Report: Protesters planning to block entrances at Panthers stadium

Reports out of Charlotte have indicated that protesters plan to block entrances at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium for fans and players entering for Sunday’s 1 p.m. game against the Vikings. But initial reports from the stadium indicate the players’ bus has arrived safely.

Charlotte police apparently received word Saturday night that protesters planned to meet at a park near the stadium and march to its entrances, blocking the way for fans and players.

The city of Charlotte had declared the game “an extraordinary event,” one of major significance and exposure, which in governmental terms allows the city to step up security and bring more law enforcement into play.

ESPN reported that Panthers players arrived without incident via bus, escorted by police, with tight end Greg Olson the first one off the bus. The Vikings also arrived as normal:

Tensions have run high in Charlotte for most of the week following the Tuesday night death of Keith Lamont Scott. A police officer shot and killed Scott under debatable circumstances, and the resulting protests of the incident have been both peaceful and violent. The Panthers have been active in commenting on the protests and calling for peace and calm.

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION, on sale now at Amazon or wherever books are sold. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.