CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ The Panthers have informed PSL owners that there will be reduced seating at Bank of America Stadium this season and has given them the option to opt out of their 2020 season tickets. No PSL ownership will be affected by decisions for the upcoming season.
The news comes as teams around the NFL have had to adapt plans for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and questions about what the season will look like.
In an email Thursday morning, Personal Seat License owners were informed that they can now choose to not attend any home games this year and still maintain their ownership. If they have already paid for seats, they have the option to use it as a credit for the 2021 season or to receive a full refund in 30 business days.
The NFL will determine the number of fans in the stands on a team-by-team basis. While the Panthers did not share with PSL owners an expected number of fans at Bank of America Stadium, which seats just over 75,000, around 20,000-25,000 could be expected at games, per a source with knowledge of the situation. A final number of fans has not been decided on at this point. The situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to change and the team will comply with Mecklenburg County and state regulations, in addition to those from the CDC and the NFL.
PSL owners who wish to attend home games during the 2020 season will have the opportunity to choose from a pre-selected set of games. It is unlikely they will be sitting in their usual seats due to social-distancing measures. Due to ticket holders only attending select games, the credit that is not used during the 2020 season will be transferred to 2021.
All fans will be required to wear face coverings. There will also be additional health screening protocols _ a temperature check could be among them _ physical distancing "amplified via stadium signage" and contactless/cashless transactions at shops and concession stands.
PSL owners have until Wednesday, July 22 to make their choice for the upcoming season.
