BANK ON IT:  Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL Carolina Panthers and MLS Charlotte FC, is in line for $650 million makeover. (Getty Images)

HOK stands to benefit from projects in Charlotte, Jacksonville

More than $2 billion in public money was approved this week to renovate NFL stadiums in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida.

The Charlotte Panthers play in 75,000-seat Bank of America Stadium and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 68,000-seat EverBank Stadium.

The Panthers and Jaguars both entered the NFL as expansion teams in 1995.

On Tuesday, the Jacksonville City Council gave the OK, by a 14-1 vote, to $775 million in funding. The team would have a 30-year lease and the city will pay more than half of the estimated $1.4 billion tab, according to local news reports.

“The belief and determination of Delores and Wayne Weaver to make the Jacksonville Jaguars a reality more than 30 years ago was reaffirmed today by the leadership of Mayor Donna Deegan, her team and the Jacksonville City Council,” remarked Jacksonville Jaguars Owner Shad Khan. “The message then, and now, should be clear. Never doubt Jacksonville!”

The project would be complete for the 2028 season.

On Monday, the Charlotte City Council voted 7-3 in favor of around $650 million in funding from hospitality taxes for renovations to 30-year old Bank Of America Stadium, which is also home to the MLS Charlotte FC.

“Today’s vote by the Charlotte City Council is the culmination of many thoughtful discussions with city officials, local leaders, and our fans to create a shared vision for Bank of America Stadium,” said David Tepper, Tepper Sports & Entertainment owner, which owns the Panthers. “For nearly 30 years, Charlotte has been the home of the Carolina Panthers and, more recently, Charlotte FC. We are proud to be in the Carolinas and look forward to delivering a venue that meets the needs of our community, players, and fans for years to come.”

The project would be complete for the 2029 season.

A big winner in the funding of the renovations may be HOK, architect for both projects.