The Carolina Panthers and Xenex Disinfection Services,a world leader in ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection for hospitals, partnered to donate a LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot to the Charlotte 49ers Athletic Department.
LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots use pulsed xenon to create intense bursts of broad-spectrum UV light that quickly destroys viruses and bacteria on surfaces. The Carolina Panthers used LightStrike devices to disinfect rooms and areas in the Bank of America Stadium throughout the 2020 football season as part of the team’s strategy to minimize risk for players and personnel from exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).
The robot, dubbed “Nugget” in a nod to the Charlotte 49ers nickname and mascot, Norm the Niner, will be used to disinfect locker rooms, training rooms, weight rooms and team meeting rooms.
"We are extremely grateful for the donation from the Carolina Panthers and Xenex to provide such a useful tool in the continuing efforts to disinfect our athletic facilities," said Cass Ferguson, assistant athletics director for facilities and events at Charlotte. "The Xenex LightStrike robot provides another tool in caring for our student-athletes, staff and visitors.”