The Roaring Riot 2014 Tampa Takeover

[RoaringRiot]

Finally getting over my hangover from this past weekend and wanted to share some of the pictures from our Tampa Takeover. Some of you have seen some of these already, but for those of you who haven't here is the whole story.

I departed Charlotte on Thursday so I could get down there and make sure everything was set and ready to go for everyone for the weekend. I was really pumped to get down there and get the weekend going. That excitement almost came to a screeching halt when I thought I may be flying down on this POS.

Luckily that was NOT my plane and I didn't have to rent a car and drive instead. I was pretty much Panthers geared-out for the trip, which drew a lot of head nods and fist pumps at CLT. Other people were staring at me trying to figure out what my shirt meant. The TSA guy asked me if it was "some sort of loud outdoor event?". I responded, "yes".

The flight was good. Not too many Panthers fans on it though. Here's a shot of Tampa from the air.

The first thing I did when I landed was strolled over to Ray-J Stadium to say hello and let it know that we were here and ready.

Friday night we had a welcoming party our at our hotel, Shepard's, on Clearwater Beach. I know Zod bashed Clearwater and called it a redneck beach, but it was great for what we wanted. Maybe it's because I've been to Myrtle a bunch of times or maybe it's because I'm a hillbilly like all the Bucs fans said I was, but we loved it out there.

The game for the weekend quickly turned into "Can you find a Bucs fan?". It's unreal how few Bucs fans you find in Tampa. I know we have tons of fans of other teams in Charlotte, but even the people I encountered from Tampa didn't give a poo about the Bucs. It got to the point that I asked everyone I spoke to where they were from and if they said Tampa I would ask them if they were a Bucs fan. I got plenty of: Saints, Cowboys, Steelers, and Patriots....but not a single Bucs answer. And I'm not even exaggerating.

And then this gem while walking into the stadium

We had some serious problems with our bus on Sunday but we didn't let it stop us from throwing down before the game. FYI...tailgating on a beach blows tailgating in a parking lot away by a long shot. Especially when it's 100 damn degrees out there.

We made it to the game, 44 strong, and we dominated section 121 like we promised we would. Having the entire D acknowledge us was an amazing feeling. Having the entire section yelling at us int he first quarter and then doing their best to ignore us the rest of the game was also a thing of beauty.

We had a blast in Tampa. Thanks to the Huddlers that joined us: Rick (forget your Huddle name), bigcatdaddy (who is a good guy in person and when he's not talking UNC v Duke with me), usmcpanthers (this was his second run with us - glad he made it down), and Zod for swinging by the tailgate party to say hello. Chad I think is on the Huddle, too, but he doesn't post much.

The overwhelming vote is for Nashville in 2015...so everyone go ahead and get ready NOW!

[PhillyB]

you guys are awesome.

[rdog157h]

I had an awesome time! Thanks for putting it all together. I am back at work today with no voice, mustve screamed first down to many times! Look foward to attending another one in the future! Go Panthers!  -Rick

[AdamL]

Awesome. Keep us posted on future operations to the North, Philly and Baltimore

#KeepPounding

[RoaringRiot]

I had an awesome time! Thanks for putting it all together. I am back at work today with no voice, mustve screamed first down to many times! Look foward to attending another one in the future! Go Panthers! -Rick

There is Rick.

Yeah man....I never thought I would get tired if screaming for Panthers first downs. I've been on the phone playing catch-up all day and can barely talk. ALL worth it though...

Glad you came and had fun, man. Let me know when you're in Charlotte for a game.

Sent from my iPhone

[RoaringRiot]

you guys are awesome.

 

I put together that you're friends with a couple of our guys from GSO. Allen for sure and I think you know Chet. 

[Growl]

wait wait wait so you only do one a year?

unacceptable.

we need this at every away game.

[RoaringRiot]

wait wait wait so you only do one a year?

unacceptable.

we need this at every away game.

 

Well...we always do ATL too. 

 

Next year is definitely Nashville and possibly/probably Jax too. 

[lola]

You guys make us proud. Love it!

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

[SpeedOFLight]

Cool stuff! Thanks for sharing!

[SCP]

Awesome

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Matt Ryan wears braided belts.

[Dex]

Epic. I will be there someday.

[PhillyB]

I put together that you're friends with a couple of our guys from GSO. Allen for sure and I think you know Chet. 

 

i don't know chet, but that's kickass that allen met you guys up there. great guy

[4Corners]

need pics of girls

 

I've seen that Steelers plane at CD more than once. I heard that NFL teams share planes.