CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Plans to renovate the Bank of America Stadium have taken a step forward after Tepper Sports and Entertainment filed a rezoning petition this week.
The move is a formality with the city to align the stadium with Charlotte’s new zoning codes called the Unified Development Ordinance. The city already approved the project when leaders agreed to give Tepper Sports $650 million for it in June.
The rezoning petition comes with several documents and a site plan that unveils details about the project.
In the documents, Tepper Sports leaves the door open for an onsite sportsbook at the stadium. A spokesperson told WCNC Charlotte there are no plans for one right now, but the stadium’s rezoning petition would allow for one in the future if desired.
The petition also asks permission for huge signage and exterior LED screens as seen in renderings released earlier this year. The interior upgrades include new seating, restrooms, sound and video systems, a skyline viewing patio and more.
The petition also notes the upgrades will make the stadium much more sustainable thanks to LED lighting, solar panels, and a new HVAC system.
“These improvements/upgrades support economic development, and entertainment and tourism related objectives set forth as part of community plans for the Charlotte Center City and the broader Charlotte region," the site plan states.
On top of renovations in and outside of the stadium, there could also be improvements around it. The documents show Tepper Sports may pay for one of three sidewalk improvement projects if approved by the city.
The options are:
Building a pedestrian path to create a more direct connection between West Morehead and South Mint Streets.
Enhancing the existing path that connects the practice facility to the stadium.
Or widening the sidewalk along South Graham Street.
Tepper Sports will need the public’s help in deciding which project to move forward with. A spokesperson said they will likely host a community meeting in February followed by a public hearing at a city council zoning meeting.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.