In recent comments, team owner David Tepper indicated that the pursuit of a new Carolina Panthers practice facility continues.
Since Tepper took over ownership of the franchise last summer, there have been signs that the Panthers are exploring a new practice facility and team headquarters. Such a project would allow them to replace the three open-air practice fields adjacent to Uptown Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, and potentially expand their presence regionally.
What has not been clear to this point is where the Panthers will construct that facility. Though recent reports have suggested that South Carolina is a strong contender, Tepper told reporters on Tuesday that conversations have taken place with officials in North Carolina and South Carolina. Regardless, the Panthers will look to construct the facility within a close proximity to Uptown Charlotte, while finding ways to expand their regional presence. More from the Charlotte Observer:
The search is ongoing for a property to house a team headquarters that will include a practice and training facility, Tepper said. He’s been working with leaders of both North and South Carolina to assess options. The facility, however, will likely be in relatively close proximity to uptown Charlotte.
“You really won’t want to be an hour and a half away from here if you had your druthers, for a training practice facility,” Tepper said.
Tepper said that the Panthers will be making some changes in order to fully embrace the team’s “Two States One Team” mantra. The stadium will remain in uptown Charlotte, Tepper has said, but the practice/training campus could be elsewhere in the Carolinas, as could other events such as Fan Fest.
The team doesn’t have plans to renew its contract to hold training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg past 2019.
In the more immediate future, there are reportedly some upgrades being explored for Bank of America Stadium next season, including an expanded team cafeteria. Tepper also indicated that he will work to put a bubble over one of the existing fields prior to the 2019 season, a move that could address an immediate issue until a new practice facility is built.
Image of Bank of America Stadium courtesy Carolina Panthers.
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