HOK unveils renovation design for Carolina Panthers’ Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte

Architecture studio HOK has released design proposals for a comprehensive renovation of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, the home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. The project, commissioned by stadium owner Tepper Sports & Entertainment, aims to update the 75,000-seat venue with a new facade treatment and upgraded amenity spaces intended to “meet the expectations of fans and athletes for decades to come”.

The announcement, made public in late July 2026, marks the first major design reveal for the stadium since it opened in 1996. HOK’s proposal focuses on improving the spectator experience while modernising the building’s exterior appearance and internal circulation.

Key facts

New facade and exterior upgrades

The most visible change in HOK’s scheme is a redesigned facade that will replace the original 1990s cladding. Renderings show a lighter, more transparent envelope with expanded glazing and a series of vertical fins, intended to open the stadium to its surroundings and improve natural light penetration into concourse areas. The new skin is also designed to integrate digital signage and team branding elements that can be updated for events and seasons.

HOK has not released detailed material specifications, but the firm described the facade as “high-performance” and aimed at reducing energy consumption through improved insulation and shading. The renovation will also include a reworked main entrance plaza with improved pedestrian flow and greater visibility from the street.

Interior amenities and fan experience

Inside the stadium, HOK’s design prioritises premium hospitality spaces. The plans include expanded club lounges, new suite levels, and upgraded concession areas with local food and beverage options. The firm said the interiors will use materials and finishes that reference North Carolina’s architectural heritage, including brick, wood, and steel, blending regional identity with a contemporary sports venue aesthetic.

The renovation also addresses accessibility and circulation. Wider concourses, additional restrooms, and improved wayfinding signage are part of the proposal. HOK’s design team worked with Tepper Sports & Entertainment to survey fan feedback and analyse game-day traffic patterns, according to the press materials.

Why this project matters for architecture and design readers

For professionals following large-scale sports venue projects, the Bank of America Stadium renovation represents a significant commission for HOK, which has extensive experience in stadium design globally. The project demonstrates how established NFL venues are being retrofitted to compete with newer stadiums that offer more upscale amenities and better digital integration.

The renovation also raises questions about the balance between preserving a stadium’s original character and meeting modern operational demands. Bank of America Stadium has been home to the Panthers since 1996 and has hosted numerous major events, including the 2019 NFL Draft. The new design will need to accommodate both NFL games and other events such as concerts and college football matches.

Timeline and next steps

Tepper Sports & Entertainment has not released a specific construction timeline or budget for the renovation. The project is expected to be phased over several off-seasons to minimise disruption to the Panthers’ schedule. HOK will continue to refine the design through further consultation with the team, local authorities, and community stakeholders.

The stadium’s ownership group has indicated that a full set of construction documents and a final cost estimate will be presented to the Charlotte City Council later this year, as the venue is partly publicly owned. No approval votes have been scheduled yet.

Source: Dezeen, “HOK to revamp Carolina Panthers NFL stadium in Charlotte” – https://www.dezeen.com/2026/07/30/hok-carolina-panthers-nfl-stadium-charlotte/