Charlotte City Council to discuss 55 acres some have eyed for new stadium

CHARLOTTE — In his short time as Carolina Panthers owner, David Tepper has made it clear that he does not think Bank of America Stadium will last forever.

If a new stadium is built, many people think the land across the street owned by Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is the most logical location. Tepper said earlier this year that the site makes sense, and in the coming months, Charlotte City Council will decide whether that’s even a possibility.

On Monday, City Council will hold a rezoning hearing on the 55 acres belonging to Charlotte Pipe and Foundry.

The land is currently for sale and is being rezoned from industrial to Uptown Mixed Use District. If that designation is approved by Council, something that would then be allowed to be built on the property is a new stadium.

It is unclear how many people have signed up to speak at Monday’s meeting.

Built in 1996, Bank of America Stadium is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL -- but it still gets a lot of love from fans.

“It’s a big part of the reason why I moved here and it is just such a hub for everyone that lives in Charlotte and for people coming in,” fan Andrew Mayer said.

Some fans said a move to the Charlotte Pipe and Foundry land wouldn’t be too unexpected and the gameday atmosphere would largely remain the same.

“I’m from up north and there is not enough parking here,” fan Robert Griffin said. “I understand they want to move it.”

“I think everybody will still come out here and have a good time,” fan Dominique Barnes said.

According to the site plan, the land includes a potential light rail stop when the Silver Line is built in the next few decades.

While many think the land makes the most sense for a stadium, there are no guarantees. Another developer could always purchase it and turn it into something else.

A vote by Charlotte City Council hasn’t been scheduled and Charlotte Pipe did not respond to a request for comment.

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