Jeremy Igo

You are assuming the Hornets have an actual plan. What in their history makes you think they do?

Yep

The Hornets still have the 9th pick correct?

First. Second will be the day before a game. Likely just walk throughs

Who says I haven't?

I'd do the joint practices personally.

You've read the announcement. You've seen the schedule. Now, I will give you the inside scoop on the Panthers Training Camp. I have seen a lot of rookie fan mistakes out there, and I aim to clean it up. Camp begins with the Back to Football festivities at Gibbs Stadium. Be sure to arrive early, there are lots of great things to see and hear before practice begins. Typically there is live entertainment including a band as well as an appearance by a few select topcats. This takes place in front of the stadium close to the parking areas. Practice takes place inside of Gibbs Stadium. Most people head for the seats closest to the parking. However, I feel like the best seating for Gibbs Stadium is on the east side of the field, especially if you are looking for player autographs. These bleachers are adjacent to where the players enter and leave the practice. The lower corner of these bleachers are prime autograph real estate. You will be in the sun a bit more, but as the practice is later in the evening, that may not matter much to you. Most of the practices at Training Camp are done on the three practice fields adjacent to Gibbs Stadium. There are a few key things here you should know... Player Autographs If you are looking for Carolina Panthers autographs listen up. The autograph area is along the fence near where the players enter and exit the locker rooms (pictured below). The key here is to position yourself in the right area. Typically the closer to the locker rooms the better. A you move farther away from them, the likelihood of an autograph decreases. Even farther away and you chances of getting an autograph drop to zero, as this would force the players to go far out of their way to get to you. Preferential autograph treatment is given to kids, as it should be. My advice is to stand next to a kid, wait for that kid to get his or her autograph, then also get yours signed as well. If a player stops to sign once, he typically will sign a few within the same group of people. DO NOT push a kid out of the way or try to get yours first, you will be chastised by other fans, and probably me. Players/Coaches I have seen give the most Autographs: Cam Newton, Ron Rivera, Luke Kuechly. Practice Viewing Once you arrive at camp, take note of where the blue lifts with the video cameras are situated. Take note on where the video cameras are pointed. This will give you a heads up on which field the main action of the day is located. Most fans will simply sit on the hill. This is a convenient way to watch all of practice in a leisurely manner from an elevated location. The only downside to the hill is the limited shade, so consider bringing an umbrella, and don't forget your sun screen. In the morning, if practices are on the two conjoined fields, my advice is to head to the trees after applying your mosquito repellant. You will be in the shade for a good part of the practice and also will have a great view of the action. I am not kidding on the mosquito repellent. You have been warned. Photography If you are interested in taking photos at camp, I recommend a digital SLR camera with a lens that is capable of 300mm shooting at least. Quarterbacks are easy to photograph, they are stationary and predictable. Other skill positions can be much trickier. During wide receiver drills, the players will typically all run the same route, one after another. Watch the first route, then use that to determine and plan ahead the angle you would like your capture to be. Etiquette There are a couple things that fans do that tend to bother me at practices. Don't yell at the players during practice. They are there, in many cases, fighting for their job. They will not respond to you. Not because they don't hear you, but because they are working. Know the players names if you want an autograph. Yelling "Hey 88" will likely annoy more than impress, making a signed jersey unlikely. Where to Eat Most people will tell you to stop by the Beacon for a burger and fries. This is fine and something everyone must do at some point. My favorite.place, however, is closer to the training Camp. Wade's is a smorgasbord type restaurant. The best thing about it is the fact that when you purchase an entree, you get as many sides as you like. They are all amazing. The Pizza Inn is also a great place to go, especially if you grew up in the 80s. It is a virtual time warp including table top pac-man and 19 inch picture tube televisions, The chocolate pudding typically has a half inch skin on it, roll it up as a snack on the way home. Don't forget to try the chocolate pudding, cutting through the half inch skin is totally worth it. Here is the schedule and the "must attend" practices in my opinion.... Panthers Training Camp Schedule from Panthers.com 2015 CAROLINA PANTHERS TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE SCHEDULEDAYDATEPRACTICEFridayJuly 316:30-8:30 p.m. - Gibbs Stadium SaturdayAugust 13:10-5:30 p.m. SundayAugust 29:25-11:35 a.m. MondayAugust 39:25-11:35 a.m. TuesdayAugust 4No PracticeWednesdayAugust 59:25-11:35 a.m. ThursdayAugutst 69:25-11:35 a.m. FridayAugust 77:30-9:30 p.m. - Fan Fest at Bank of America StadiumSaturdayAugust 8No PracticeSundayAugust 93:10-5:30 p.m. MondayAugust 109:25-11:35 a.m. TuedayAugust 119:25-11:35 a.m. WednesdayAugust 129:25-11:35 a.m. ThursdayAugust 13No PracticeFridayAugust 147:00 p.m. - Preseason Game at Buffalo BillsSaturdayAugust 15No PracticeSundayAugust 16No PracticeMondayAugust 173:10-5:30 p.m. TuesdayAugust 189:25-11:35 a.m. WednesdayAugust 198:30-11:00 a.m. - Gibbs Stadium ThursdayAugust 208:30-11:00 a.m. - Gibbs Stadium MUST ATTEND! Friday July 31 - First practice of 2015. What else can be said? Sunday August 2 - Play 60 for the kiddos and probably the first practice in full pads. Friday August 7 - Fan Fest at BoA. Really, if you are local and miss this free event you cannot call yourself a Panthers fan. August 19 and 20 - Miami Dolphins are in town and participating in joint practiced before their preseason game against the Panthers. Chances of punches being thrown in the hot Spartanburg sun? 120%. View full article

