CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers open the preseason at home Saturday at Bank of America Stadium against the New York Jets. Not only is it Bryce Young's first game in Charlotte, it could be the hottest weekend of the year in the Carolinas.
And where you're sitting inside the stadium could make a huge difference on just how hot you get during the game or if you get some much-needed shade by halftime.
First, let's start with the forecast. Saturday's forecast high temperature is 94 degrees and a heat index of 101 degrees. Dew points in the 70s will make it super muggy and it will feel over 100 degrees Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Charlotte FC fans are used to this, with the team playing regular season games during the summer. Even experienced Panthers fans are used to hot days in September, but it's typically not quite as humid as we'll have this weekend.
What are the best seats in Bank of America Stadium on a hot day?
If your seats are on the visitors' side of the stadium, which is the north side, it's going to be rough. Meteorologist Brittany Van Voorhees said full sunshine at that time of day could add up to 20 degrees to the already scorching weather. If your tickets are on the home sideline, you're in luck. The sun angle should provide some shade by kickoff at 4 p.m.
The same cannot be said for fans on the visitors side.
"Early in the game, a 4 o'clock kickoff, especially the upper deck, you're going to get absolutely baked," chief meteorologist Brad Panovich said. "The home side, or south side of the stadium, is where you want to sit early in the season."
Panovich explained that by 6 p.m. most of the field will be in shade. With sunset not happening until around 8 p.m., the upper deck on the visitors side won't get out of the sun until the game's coming to a close.
The opposite of this is true as the season enters the winter. By the time we get to November and December, Panovich said those visiting side stands are the place to be on a cool day. With an earlier sunset and most Panthers games kicking off at 1 p.m., the north side sees much more sunshine and warmth when temperatures dip into the 50s and 60s.