CHARLOTTE -- Bank of America stadium hosts the Belk Bowl on Friday. The CRVA says the game brought in more than $23 million in economic impact, last year.

"And it comes at a time when the city, all these bars, restaurants, and hotels would be empty otherwise,” executive director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation, Will Webb said.

So why are there not more events at Bank of America Stadium?

“It's a grass field. It can only take so many events a year,” Webb said. “And we're glad that they let us use it for the ones that we do."

Because of the city's $87.5 million contribution to the Panthers in 2013, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority can host up to 5 events each year at the stadium, including the Belk Bowl, rent free until 2023.

That's a $250,000 value, per event. Not including the potential economic impact.

But the city has never used all 5 dates.

“The current ownership group has wanted [Bank of America Stadium] to mainly stay a football stadium,” special assistant to the city manager Ron Kimble said.

Right now, Bank of America stadium only hosts 13 to 16 events per year; including Panthers pre season, regular season, and postseason games.

“While the stadium is used 13, 14, 15 days a year, it's usually much bigger events with anywhere from 40 to 75,000 people,” Webb said.

The Panthers could potentially host more events with more renovations to its stadium, or a new stadium entirely. But it's still not clear what the next team owner will ask for, or what the city will be willing to contribute.

“This stadium hasn't yet reached the end of it's useful life,” Kimble said. “And only after those years will we be talking about a new stadium for charlotte."

The current renovations to Bank of America Stadium have been funded with tourism tax dollars; not property or sales tax dollars.

The CRVA can only request to book events between Jan. 15th and June 30.