Panthers, Charlotte talk stadium upgrade

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers' owner met with the Charlotte, N.C., City Council to discuss a $125 million renovation to Bank of America Stadium, city officials said.

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx has said the city is willing to help pay for some of the upgrades to the stadium, though specifics have not been announced concerning how much of the tab the city will pick up and how it will pay for it, The Charlotte Observer reported Tuesday.

Sources told the Observer city leaders met with owner Jerry Richardson and were considering raising the restaurant and bar tax from 1 percent to 2 percent within city limits, which would require approval from the state Legislature. The body had also discussed raising the hotel/motel bed tax.

The renovations were said to include installation of escalators to the stadium's upper bowl and improved video boards.