Panthers Fan Fest promises to be wet. What to know if you’re heading to the stadium.

Tens of thousands of fans could be in for a stormy surprise at Bank of America Stadium for the Carolinas Panthers’ annual Fan Fest on Thursday night.

Rain and thunderstorms “are likely” from the time the gates open until about an hour into the annual event, according to the NWS forecast Thursday morning.

And remember, the stadium bans umbrellas.

Fan Fest lets fans watch the team practice on the stadium field and enjoy performances by the TopCats, Sir Purr, PurrCussion and the Black & Blue Crew. Fireworks provide the finale. For the first time, fans can participate in the fireworks and laser show with interactive LED wristbands.

The Panthers will kick off their three-game preseason schedule against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, at 1 p.m. Saturday. WJZY (Channel 46) will broadcast the game in Charlotte.

Here’s what fans need to know about rain and thunderstorm chances, items they need to leave at home and other details about Thursday’s event:

The Carolina Panthers’ Fan Fest at Bank of American Stadium benefits Carolina Panthers Charities.
The Carolina Panthers’ Fan Fest at Bank of American Stadium benefits Carolina Panthers Charities.

Fan Fest info

Start time: 6 p.m. Thursday. Entertainment begins at 6 and the team practice at 7.

Doors open: 5:30 p.m.

Tickets: $5. Available at TicketMaster.com. Proceeds benefit Carolina Panthers Charities.

Tickets are limited to six per account and will be delivered mobile only. Mobile ticketing is available through the Panthers app and on Ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster mobile app.

Fan Fest weather forecast

Storms are expected in the Charlotte area for several hours Thursday afternoon and evening, according to meteorologist Steve Wilkinson of the National Weather Service office in Greer, S.C.

Charlotte has a 60% chance of precipitation Thursday afternoon and evening, according to the NWS forecast at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Showers and thunderstorms had “a chance” of appearing in the afternoon, the forecast shows. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm are likely between 5 p.m. Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday, according to the forecast.

In a severe-weather alert early Thursday, NWS meteorologists warned of “numerous showers and thunderstorms” in the region Thursday afternoon and evening.

“Gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning may accompany these storms,” according to the alert. “A few could produce damaging wind gusts.”

Thursday afternoon, the NWS warned of 40-mph gusts and pea-size hail just to the north and west of Charlotte, in Iredell, Gaston and Lincoln counties.

Thursday’s high reached only 86 in Charlotte, according to the NWS.

Fans enjoy the 2019 Carolina Panthers Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium. The 2022 version is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.
Fans enjoy the 2019 Carolina Panthers Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium. The 2022 version is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.

Inclement weather policy

Bank of America Stadium officials enact a shelter-in-place protocol if lightning is seen within 8 miles of the stadium, according to the stadium policy page on Panthers.com.

Uptown street closures

These uptown streets will be closed from 9 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the Charlotte Department of Transportation:

Graham Street between South Mint Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Mint Street between Morehead Street and Brooklyn Village Avenue.

These uptown streets will be closed from 5 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Thursday:

Brooklyn Village Avenue, between South Church Street and South College Street and between Church Street and Mint Street.

Levine Avenue of the Arts, between South Church Street and South Tryon Street.

Morehead Street, right westbound lane between South Tryon Street and McNinch Street.

South Graham Street, right southbound lane between West 4th Street and West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

South Mint Street, right northbound lane between West Trade Street and West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

South Mint Street, between Carson Boulevard and Morehead Street.

South Mint Street, between Brooklyn Village Avenue and West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

West 4th Street, right eastbound lane between South Graham Street and South Mint Street.

West 1st Street, between South Mint Street and South Church Street.

Carolina Panthers fans line up to enter Bank of America Stadium on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, for Carolina Panthers Fan Fest. The 2022 version is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.
Carolina Panthers fans line up to enter Bank of America Stadium on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, for Carolina Panthers Fan Fest. The 2022 version is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.

Keep these items at home

Per stadium policy, these items are prohibited:

Purses larger than a clutch bag.

Briefcases, luggage, backpacks, bum bags, cinch bags and computer bags, camera bags and any bag larger than the permissible size.

Coolers, weapons, alcohol, glass, cans, studded jewelry.

The only bags permitted are clear tote bags up to 12’ by 6” by 12”; 1-gallon resealable clear plastic storage bags; and small clutch bags with strap not exceeding 4.5” by 6.5.”

Fans can bring two sealed 16.9 oz bottles of water per person.

For a complete list of prohibited items, visit Panthers.com/stadium.

Getting around uptown and safety tips

Keep your car at home

Walk, bike or use a ride-sharing service or public transportation. Wearing a COVID-preventive face mask is optional on CATS buses and trains.

Ride-share dropoff and pickup: The city of Charlotte advises fans to pick up and drop off using their preferred ride share app at the corner of Third and Church streets, near Romare Bearden Park.

The city also posted an uptown travel safety guide on its website.

If you’re walking

Wear bright clothing at night.

Walk facing traffic.

Remove headphones and remain alert.

Cross safely when exiting the bus.

Watch for turning vehicles.

Stay especially alert “in parking lots and around train and light rail tracks.”

If you’re bicycling

Wear bright clothing at night.

Wear a helmet.

Ride with traffic.

Obey all traffic signals and signs.

Use hand signals.

Look before entering traffic and changing lanes.

If you drive

Make sure vehicle lights are on at night.

Yield to pedestrians.

Look for pedestrians and cyclists when turning.

Obey all traffic signals and signs.

Use turning signals.

Receive traffic alerts

Sign up for Charlotte Department of Transportation Getting Around email alerts at PublicInput.com. Register on the site for daily street closure and weekly street use and event notices.

Register for Charlotte Area Transportation System notices at CATS Rider Alerts.

Find details about parking and ride sharing near the stadium at Panthers.com/stadium.