Panthers Overview

Fast facts

League: NFL

Head Coach: Frank Reich

Team Mascot: Sir Purr

Year Opened: 1996

Capacity: 74867

City / State: Charlotte / North Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Panthers vs Falcons

Rival Team: Atlanta Falcons

The Panthers and Falcons have been members of the same division since the Panthers inception in 1995, which has gone a long way in creating a fierce rivalry between these two Southeast based teams. You’ll find plenty of fans of both teams making the trip when these two NFC South rivals get together as they are only separated by a four-hour trip along I-85.

Panthers vs Buccaneers

Rival Team: Tamba Bay Buccaneers

The Panthers and Bucs first met in 1995 when the Panthers first entered the NFL with the Bucs emerging victorious 20-13. When the league was realigned in 2002, the two teams were both placed in the NFC South, and now play each other twice a year creating an intense rivalry between these two teams.

Panthers vs Saints

Rival Team: New Orleans Saints

The Panthers’ rivalry with the Saints dates back to when the Panthers entered the league in 1995. The two teams have met twice every year since having been in the same division for the entirety of the Panthers’ existence. The rivalry has been one of the most competitive over the years as the Saints hold a slight edge having won 19 of 37 meetings, 17 of which have been decided fewer than 8 points.

Panthers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Fall in Charlotte brings the beautiful colors of not only yellows, reds, and oranges, but also black, blue, and silver for those who love Panthers football and even more importantly those who love to tailgate. Charlotte provides a perfect place for Panther fans to tailgate with its tree-lined streets and perfect fall weather.

When attending a Panther tailgate, you can never go wrong with some good barbecue. Some die-hard fans have their customized Panther themed grills and smokers. Another favorite type of food found at the Panthers tailgate is Jambalaya, which contributes to the southern style food theme provided by the outstanding barbecue you’ll find here. You’ll also find a lot of local microbrews found at the tailgates here allowing you to get a taste of the local beer as well as local food.

Bank of America’s downtown location means that even if you don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up your tailgate, you’ll find plenty to join in on with Pantherfanz Central. Don’t be afraid to join in on these parties since due to southern hospitality Panthers fans are some of the friendliest and most welcoming around. Just make sure to bring something to offer or make a small donation, and you’ll make new friends quickly.

Traditions

The Hall of Honor

Established in 1997, Bank of America Stadium’s Hall of Honor was created to honor individuals who made significant contributions to the Carolina Panthers organization. The only two members of the Hall are former president Mike McCormack and former linebacker Sam Mills. However, those numbers are sure to swell in the coming years with more and more Panthers history being made each day. Make sure to check out the two life-sized bronze statues next to the stadiums North entrance paying tribute to these Panthers legends.

Jerry Richardson Statue

Stop by and check out the statue of Panthers owner Jerry Richardson before entering the stadium. The one of a kind statue featuring Richardson and two panthers is quite the sight to see.

play Watch video

Where to tailgate

Panthers Stadium Guide

In Game

The state-of-the art-Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the brand new home of the Atlanta Falcons. The gorgeous venue features a slew of amenities, including the largest video board in professional sports, and is a must-see for any NFL fan and is worth the trip to Atlanta all by itself.

If the new stadium isn’t enough of a reason to get you excited about seeing a Falcons game, then the incredible fan support will. Despite being a somewhat inconsistent team over the years, Atlantans still love their Falcons. All throughout the game, you’ll hear fans cheering when the Falcons make a big play. You’ll also see fans adorned in Falcons red and black everywhere you look on game day, so make sure to break out your own red and black to fit right in with the rest of the crowd.

The breathtaking new stadium and loyal Falcons fans make attending a Falcons game a great time for any diehard NFL fan. Don’t hesitate and book your trip now to see the Falcons open their new home this season.

Things to check out

Suite 87 Club

This 7,860-square foot. Private Club features a full-service bar and billiards room. It is located in the east zone on the 300 level and can accommodate 124 members. In your membership, you’ll also receive one reserved seat with full amenity privileges, in addition to the Silver Club level lounges and dining rooms during the game, which is a great option for fans that are looking for a more high-end experience at Bank of America Stadium.

play Watch video

Stadium Tours

Bank of America Stadium offers public tours of the venue consistently throughout the NFL season for up to 100 people at a time. This is truly a treat for fans because not every venue offers public tours. The natural grass, open-air stadium offers many significant characteristics during the tour, including training facilities, practice fields, and administrative offices.

play Watch video

Skyline Views

One of the best things about Bank of America Stadium is that it’s located in the center of the city of Charlotte. Therefore, the stadium offers many different views of the skyline and surrounding areas. The sights are spectacular at this stadium, especially if seated higher in the upper decks.

play Watch video

Purrcussion

Perhaps the most significant tradition at Bank of America Stadium is the team’s drumline performing throughout timeouts and halftime. There aren’t many NFL teams with their own drum line, and they bring a unique aspect to the experience. It gives the games more of a college football feel, which is a nice touch for fans.

play Watch video

Black and Blue Crew

The Black and Blue crew have been engaging and entertaining fans at the Bank of America Stadium since 2013. This group of men and women interact with fans before the game and as they enter the Stadium to provide fans with the best gameday experience possible. Upon entering the stadium, watch for them, since they are well equipped with shirts and other giveaways presenting an excellent opportunity to pick up a game day keepsake.

