compiled 32 stadium guides, one for each NFL team, to give fans vital information about the game day experience. We’ve also asked readers to weigh in on the best food, beer and tailgate options at each stadium, among other things, to help football fans enjoy their visit.

Insider tips

2024 must-watch game at stadium: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Nov. 24

The Chiefs haven’t played in Charlotte since 2016, when Cam Newton was coming off his MVP season and Patrick Mahomes was throwing for 5,000 yards (!) in his final year at Texas Tech. That was four head coaches ago for the Panthers, who have a week off following their Munich game before hosting the Chiefs. After a 2-15 finish in Bryce Young’s first season in Charlotte, the Panthers didn’t get a single prime-time game. But this should be a great atmosphere with or without Taylor Swift.

Fan tradition to know: Keep Pounding drum

Following the coin toss at every home game, a special guest hits a 6-foot drum four times (one for each quarter) to honor the late Sam Mills and fire up the fans. Mills, then an assistant coach who had undergone cancer treatments during the 2003 Super Bowl season, gave an impassioned speech before the first playoff game against Dallas. Mills encouraged players to “keep pounding,” which later became the team’s mantra. Cancer survivors and cancer doctors are among those who have hit the drum, while Charlotte native Steph Curry was the choice before the Panthers-Broncos matchup in Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif.

.@StephenCurry30 gets things started! #SB50 #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/VxPq2mmzRF

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 7, 2016

Joe Person’s favorite thing

Unlike suburban stadiums surrounded by acres of asphalt parking lots, one of the coolest facets of BoA is its downtown location (though locals call it “uptown”). There are parking decks and smaller lots scattered nearby, but a lot of fans ride the light rail in and walk a few blocks to the stadium. As Charlotte has grown, so has the craft beer scene. And there are a number of spots around BoA to grab a pint (or two) of a local IPA before heading to the game.

The Athletic’s stadium ranking: 22

Jon Machota ranked all 30 NFL stadiums in August 2023 and while Bank of America Stadium fell on the back half of the ranking, there is reason to believe that it could move up in the future. The aforementioned renovations will include a state-of-the-art sound system, scoreboards and LED boards, updated bathrooms, faster escalators and new seats throughout the stadium. There are also plans to create gathering spaces outside the stadium and turn a section of the upper deck into a “social patio” with views of Charlotte’s skyline.

Fans’ game day advice

The Athletic surveyed NFL fans for their feedback on the following questions:

What is the ‘best bang for your buck’ seating section?

Anything in the 500 level. You have great sightlines regardless of the section you’re in. — Alan S.

Try to sit between (sections) 539-546 above the Panthers’ bench. Sitting in these sections, you can see everything without looking at the giant scoreboard. Tickets in these sections range between $55 to as much as $95, including fees. Side note: If you are not afraid of heights, sitting higher in these sections gives you a much better view than sitting in the first two to five rows in these sections. — Shaked B.

What’s the can’t-miss food?

The BBQ nachos are an especially good choice. — Racerx3940

What’s the best beer option?

Terrapin is the OG craft beer in the region, and my friends and I always go for either their Hopsecutioner or Luau Krunkles cans. They had the big stovepipe cans last year and we really wish they would start selling it everywhere. — Brad B.

Pernicious from Wicked Weed is the go-to IPA and Catawba White Zombie is good for something lighter. Just like the food, though, better to indulge in the parking lot before kickoff. — Racerx3940

Where is the best spot to take a photo?

Any photo from section 542 to 505 will give you a great shot of the Charlotte skyline. There are also “skydecks” located throughout the upper level with views of the city. — Alan S.

Corner of end zone opposite Uptown (downtown) Charlotte somewhere near section 253. Particularly good view during night games. — Ray P.

The top of the upper deck on the southwest side, where you can take a photo looking down on the field and include the Charlotte skyline. — Zachary P.

What are the kid-friendly activities/options at the stadium?

There is a kids “fit zone” on the 100 level that has an area for kids to play. There is also a Play:60 event area at Romare Bearden Park for kids that is held before games. — Alan S.

Where is the best place to tailgate?

The Roaring Riot tailgate on the corner of Morehead and Cedar. A yearly membership is $35 and gets you free admission to every home game tailgate with food and low-cost drinks ($3 beers and co*cktails). — Alan S.

I usually go to the WFNZ Doghouse on Mint & Morehead. It has been overrun by opposing fans in recent years, though, since the stadium has been overtaken by the opposition most games. — Zachary P.

I like being south of the stadium where there are some bars and food trucks around — helpful if you don’t feel like doing your own cooking or if someone needs a bathroom and would prefer to avoid using a porta-potty. — Racerx3940

What to know if you go

Stadium address: 800 S. Mint St., Charlotte, N.C. 28202.

Year opened: 1996.

Roof: No roof.

Playing surface: FieldTurf.

Stadium capacity: 74,867.

2023 average attendance per game (per Pro Football Reference): 71,635.

Tickets: $236 is the average StubHub ticket cost at Bank of America Stadium for a 2024 NFL game, according to StubHub. There is no waiting list for season tickets. The Panthers sell permanent seat licenses (PSLs) that start at $21 per month and guarantee your rights to buy season tickets every year at your seat location.

Bag policy: Clear bags that are plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed. These can include clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags. Purses, bags, clutches and fanny packs that are not clear and do not exceed 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches are permitted after being inspected.

Outside food policy: No food or beverages are allowed except for two unsealed, plastic, non-flavored water bottles per person.

ADA information: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires at least 1 percent of stadium seats to be wheelchair accessible. For more information on all accessibility services at Bank of America Stadium, click here or call 704-358-7275.

Tailgating policy: Tailgating is allowed, but you can’t cook with an open flame within 25 feet of any building or structure or within 10 feet of a vehicle.

Transportation options: Driving, rideshare, ADA shuttle and the LYNX blue line.

Parking: Lots are scattered throughout a 10-15 minute walk of the stadium and prices vary depending on the lot owners. Also, there are multiple parking garages located in uptown Charlotte.

Learn more: https://www.panthers.com/stadium/

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(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos: Jared C. Tilton and Lance King / Getty Images)