![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1016065102h.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills, Dec 19, 2021 Orchard Park, New York, USA Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton 1 jogs on the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports, 19.12.2021 12:51:40, 17404039, Buffalo Bills, NFL, Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRichxBarnesx 17404039
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1016065102h.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills, Dec 19, 2021 Orchard Park, New York, USA Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton 1 jogs on the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports, 19.12.2021 12:51:40, 17404039, Buffalo Bills, NFL, Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRichxBarnesx 17404039
It’s the Panthers’ turn now. Every team owner wants a new home stadium for their respective team, or at least renovate the stadium. So far, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans were the ones to put the idea out there. While the Chiefs faced some issues with theirs, the Titans are well underway to build the New Nissan Stadium. Now, it’s the Carolina Panthers’ turn and Cam Newton has a take on it.
Considering their stadium is the oldest stadium in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC have a plan to install huge screens, new bathrooms, and seats, and overall increase the accessibility to the Bank of America Stadium. Which Is projected to cost a whopping $650 million, and the money is supposed to come from the city tourism and hospitality tax fund.
Cam Newton has a message for David Tepper
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite all the plans laid out, Cam Newton, the former Panthers quarterback has his apprehensions about the project. “Ain’t none of this sh*t gonna be worth a f**k if you got the chairman, the president or the CEO or the person who’s making the calls, isn’t at one with the city,” said Cam Newton on his 4th and 1 Show.
“None of this is going to matter if the man in charge isn’t at one with the city!”@CameronNewton reacts to David Tepper wanting $650 million from Charlotte for stadium upgrades pic.twitter.com/Q0zvR5MdmO
— 4thand1show (@4thand1show) June 17, 2024
The Panthers stalwart further added, “I don’t care how much money you got. I don’t care how much money you asking for. But if you’re not at one, the number one in charge, is not at one with the city, it’s not gonna work. It’s not, so take it for what it’s worth,” questioning David Tepper’s plans for rebuilding/renovating the existing stadium.
Tepper hasn’t been popular with the Panthers’ fans. The problem dates back to him drafting Bryce Young last year when the team wanted CJ Stroud. In the six years that Tepper owned the Carolina Panthers, the team has had dismal performances. Which became apparent when the Panthers finished 2-15 in the last season.
But there are a few more hurdles that Tepper and his associates need to cross before they get the approval for renovations.
Will David Tepper be forced to move the Panthers?
With the new proposal, the Carolina Panthers and the MLS franchise Charlotte FC might remain in Charlotte for the next 20 years. According to the documents presented by the club, the total cost of renovations would be around $1.3 billion and the taxpayers are supposed to pay half of it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/david-tepper.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Imago
David Tepper | Image Courtesy: @Forbes X account
Per sources, the council members will vote on the plan on June 24. The fans and the taxpayers have mixed reactions about the proposal. The team is at risk of leaving their hometown, but they are attached to renovating the oldest stadium.
Tepper’s company, Tepper Sports and Entertainment is supposed to dish out another $688 million from their end, the breakdown of which is as follows:
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
- $150M Facility Improvements & Modernization + Cost Overruns in 2025-2029
- $421M (est.) Capital Improvements + Operations & Maintenance through 2045
- $117M Facility Improvements completed in 2018-2024
The city will hold a public comment period on the proposed stadium renovations on Monday, June 17 from 3-5 p.m. in the council chambers of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. It will be the people who will decide their fate. Will it end up like Chiefs or the team will get what they want?