Where should Charlotte 49ers stadium go?

As UNC Charlotte leaders continue to hash out plans over a proposed new football stadium on the campus, new renderings reveal another element to the debate: where exactly to put the facility?

The stadium is slated to be built near the university's Charlotte Research Institute off the North Tryon Street entrance and near the baseball stadium. But the renderings from architects Jenkins-Peer Architects and the DLR Group show leaders still must decide how to orient the stadium.

The options are included in a presentation -- click here to view it-- given to university trustees on the football stadium. The renderings are on pages 5-7 of the presentation.

Chancellor Phil Dubois notes there advantages to each option. For example, putting the stadium between and behind Duke Centennial and Grigg halls -- or option B -- would make the football field more visible from North Tryon street. Meanwhile, many college football stadiums generally follow a north-south orientation, or option C.

Which option do you prefer?

Meanwhile, as an article in today's Observer notes, the architects recently suggested that the campus build a temporary football stadium in the same location it would put the permanent facility. - April Bethea

Panthers announce Richardson resignations

Here is the statement released today by the team:

"Stadium president Jon Richardson and team president Mark Richardson have announced their resignations from the Carolina Panthers.

Jon, who notified the Panthers' staff last month of his intention, has been involved with Bank of America Stadium since its construction. Mark oversaw the effort to obtain an expansion franchise and has served as the team president since the retirement of Mike McCormack in 1998.

"Both Mark and Jon made great contributions to the stadium and team that have enabled us to enjoy much success over the last 15 years," said Panthers Owner/Founder Jerry Richardson.
"At the same time, I am thankful that we have a staff that has been in place for many years and knows our philosophy."

Jon oversaw the construction and opening of the stadium in 1996. Although more than 20 facilities have opened in the National Football League since then, Bank of America Stadium remains one of the most highly regarded venues in the NFL.

"It has been a very exciting time, and I feel very fortunate and pleased to have been a part of it," Jon said. "We have a great staff that has been in place for a long time, and I am confident they will move forward without missing a beat."

Mark was most innovative in the marketing and naming rights areas, overseeing the team's business operations from the franchise's inception. He was one of the first executives to obtain naming rights for a stadium, reaching two different naming rights agreements for the stadium. His integrated approach to marketing also enabled the Panthers to be one of the few teams to bring their broadcasting rights in house.

"It has been a great opportunity to work with a franchise from the start and have a chance to see it mature," Mark said. "It has been a unique experience to see dreams become reality."
Both Jon and Mark will remain members of the Panthers Partnership Group.

- Doug Miller