Sir Purr

Sir Purr is the official mascot of the Carolina Panthers who entertains fans young and old through a variety of fun antics. Look for Sir Purr to put a smile on your face during breaks in play.

play Watch video

Fight Songs

  1. Stand and Cheer

    The official team fight song. It doesn’t typically play before each home game.

    Stand and cheer for the Panthers/In our grand ol’ name
    Nothing could be finer/Than to be in Carolina
    For a Panther football game.
    P-A-N-T-H-E-R-S, Ho!
    Nothing could be finer/Than to be in Carolina
    For a Carolina Panther football game.
    Carolina!

  2. Sweet Caroline

    This Neil Diamond classic has become an unofficial victory song of the team and is played after every home win.

    Where it began,
    I can’t begin to knowin’
    But then I know it’s growing strong

    Was in the spring
    And spring became the summer
    Who’d have believed you’d come along.

    Hands, touchin’ hands
    Reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ you

    Sweet Caroline
    Good times never seemed so good
    I’ve been inclined
    To believe they never would
    But now I…

    …look at the night
    And it don’t seem so lonely
    We fill it up with only two.

    And when I hurt,
    Hurtin’ runs off my shoulders
    How can I hurt when holding you?

    Warm, touchin’ warm
    Reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ you

    Sweet Caroline
    Good times never seemed so good
    I’ve been inclined,
    To believe they never would
    Oh, no, no

    Sweet Caroline
    Good times never seemed so good
    Sweet Caroline,
    I believe they never could
    Sweet Caroline
    Good times never seemed so good
    Sweet Caroline…

Panthers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Valhalla Pub and Eatery

    Valhalla Sangria

    Rustic pub featuring rotating craft brews, artisan cocktails & from-scratch American eats.

    317 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-332-3273

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Prohibition Bar

    Prohibition Bar

    Awesome watering hole with reclaimed-wood furnishings & a patio offering 1920s-style drinks.

    200 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-358-4244

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Tilt on Trade

    Tilt on Trade

    A Lively gathering spot for cocktails & beer at a long bar, plus sports on TV, arcade games & a patio.

    127 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-347-4870

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  4. Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar

    Eat more Cowbell burger beer

    Cocktails, gourmet burgers & more in a trendy room with dark wood, chandeliers & music memorabilia.

    201 N Tryon St #1010, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    980-224-8674

    Bar website

    american - bbq

  5. Ink N Ivy CLT

    Ink Ivy

    Ink N Ivy is all about being yourself and eating the food you love.

    222 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-332-5424

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Hooters

    Working Man Friend Beer Tiki Hut Pub & Grill Beer 4th and Mill Beer

    We've got it all - appetizers, salads, burgers, you name it. And those Hooters world-famous Wings.

    123 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-333-4566

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  7. Howl at the Moon

    Howl at the Moon Cocktails

    Lively bar with a party vibe featuring dueling piano shows & novelty bucket drinks. There's never a boring drink!

    210 E Trade St #308, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-936-4695

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. All American Pub

    All American burger

    Famosu for their Bloody Mary Bar.

    200 E Bland St, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA

    704-370-2000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Sports One Charlotte

    Sports One

    One of the best sports bar and grill in Charlotte.

    521 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-733-9962

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  10. The Belfast Mill

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    The Belfast Mill Irish Pub is an authentic Irish style pub that serves up a great pint of Guinness as well as a variety of other Irish beers.

    144 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-333-7160

    Bar website

    european - sportsbar - $$

  11. Courtyard Hooligans

    Courtyard

    Courtyard Hooligans is an International Sports Pub with a large import and craft beer selection

    140 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    35.223355, -80.846724

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  12. Rooster’s Uptown

    Roosters Uptown

    Urban. Cozy. Spirited.

    150 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-370-7667

    Bar website

    american - european - $$

  13. French Quarter

    French Quarter bar

    Where every hour is happy hour!

    321 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-377-1715

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

    Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

    The meat in this steakhouse is perfectly seasoned and placed on skewers to cook slowly over a wood burning flame.

    139 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-601-4141

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  15. Mimosa Grill

    Mimosa Grill

    Pioneering Charlotte's uptown restaurant scene since 1995, Mimosa Grill has focused on using the best locally and regionally grown ingredients.

    327 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-343-0700

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

    Ruths Chris Steak House

    Your last bite is just as good as your first.

    222 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-388-9444

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  17. Morton’s The Steakhouse

    Mortons

    Morton's steak house is widely regarded as the best place for prime steak anywhere.

    227 W Trade St #150, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-333-2602

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  18. Mert’s Heart & Soul

    Merts

    Good food, good friends, good American life!

    214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-342-4222

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Mellow Mushroom

    Mellow Mushroom

    Delicious quick bites from Mellow Mushroom sure to fill you

    255 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-371-4725

    Bar website

    american - bbq - cafe - $$

  20. Al Mikes Tavern

    AlMikes Tavern

    One of the chillest places to hang out with great friends

    401 W 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-332-6789

    Bar website

    american - $$