Charlotte Magazine
The Significance of Bank of America Stadium’s Switch to Synthetic Turf
After a quarter-century with grass fields, the venue goes synthetic material with a long and consequential history that started in North Carolina
July 15, 2021
RUSTY WILLIAMS
By the time you read this, the grass field at Bank of America Stadium a consistent feature since the stadium opened in 1996 should be long gone. Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and his organization, Tepper Sports & Entertainment, decided this spring to replace the natural surface with synthetic FieldTurf, which five other NFL stadiums use.
The main reason: cost. Grass fields are far more difficult and expensive to maintain. Under Tepper’s ownership, the stadium will host not only the Panthers and at least three college football games per season but Major League Soccer whose new Charlotte MLS team Tepper also owns plus high school games and concerts. The new field is part of a $50 million stadium renovation fo