Announcer hints at Panthers' new state-of-the-art practice facility in York County

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Could the Carolina Panthers soon move their practices to South Carolina?

Panthers' radio announcer Mick Mixon teased during a 30-minute speech Tuesday at the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon that York County may be the future home of a state-of-the-art practice facility, along with restaurants, shopping, banking, condos, and apartments.

[LINK: WRHI Radio: Mick Mixon speech]

"What if I told you that a couple hundred acres somewhere near here is going to be purchased very soon and a state-of-the-art practice facility with restaurants, shopping, banking, condos, apartments is going to be built?” Mixon said.

Panthers coverage:

The Panthers currently practice near Bank of America Stadium in an outdoor practice field in uptown Charlotte.

Owner David Tepper has said he is looking into changing that.

However, sources told Channel 9 the team is looking to build a new indoor practice facility in Fort Mill or Rock Hill and could buy the land as early next year.

Business offices would then move from Bank of America Stadium to South Carolina.

"While I have not been briefed that this is going to happen, I would be very excited for it to happen,” York County manager Bill Shanahan said in an email. “Depending on where it happens, it will be a very good thing for York County. It would spur economic development, jobs and help improve the already great quality of life we have in York County. It would be another reason for people to consider York County (as) a destination point. (I) can't wait to hear something official on this."

If the move happens, it would transform not only the Panthers' fan experience but also an entire community.

(Mick Mixon)

Chamber President Rob Youngblood heard Mixon’s statements.

“Most people in the room, particularly the business people, were quite shocked by it, but pleased to hear,” Youngblood said.

York County Councilman Michael Johnson said the idea of a massive practice campus in York County would be big for the community.

"I'm excited about the opportunity, but the proof is in the pudding,” Johnson said. “We'll see if the Panthers and Fort Mill are a good fit and how York County can work with them."

The Panthers told Channel 9 that it is all rumors at this point.

However, what drew the attention of those who heard Mixon’s speech was how specific he appeared to be about what could be done, and that it would be soon.

Council members told Channel 9 that currently there haven’t been any discussions about a possible land purchase, but that doesn’t mean it’s not in the works.

Mixon told Channel 9 in an email, "I have no idea if a purchase is imminent or if the stadium will someday feature a roof. I was trying to tell the club, though, that our new owner thinks creatively and ambitiously."

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