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New construction creates parking problems for Panthers fans

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Excitement is building in the Charlotte area for the Carolina Panthers first home game of the season Sunday, but finding a place to park and tailgate could be a problem for fans.

New construction surrounding the Bank of America stadium in uptown Charlotte has eliminated even more parking spaces.

"You can't find parking. And more and more parking spaces are being taken away with all the high rises and stuff," Panthers fan Sandra Nivens said.

[LINK: Panthers Directions and Parking]

Fans like Joanne Fulk said it’s nice to see progress, but agree with Nivens that parking is going to be difficult.

“It’s great for the city. But parking is going to be really bad, especially for the Panthers,” Fulk said.

There are about 30,000 parking spots within a 15-minute walk of the stadium, but that’s less than half the number of seats.

[LINK: Panthers Game Schedule]

Some people will use the light rail, but that will only be from the south Charlotte area, since the Blue Line Extension is still not done, which means people north of the city will be looking for a parking spot.

Of course fans will be paying a hefty price for parking spots. Spaces about a quarter mile from the stadium will cost people about $80. Channel 9 found spots on Graham Street that are currently $9, but come game day, those spots will jump to $65.

An expert with Premier Parking said there are fewer surface lots, but more parking decks this season will help out the situation.

There are about 30,000 parking spots within a 15-minute walk of the stadium, but that’s less than half the number of seats.

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