Summary
The Carolina Panthers have been very successful for a team that played its first game in 1995. The Panthers have won six division titles and played in four NFC Championship games in 21 seasons. Many other franchises would dream for success like that.
Being one of only two professional sports teams in Charlotte, the Panthers have local fans coming out in force to produce one of the better gameday atmospheres in the NFL. With Cam Newton in the prime of his career, now is as good a time as any to watch a Carolina Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium.
Tickets and Seating Areas
The recent success of the Panthers, along with the mediocre performance of the Hornets, has cemented the Panthers’ status as the #1 team in Charlotte. Therefore, it is usually quite challenging to obtain tickets for the Panthers on the primary market. The best chance to find tickets on the primary market occurs during the initial sale in the summer or in the weeks leading up to a game against an inferior opponent.
You can purchase tickets online with Ticketmaster, via phone, or at the Bank of America box office. (Be sure not to confuse secondary market tickets, also known as resale tickets, that may appear when looking at the Ticketmaster site. Those tickets won’t be priced at face value.)
The Panthers do not vary their ticket pricing based on the opponent. Consequently, you will likely need to consider the secondary market for ticket purchases. Popular options include StubHub, the NFL Ticket Exchange, or a ticket aggregator like SeatGeek and TiqIQ.
Two club areas are offered by the Panthers that include food. The Suite 87 Club, located on one end of the stadium, provides indoor seating accompanied by a complimentary buffet and standard options like a club area with TVs, exclusive parking, and a private bar. The Gridiron Club is one level higher on the opposite side of the stadium, offering outdoor seating with similar amenities. Standard Club Seats on the 300 and 400 levels grant access to four different clubs on the 300 Level (one in each corner) and two on the 400 Level. Although nothing in those lounges is included with the ticket, each indoor club has televisions showing other NFL games. Suite 87 Club and Gridiron Club members can access these lounges as well. Club Level seats are also two inches larger than regular seats, which is an attractive perk.
Getting There
Getting to Bank of America Stadium is simple due to its location in the Uptown neighborhood of Charlotte, the heart of the city. Routes 16, 27, 29, 74, and I-77 and I-85 provide easy driving access to the area. Parking around the stadium is designated for season ticket holders, but there are 30,000 parking spaces within a 10-15 minute walk of the stadium, making it easy for fans without season tickets to find parking. Consider utilizing Parking Panda to reserve a paid spot ahead of time if you wish to alleviate parking concerns on gameday. Please remember not to drink and drive, as law enforcement typically waits at the bottom of the highway on-ramp after games for those who may be breaking the law.
Additionally, the LYNX light rail service offers accessibility from southwest of Charlotte directly to Uptown. Getting off at the Carson, Stonewall, or Convention Center stops places you within walking distance of the stadium. Taxis are also available from various spots around Uptown, and walking is an easy option as well.
Tailgating
Tailgating is a staple of football culture, and Carolina Panthers games are no exception. However, it is somewhat limited due to the number of parking lots immediately surrounding the stadium. Much of the pregame excitement occurs in the bars and restaurants nearby. If you are not in season-ticket parking areas, ensure you have permission to tailgate in the area where you plan to park. Fans also utilize grassy areas and side streets to set up their tailgates.
As an alternative, you can bring your own grill and/or cooler and set up in the PantherFanz Tailgating Club area, which welcomes everyone. For those without food, the popular Bojangles offers the Tailgate Special, a widely recognized choice. While there are standard rules for tailgating, they tend to be less strict compared to many other stadiums around the country. For example, grills and other open-flame cooking devices must be situated at least 10 feet from any vehicle. Further policies can be located on the Panthers’ website.
Moreover, the Panthers provide fans with an engaging experience called the Panthers Lair, which opens two hours before kickoff. Situated at the corner of Mint Street and Morehead Street, the Panthers Lair is free to fans and features interactive games, giveaways, food trucks, and a DJ. Fans also have the opportunity to meet Sir Purr (the Panthers mascot) and the TopCats (the cheerleaders). Panthers in the Park, a similar concept located a few streets away in Romare Bearden Park, offers additional activities for children at the Play 60 Kids Combine, including appearances by Sir Purr and the TopCats.
Pregame & Postgame Fun
The Dog House provides the best pregame experience closest to Bank of America Stadium. Although it typically operates as a garage, it transforms into a bar on game days, in partnership with local radio station WFNZ. Opening two hours before games, it features live music, flat-screen TVs, and the expected food and drink offerings for a pregame atmosphere. Additionally, a mini football field is available in the back for entertainment.
Draught, a newer upscale sports bar situated just north of the stadium, offers 40 beers on draft accompanied by a plethora of flat-screen TVs, making it a great option for fans. All American Pub, Slate Billiards, and Oak Room provide an excellent combination as they are interconnected with a shared wall but each offers a unique experience. The atmosphere becomes particularly lively after all Panthers games. Tavern on the Tracks, also across the street, serves as another good sports bar with outdoor seating.
Several outstanding food options are available nearby, ideal for pre- or post-game. Price’s Chicken Coop, located down the street, serves some of the best fried chicken in the area. You might also encounter TIN Kitchen’s food truck nearby, which is known for its distinctive tacos, quesadillas, and sliders.
For those looking for pregame activities in the heart of Uptown, Connolly’s on Fifth and Ri Ra Irish Pub are popular Irish bar choices, with Connolly’s offering outdoor benches and games. Courtyard Hooligans caters to the international sports scene and is a decent place for a pint. Additionally, Carolina Ale House and Wild Wing Café provide sports bar options in chain form. For food, Brook’s Sandwich House & Chili is recommended for chili burgers or Mert’s Heart & Soul for Southern favorites.
At the Game
It is crucial to remember that NFL rules prohibit bringing large bags into any stadium. There are no locker or storage areas available to deposit bags outside the stadium, meaning you will need to return them to your vehicle if you forget to do so before entering. Fans are not permitted to bring food into the stadium; however, each fan is allowed to carry two factory-sealed bottles of water.
When it comes to food, Bank of America Stadium has some notable favorites. Be prepared to indulge in delicious Carolina barbecue. The Hog Molly debuted at three portable vendor stands on the 500 Level in 2014 and has won over many fans. It features a mouthwatering beef brisket sandwich topped with four slices of bacon, coleslaw, pickled jalapeños, fried onions, and barbecue sauce on a Kaiser roll. While the pulled pork sandwich at JJR’s BBQ may not be the best in North Carolina, it’s likely the best you’ll find at any NFL stadium. Hush puppies make for an excellent side as well, and concert-goers are often drawn to Bojangles due to the long lines for their chicken.
The variety of beers has significantly improved over recent years. An array of local craft beers is available, including Captain Jack, Carolina Blonde, Maelstrom IPA, NoDa Brewing Ghost Hop, and Olde Meck Copper. The Beer Garden located outside section 101 is a convenient spot to explore these options.
Where to Stay
Finding a hotel while attending a Panthers game is easy due to the stadium’s central location. Typical accommodations such as Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Marriott, and Westin are readily available, and hotel prices tend to be reasonable. For those seeking the best hotel options, consider using a travel aggregator like Hipmunk to help you find an ideal place to stay.
Alternatively, renting a house in the Charlotte area is an option as well. Numerous homeowners are eager to rent their properties, often providing some great deals, so keep an eye on sites like Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway for potential finds.
