National Football League

NFL Could Move Panthers Game Sunday

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Following two nights of protest in uptown Charlotte, the NFL is considering moving Sunday’s Carolina Panthers home game against the Vikings…

Earlier today local news outlets were reporting that the NFL was considering moving Sunday’s Carolina Panthers game. The game, originally scheduled for 1:00pm at Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte, is against the Minnesota Vikings.

#BREAKING: Sources tell FOX46 @Panthers & NFL talking about possibility of moving Sunday's home game against the Vikings. #PrayForCharlotte

— FOX 46 Charlotte (@FOX46News) September 22, 2016

The NFL reported being in contact with both the Panthers and Vikings organizations, along with local officials and police regarding the game. Shortly after initial indications that the game could be moved, the NFL released a statement of support for leaving the game in Charlotte, but noted that it would be monitoring events around the city.

Our statement on Vikings-Panthers game on Sunday pic.twitter.com/LvH59fyAJf

— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) September 22, 2016

Brian McCarthy, the NFL’s Vice President of Communications, released the following statement via Twitter.

“We are planning to play the game as scheduled on Sunday. We are monitoring events in Charlotte and have been in communication with local officials and authorities, and both the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings.”

The game, scheduled for 1:00pm on Sunday afternoon, is expected to not be in jeopardy due to the early afternoon kickoff time. However, if additional violent protests continue into the weekend the NFL could elect to move the game for safety concerns.

It is unlikely that the NFL would grant the Vikings an additional home game regardless of the circumstances, but a neutral site option remains a possibility. The Panthers played their inaugural season at Clemson University and their stadium is available on Sunday. The Tigers played on Thursday night at Georgia Tech and is accustomed to hosting large crowds and big events. Located approximately two hours south-west of Charlotte, technically a “neutral” site, the game would still have a home feel for Carolina.

While the NFL appears committed to keeping the game in Charlotte, if further violence escalates into the weekend a move may be necessary. The Mayor, Jennifer Roberts, issued a midnight curfew for Thursday night and into Friday morning. Protests are continuing to take place but initially appear to be less violent and confrontational. Hopefully order is restored in Charlotte and Sunday’s game can assist in bringing a sense of ‘normalcy’ back to the Queen City.