Where to tailgate, pregame and park for Panthers games
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The Carolina Panthers kick off the 2026 season at Bank of America Stadium this weekend.
Why it matters: Fans are hungry for football and hopeful for a win to start the season.
What we're watching: The team is in the midst of massive transition off the field, from construction on a new practice facility and stadium renovations. Now it's time to deliver on the field.
Go deeper: Inside $1.3B Bank of America Stadium $1.3B overhaul
State of play: The team will host a pep rally at the Bowl at Ballantyne on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5-7pm. There will be a chance to win tickets to the home opener and other giveaways.
What's next: The Panthers host the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 1pm.
Here's what you need to know to be game-day ready.
Tickets
Resale tickets for the home opener start at $157.95.
Go deeper: The cost of a Panthers game for a family: $1,200
How to get there
The Panthers and CATS are offering a Game Day Express during home games for the 2026 season. It's an extension of existing Express bus services from CATS Park and Ride stations. It's $3 each way or $6.60 for a day pass. Tickets are available via the CATS-Pass App. Stations include:
- 64X Independence Blvd Express: Matthews-Independence Pointe Parkway
- 177 North Meck Connector: Davidson Gateway, Cornelius, Northcross and Huntersville Gateway
- 61X Arboretum Express: Waverly, Arboretum and Strawberry Hill
How it works: Departures run every 30 minutes starting 2.5 hours before kickoff and will begin 30 minutes after the game.
- You'll board and exit buses on Brevard St., between 3rd St. and Brooklyn Village Ave., a few blocks away from Bank of America Stadium.
Other transportation options include:
The CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar and the Lynx Blue Line both have stops that are within walking distance of the stadium.
Nearby parking locations:
- Legacy Union Seven20
- Mint St. Garage
- Check out more ways to get to the stadium here.
Stadium address: 800 S. Mint St.
Roaring Riot tailgate
Roaring Riot, which local fan Zack Luttrell founded in 2008, has become a massive global community for Panthers fans, from traveling to away games to tailgates for home games. The tailgate starts at 10am.
- Tailgate access is free for members and costs $20 per person for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit the Roaring Riot Foundation.
Stop by: 520 Elliott St.
Pantherfanz tailgate
Charlotte's longest-running tailgate starts at 10am. It's free to attend.
Stop by: 601 S. Cedar St., behind and up the hill from Clutch bar, under the Bank of America sign. You'll see a Panther-themed fire truck.
Champions Village tailgate
The Panthers will host a tailgate before home games in Champions Village. This includes a private entrance to the stadium, a private in-tent buffet and bar package, live entertainment and premium seating options for the game.
- Contact the team for pricing.
Bud Light Block Party
The Panthers will host a a block party and a family-friendly Panthers Play Yard before home games. The Play 60 activation in the play yard will inclue Play 60 inflatables, face painters, a coloring wall, photo booth, balloon artists, plus a live DJ.
The Dog House tailgate
The Dog House opens at noon. WFNZ will broadcast live at their Uptown tailgate. There will be food trucks and a DJ. The Dog House will be open before, during and after the game. It will also show the game.
Address: 401 W. Morehead St.
Carolina Blue Zone Tailgate
The tailgate includes all-inclusive food and drinks and live music. It kicks off at 10am and tickets start at $35.
Stop by: 1049 Winnifred St.
Where to pregame near the stadium
Multiple businesses around town will show the game and have food and drink specials. Below are three options within walking distance of the stadium.
Clutch is located directly behind Bank of America Stadium and next to the practice fields. There will be multiple DJs for pre and postgame fun starting at 10am.
- Stop by: 601 S. Cedar St.
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Former Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis’ bar is a must-visit.
- Stop by: 430 W. 4th St.
Go deeper: Former NFL player Thomas Davis opens a new sports bar and lounge in Uptown
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The party starts early at Graham St. Pub, which'll have a DJ before the game starting at 10:30am, plus postgame festivities.
- Stop by: 400 S. Graham St.
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Go deeper: Top 15 sports bars in Charlotte.
What to eat at the stadium
One of the new menu items at the stadium this season is a 2-foot-long quesadilla, called the Big Dilla, in section 127.
Editor's note: This story was first published on Sept. 1, 2023, and was last updated on Sept. 10, 2026.