Damn, I miss that guy too.

Red zone touchdowns should be a #1 priority this season. A blocking fullback could be a part of the solution.

For fans of smash mouth football, the demise of the punishing NFL fullback has had a negative impact on maximum game enjoyment. Gone are the days of a 250lb work horse demolishing a linebacker as he paves the way to the end zone. Yes, I miss the blocking fullback. If you would frequently find yourself zoning in on a crushing block instead of the ball crossing the goal line, you probably miss them too. It seems we are not alone... View full article

Well there you have it. Don't be stupid like Texas.

Saying yes maam or yes sir to people behind cash registers.

Hard to convince a team to save you a roster spot when you haven't played a down in 3 years due to injury.

South Carolina is flying the flag of a different country on it's state capital. Someone explain to me how this is OK again?

Over the coming weeks I will be comparing Carolina Panthers roster units from today and exactly one year ago. First up, the Carolina Panthers Offensive Line..... View full article

wink wink

The problem here is the actual state government, that is supposed to represent everyone in that state, flies the flag. We aren't talking about the public, we aren't talking about a club or church. We are talking about the government. Should a US government be allowed to fly a non-US flag that obviously is a slap in the face to so many of its citizens.

Well tell these other knuckleheads that.

I'm going to take this as a compliment. However, I'm not this good. Isn't he charlottpanther that was banned last year?

We had a receiver miss OTA's under Fox. Was it Smith or Keyshawn? It was one of those California guys.

Pretty typical under Rivera. John Fox had a few seasons of less than 100% if memory serves.

OTA workouts were completely voluntary. The minicamp was required, but the three weeks prior were player optional. The Panthers I believe had 100% attendance (except for excused absences like TD going to a graduation.) So, before knocking Kelvin or any other player too hard... .they showed up and did the extra credit.

If we gave the ban hammer to anyone with a dumb opinion this place would be a wasteland.

The only two locks are Kelvin and Devin. But yeah, Brown is the lead dog currently. A few others have catching up to do.

Waiting for the super smart "JR is racist" crowd to chime in.