CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Select Amtrak trains from across North Carolina into Charlotte are having their times adjusted on select Carolina Panthers gamedays to help fans reach Bank of America Stadium. This year, a total of six trains are having their schedules adjusted to accommodate a 1 p.m. kickoff.
In order to arrive in Charlotte early enough, the state-funded NC By Train is adjusting the schedule for Piedmont train 73. The train will start its journey from Raleigh Union Station earlier than usual.
The changes apply to:
- Sept. 29 against the Cincinnati Bengals
- Nov. 3 against the New Orleans Saints
- Nov. 24 against the Kansas City Chiefs
- Dec. 15 against the Dallas Cowboys
- Dec. 22 against the Arizona Cardinals.
The changes were first implemented for Sept. 29 for the game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Piedmont train 73 will leave Raleigh Union Station at 8:40 a.m. and arrive in Charlotte at Noon. For train 73, there are stops at stations in:
- Cary departing at 8:50 a.m.
- Durham departing at 9:10 a.m.
- Burlington departing at 9:52 a.m.
- Greensboro departing at 10:18 a.m.
- High Point departing at 10:36 a.m.
- Salisbury departing at 11:14 a.m.
- Kannapolis departing at 11:31 a.m.
Fans could also take the earlier Piedmont train 71 which leaves Raleigh Union Station at 6:30 a.m. with stops in Cary, Durham, Greensboro and Kannapolis. The train arrives in Charlotte at 9:28 a.m.
After the game, catch Piedmont train 76 leaving Charlotte at 5:30 p.m. stopping in Kannapolis, Greensboro, Durham and Cary and returning to Raleigh at 8:29 p.m. Fans can also take Piedmont train 78, which departs Charlotte at 7:45 p.m. and stops in Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham and Cary before arriving in Raleigh at 10:52 p.m.
Charlotte's Amtrak station is currently listed on North Tryon Street outside of Uptown Charlotte. Fans are encouraged to ride CATS Bus 11 or use rideshare services to reach the stadium.
The city has future plans to build a new station directly in Uptown Charlotte.