At least a few members of the Charlotte City Council aren’t fully in on the expensive facelift for Bank of America Stadium.
On Monday night, the council convened to openly discuss the proposed renovation plans for the home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. Council member Tiawana Brown—who not only represents, but has lived in District 3 for her entire life—had some strong words of skepticism about handing over $650 million to Panthers owner David Tepper.
“It sounds good, don’t it?” Brown said of the projected economic growth of the project. “It sounds real good until we get Mr. Tepper angry again at [Tepper Sports & Entertainment]. And then he might throw something at city council. I’m being very, very honest. The behavior of someone that’s asking us for $650 million is ridiculous.”
Strong comments from councilwoman Tiawana Brown ahead of tonight’s vote regarding the BofA Stadium Improvements Project. She says she not in favor of the proposal. A full vote is still pending. pic.twitter.com/L20WhGnDgP
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) June 25, 2024
Brown, of course, is referencing the incident involving Tepper in Week 17 of this past season—when he appeared to toss the contents of a cup towards fans inside EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Tepper was fined $300,000 by the NFL for those actions.
She continued, stating that the plan’s lack of transparency has given her pause.
“When you send me an email, as your servant in this seat—’cause it’s not mine. I’m sitting in this seat that’s elected for the people, by the people. If I lose this seat, it’s because the people don’t want me here anymore,” Brown added. “But I’m going to do the best that I can do, standing in my truth, trying to figure out what we can share on this deal. I don’t have enough information, I don’t feel comfortable moving forward with it at this level.”
By the completion of her piece, Brown was the third council member to oppose the project.
