Bank of America Stadium Expansion Clears Key Hurdle as Charlotte Council Approves Rezoning
By Jack Beckett | Charlotte Mercury
Charlotte’s City Council took a critical step toward the future of Bank of America Stadium on Monday night, approving a zoning exception that allows Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE) to pursue stadium upgrades without being restricted by certain urban zoning standards.
The rezoning, which moves the property into the Uptown Core Exception Conditional (UCEX) category, grants expanded flexibility for signage, pedestrian access, and structural design modifications. While no construction timeline was announced, the approval removes key regulatory barriers, setting the stage for TSE to modernize the nearly 30-year-old stadium and its surroundings.
Councilmember Malcolm Graham, whose district includes the stadium, urged a bigger conversation about stadium development and infrastructure.
“It’s not just about this petition—it’s about how we work with our state partners to figure out a larger problem,” Graham said.
What the Rezoning Actually Allows
The UCEX designation provides TSE with several exemptions from standard urban zoning requirements in exchange for public benefits.
Here’s what’s changing:
🔹 Expanded Signage – The plan permits larger electronic boards, including new ribbon boards and tunnel signage, aimed at enhancing fan engagement and stadium visibility.
🔹 Pedestrian Access Improvements – A 10-foot-wide pedestrian pathway connecting Morehead Street and Mint Street and another linking the stadium to Graham Street, creating safer public access to events.
🔹 Extended Post-Event Lighting – The zoning change allows stadium lights to remain on for up to four hours after an event, rather than the current one-hour limit.
🔹 More Open Space for Public Use – TSE must maintain 25% more publicly accessible space than standard zoning would require.
These exemptions, particularly in signage and lighting, allow Bank of America Stadium to compete with other modern NFL venues.
The Shared-Use Path: A Lingering Issue
While the rezoning approval was a major win for TSE, one component of the plan remains unresolved: the shared-use pedestrian path leading to Graham Street.
Multiple council members raised concerns about the logistics and safety of this connection, citing potential risks associated with a tight curve on Graham Street, proximity to a Duke Energy substation, and active rail lines.
“We need to be mindful that this is a high-traffic area with major safety concerns,” Councilmember Dimple Ajmera said. “I appreciate the commitment to pedestrian access, but we need to ensure that it actually works for the people using it.”
City planners and CDOT officials have yet to determine how the path will be implemented, or if modifications will be required.
Community Reaction and Council Debate
Public response to the rezoning was largely supportive, particularly from the Third Ward Neighborhood Association, which worked closely with TSE on the proposal.
Former Councilmember Al Austin, who now serves as president of the association, emphasized that the community pushed for better pedestrian connections and open space requirements.
“Residents wanted to ensure that pedestrian access wasn’t an afterthought,” Austin said. “We’ve had productive conversations with TSE, and they’ve shown a willingness to make this work.”
Councilmember Victoria Watlington stressed the importance of aligning stadium development with broader city planning efforts.
“We have to look beyond just this one project,” Watlington said. “Infrastructure, transportation, housing—these elements have to be considered alongside stadium expansion.”
What Comes Next?
Now that the zoning changes are approved, TSE can move forward with formal design plans, permitting, and contractor discussions.
However, the approval does not guarantee funding for stadium upgrades, and no public money was committed during the meeting.
🚫 No city funding has been allocated for renovations.
🚫 No specific construction timeline has been announced.
🚫 The shared-use path remains unresolved.
Despite these open questions, the approval gives TSE the green light to pursue the next phase of stadium modernization, which could include structural renovations, enhanced amenities, and improved fan experiences.
Bank of America Stadium won’t look the same for long. With zoning hurdles cleared, the next phase of Charlotte’s sports landscape is coming—ready or not.
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