CAROLINA PANTHERS

A Carolina Panthers gameday experience at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers a great blend of Southern charm, skyline views, and loyal fan energy. While not as raucous as some older NFL cities, it’s a polished and family-friendly environment with a deep sense of community, tradition, and “Keep Pounding” pride.

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1) Before the Game – Tailgating & Pregame Vibes

Tailgating in Uptown Charlotte

• Tailgating is spread across city lots, parking decks, and grassy areas in and around Uptown.

• Fans set up hours before kickoff—you’ll see everything from solo coolers to massive tent setups with grills, music, and TVs.

• Most popular areas include:

  • The Mint Street lots (closest to the stadium)

  • Graham Street, Morehead Street, and McNinch Street

• Expect Southern hospitality: people share food, drinks, and conversation easily.

Bar Scene

• Many fans pregame at Rooftop bars and breweries nearby—Charlotte has a booming craft beer scene.

  • Local hotspots: Graham Street Pub, Unknown Brewing, Sycamore Brewing, Prohibition, and SouthBound.

• Panthers fan clubs gather at several spots early, especially for divisional games.

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2) Bank of America Stadium – What It’s Like

• Right in the heart of the city, with great skyline views.

• Easy to walk to from most downtown hotels and bars.

• Stadium has a clean, modern feel, though not flashy—think functionality over frills.

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3) Atmosphere & Traditions

• “Keep Pounding”: The team’s rallying cry and tribute to the late Sam Mills. A drum is struck before every game to fire up the crowd.

• Sir Purr (the mascot): Silly and beloved by kids and fans.

• The Roaring Riot: The loudest and most passionate section, often leading chants.

• Music, big-screen hype videos, and a decent amount of crowd interaction help get things moving.

Crowd Energy

• Not the most intense in the league, but fans are loyal and engaged.

• Big games (vs. Falcons, Saints, or playoff-contending teams) bring a rowdier atmosphere.

• Weather matters: cool fall Sundays = huge turnout; early season heat can be brutal, and late-season energy can dip if the team struggles.

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4) Food & Drink Inside

• Solid Southern offerings: BBQ sandwiches, pulled pork nachos, local brews.

• Signature options sometimes feature Carolina-style sauces, pimento cheese, and other regional touches.

• Local beers like NoDa, Sycamore, and Olde Mecklenburg are sold inside.

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5) The Game Experience

• Great sightlines from nearly all seats.

• The drum beat, team intros, and hype videos build decent energy pre-kickoff.

• Fans are knowledgeable but generally polite—you won’t see too many fights or heavy trash talk.

• Visiting fans are usually treated well (but not during divisional games—expect some chirping).

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6) Postgame Scene

• Many fans walk to the nearby bars or breweries afterward.

• Traffic can back up, so a lot of people hang around Uptown to let it clear.

• Rideshare pickup is well-organized but may take a while after a close game.

The Carolina Panthers tailgating experience is a laid-back, welcoming, and Southern-infused tradition that turns Uptown Charlotte into a sea of black, blue, and silver on gamedays. It might not be the most rowdy in the NFL, but it’s underrated, well-organized, and full of regional pride, BBQ smoke, and ice-cold beer.

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1) Where It Happens

City-Based Tailgating

Because Bank of America Stadium is in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, tailgating happens in a mix of:

• Private parking lots

• Grassy areas

• Top decks of parking garages

• Back-of-truck setups on street corners and alleys

Most popular tailgating areas:

• Mint Street – Closest to the stadium; fan-heavy and packed early.

• Morehead Street – Known for long-standing fan groups and cookout culture.

• Graham Street & McNinch Street lots – Spacious, party-oriented.

• PantherFanz Tailgate (across from Graham St Pub) – One of the biggest and best organized.

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2) Tailgating Vibe

• Southern charm + NFL excitement: You’ll be greeted with smiles, hot food, and a cold beer.

• Tailgating starts 4–5 hours before kickoff and is most alive during 1:00 p.m. games.

• You’ll see:

  • Fans in Panthers jerseys, beads, face paint, and team-colored tents

  • Portable speakers playing hip-hop, rock, or country

  • TVs streaming other NFL games from mobile satellite rigs

  • Cornhole, beer pong, ladder toss, and other games

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3) Food & Drinks – Carolina Style

• Barbecue reigns supreme—expect pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken.

• Tailgates often feature:

  • Pimento cheese sliders

  • Deviled eggs

  • Mac and cheese + baked beans

  • Boiled peanuts and Southern dips

• Local beers like NoDa Brewing, Sycamore, and Olde Mecklenburg are tailgate staples.

• Fans love their coolers—BYOB is the norm, and there’s no shortage of sharing.

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4) Entertainment & Traditions

• Fans break out team chants like “Keep Pounding!”

• Some tailgates have DJs or live musicians

• PantherFanz, Roaring Riot, and other fan clubs often host open-invite tailgates with giveaways, raffles, and drinks.

• Sir Purr may occasionally show up for photos or antics before kickoff.

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5) Family-Friendly?

• Absolutely. Many tailgating areas are family-oriented, with:

  • Friendly crowds

  • Games for kids

  • Mild drinking culture compared to wilder NFL cities

• That said, a few rowdier zones (especially closer to party bars) might be better for adults.