Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - The Carolina Panthers and the city of
Charlotte reached a tentative agreement which will keep the team in the Queen
City for at least the next 15 years, Charlotte mayor Anthony Foxx announced
Friday.
The city of Charlotte is expected to give the organization $143.75 million
from a 1 percent food and beverage tax increase, which will be paid out over
the next 15 years. According to the Charlotte Observer, the team will be
required to stay put in the city during that time, thus closing the rumor of
the club becoming a potential target for a team in Los Angeles.
The Panthers have been trying to upgrade Bank of America Stadium at an
estimated coast of $250 million, while deal could also include $62.5 million
from the state, if it becomes finalized.
"Our biggest problem is poaching," Foxx told the Charlotte Observer on
Thursday. "There are cities without teams who are building stadiums."
Charlotte city council, team officials and Panthers owner Jerry Richardson,
met on Friday before announcing future plans.
The Sports Network