North Carolina’s governor has said that state money won’t be made available for proposed renovations to Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers.
But that won’t stop folks in Charlotte from asking.
According to Steve Harrison of the Charlotte Observer, the City Council plans to try once again to persuade the legislature to increase the local prepared food and beverage tax by one half-cent to assist the project.
If that doesn’t work, the renovations will fall $62.5 million short. And the city doesn’t plan to increase its $144 million share.
Other possibilities include using money from the Convention Center fund.
Meanwhile, Panthers president Danny Morrison (pictured with owner Jerry Richardson) declined comment to the Observer. And, possibly, all that that implies.
While Richardson has not hinted at a possible move, his intent to have the team sold within two years of his death means that the buyer could opt for relocation -- especially if the deal that would hold the team in place for 15 years falls through due to the absence of state money.