ROCK HILL, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) – Tepper Sports & Entertainment says its “pausing the project” of the Carolina Panthers Headquarters and Practice facility that’s under construction in the City of Rock Hill.
CN2 receiving the statement from Tepper Sports & Entertainment from Rep. Gary Simrill. That statement says “We are committed to bettering the Carolinas community that supports our team and players. To that end, while GT Real Estate Holdings, LLC has invested more than $170 million into the development in Rock Hill, our partners have been unable to contribute the agreed upon investment to fund the construction of the public infrastructure. Given the economic realities, the difficult but prudent decision has been made to pause the project. The on-going work will continue with our partners to find an economically acceptable solution for all parties to continue this project in Rock Hill.”
Meanwhile the city sending CN2 this statement, “The City was unaware of any planned pause in construction of the Panthers facility. The City has met all obligations required under the agreement, and is not aware of any March 2021 payment obligation. The City intends to continue honoring our agreement with the Panthers and fully supports the project.”
Rock Hill’s Mayor John Getty’s goes on to say it’s the Panthers choice to pause the project. He says the city is still looking forward to them coming but did reiterate the city has met all of its financial obligations. As for whether or not he’s concerned at this point, he said “you’re always concerned when things don’t go smoothly, but we’ve overcome a lot” pointing to Covid and even the crisis in Ukraine. He says, “we’ll plow ahead” and get through it.
York County also sending out a response. Here’s that official statement: “York County Government is aware of the announcement by the Carolina Panthers halting construction on the team headquarters and practice facility in Rock Hill. Although York County is not responsible for funding the infrastructure at the site, County staff is in communication with the Carolina Panthers, and hopes to work toward a solution that protects County taxpayers.”
The Carolina Panthers Rock Hill Development, which is under construction off I-77 between Dave Lyle Blvd. and Celanese Road, is described as an innovative mixed-use, pedestrian friendly community anchored by the practice facility, headquarters offices, and sports/entertainment venue with emphasis on retail/entertainment/media productions, hospitality, employment, research and development, residential dwellings, indoor and outdoor recreation, and open space uses.
