YORK COUNTY, S.C. — As the Panthers make plans to possibly take a practice facility down Interstate 77 to York County, plans are moving forward for how everyone in Charlotte and York County would deal with all of that traffic.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster spoke to a crowd of leaders from Charlotte and South Carolina. The talks about how to get around town quickly turned to talks of football.
"The big picture's exciting," McMaster said. "Having the stadium in Charlotte, and just across the line having the practice facility and perhaps a medical facility."
McMaster is hoping to help the Panthers live up to the slogan, "Two states, one team." The governor spoke of bringing the light rail past the state line.
"Light rail between Rock Hill and Charlotte, that would just be terrific," McMaster said.
As Panthers owner David Tepper eyes possible practice stadium sties in Fort Mill and Rock Hill, McMaster says it adds pressure for the two states to be more connected than ever.
"The commerce and prosperity does not begin and end at the state line," McMaster said.
Currently, it's not looking like many Charlotte leaders seem to be against the proposition.
James Mitchell with the Charlotte City Council isn't concerned that the Panthers are potentially going across the state line.
"I think we bought into the vision really early from Mr. Tepper that two states [are going to] support one team," Mitchell said.
Councilmember Mitchell says he believes Charlotte remains in a great position, even without practice fields. As long as the team's crown jewel remains in the Queen City.
"I think [there are] a lot more opportunities that we're going to be able to leverage with the stadium, still being here," Mitchell said.
He said instead, he's focusing on new hotels being built nearby, the new bubble on the Charlotte practice field, and potential new opportunities that could attract a soccer team or even a Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, South Carolina officials look to the possibility of extending the light rail.
Extending the light rail another 12 miles to Rock Hill has been a billion-dollar dream for the last decade, with quite the price tag -- the talks have never moved to action.
"We would have to work through the obstacles," McMaster said. "There won't be many -- one of them would be money, but I think we can do it."
Meetings are already taking place in Rock Hill between city leaders and team leaders about a possible light rail expansion.
"We have a great opportunity, and politics [has] got nothing to do with it," McMaster said. "This is business, economic growth, happiness and football ... and light rail!"
Another meeting is planned for next week at the Chamber of Commerce to talk about economic opportunities.