Adam Thielen rips Carolina Panthers stadium: 'Worst facilities in the NFL'

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen is happy that the team is planning to renovate Bank of America Stadium. While speaking with Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer, Thielen blasted the stadium because the facilities need a major upgrade.

“I think they’re behind a little bit as far as facilities,” Thielen said. “We probably have the worst facilities in the NFL right now, and I don’t think there is anybody who would argue that. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. You gotta go play football, and you gotta go win games.

“So it’s nice to hear that, the commitment to us as players and the coaching staff, ‘Hey, you guys are putting the work in, and we’re going to commit and provide you guys with better facilities and really give you the resources to go out there and win.’ So it’s exciting.”

On Monday, the Panthers announced plans to renovate the stadium. The team wants to have new seats throughout the bowl, improved accessibility throughout the facility, upgraded restrooms and stadium safety and security enhancements. This is a proposed partnership with Tepper Sports & Entertainment (owned by Panthers owner David Tepper) and the City of Charlotte that would have the city contribute $650 million. The renovation would keep the Panthers in Charlotte for the next 20 years.

“Bank of America Stadium has been a special place for our Panthers, and now Charlotte FC, fans for nearly 30 years,” said Kristi Coleman, Carolina Panthers team president. “While Bank of America Stadium has solid infrastructure, investments are needed to ensure that our decades-old venue continues to deliver the best experience for our players, fans, and community.”

Adam Thielen had a strong 2023 season with the Panthers

Thielen is entering his second season with the Panthers. He signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the team in March of last year and had one of his best seasons in 2023, catching 103 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. Thielen spent his first nine seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and was named to the Pro Bowl twice during his time with the franchise.

“Adam has so much experience,” Panthers QB Bryce Young said earlier this year. “He’s definitely someone I’ve definitely asked a ton of questions to, just being able to be in communication with him, see the game, how he sees it, just being able to grow alongside him, it definitely helps me. Obviously, that’s a huge accomplishment. It speaks just to the player he is, the person he is, how hard he works. I’m very grateful for Adam.”