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NBA received expansion pushing for an football expansion
In 1987, shortly after it was decided that Charlotte would receive an expansion National Basketball Association franchise (the Charlotte Hornets, now known as the New Orleans Hornets) -
Richardson announced bid for NFL expansion
On December 15, 1987, Jerry Richardson announced his bid for an NFL expansion franchise in the Carolinas. Out of a possible four stadium locations (two in North Carolina and two in South Carolina), uptown Charlotte was chosen as the stadium for the potential NFL team. -
Richardson promoted the idea of football in Carolina
To help promote the idea of football in the Carolinas, Richardson Sports held three preseason games in Raleigh, North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Clemson, South Carolina, respectively, from 1989-1991 and formally filed an application in 1991 for the open expansion bid -
Expansion application
formally filed an application in 1991 for the open expansion bid -
NFL release list of areas open for a team
In 1992, the NFL released the list of five areas open to a potential NFL team: Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; Jacksonville, Florida; and the Carolinas, represented by Charlotte -
Richardson announced to finance a stadium
In June of 1993, Richardson Sports announced that they would finance the stadium through the sale of Permanent Seat Licenses, club seats, and luxury boxes. In a stunning show of fan support, all seats were sold out by the end of the first day. -
Carolinas accepted as 29th NFL franchise
On October 26, 1993, the 28 NFL owners unanimously selected the Carolinas as the 29th NFL franchise. -
Dom Capers become Panthers Coach
Dom Capers became head coach, leading the Panthers into a winning season -
Panthers first season in NFL
The Panthers began play in the 1995 NFL season. Led by head coach Dom Capers
