CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) — If the voice at Bank of America Stadium sounds familiar to you, there’s a good chance you’ve watched your fair share of NASCAR races.
“I have always loved sports,” said Rick Allen, a new public address announcer at Panthers games this season. “I have always loved football and I have always loved stadiums. I like to be in a stadium and here in the town I live in, it worked out perfect.”
The longtime NASCAR play-by-play announcer can say that now, but a year ago, he wasn’t sure where his life was going. For nearly a decade he was the voice of the racing on NBC. Until one day, he suddenly wasn’t.
“I was bitter in the television world because I didn’t think it ended the way I wanted it to,” he admits. “But I have also learned it’s not personal. It’s business.”
Life moved on. It had to for Rick, who says he likes staying busy. He started his own company as a wood worker. But the broadcasting itch wouldn’t go away. Fortunately for him, opportunities didn’t either, including one with the Panthers.
“We went out to lunch,” he recalled. “And the next you know, we started making it a reality.”
Allen’s new reality is introducing all the entertainment acts during the game. If there’s also a sponsored moment, you can bet Allen’s voice will be the one announcing it.
“A different voice catches your attention,” he explains. “And so, a change in voices, I think maybe gets the crowd to understand there is something different going on.”
Stock cars are in the rear-view mirror. But make no mistake, Allen is still enjoying the ride.
“Being able to be a part of the game day experience was a win-win for me,” he said. “I’m excited!”