Pregame:
"The French Quarter" (colloquially the name of the entire strip of bars although "French Quarter" is the name of one of the actual bars in the alley) is my favorite pre-game spot for games at BOA. It's just across Church St from Romare Bearden Park. Very fun area. You can walk around with open containers, it's like a small alley that leads into Latta Arcade, which contains some small restaurants. An absolute must-go for a group of 21-22 year olds who have never been to a game uptown. They added a ton of outdoor TVs recently. It's incredible. The only time it isn't the most fun option in the area is if it's too crowded.

I'm not sure if it will be open for a non-Panther's game, but Dog House is right on the other side of Morehead from the stadium. Another fun spot.

There's a brewery a little further back towards South End near Dog House called Hopfly that's decent.

On the other side of the stadium (away from the city) is a bar called Clutch that's decent and pretty popular. It's just completely isolated so if you were looking to pop around and see a lot, I don't think going there would be very efficient.

Parking:
There are dozens of lots that will be between $20-80 per car, depending on proximity. You can find some cheap spots to park if you don't mind scootering or ubering to the BOA Stadium area. If you're staying the night Friday night I highly recommend grabbing a lyft instead of parking uptown.

If you must park uptown for the game, this lot (667 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 -- google maps calls it "Preferred Parking Lot # 705 E. Trade) is the best value, IMO. Before my kids were born we tailgated for the Panthers games for many years and this was by far the cheapest I found this close to the stadium. There's a little path next to the Panther's practice facility that makes it a 5 mins walk. I bet it's $30 for a game like this, but I'm not sure.