It may have taken 20 years, but the Panthers are finally Charlotte's team

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

Charlotte is definitely full of support for this team... it blows my mind every time I go and see just how much of a Panthers town it is. And the reason why it's such a mind-blower for me is that unfortunately, I'm not used to it... that kind of support is not evident in other parts of the state. Here in Raleigh, I'm in the minority. All the bandwagon fanbases take over here. It would be amazing if the support in Charlotte could carry over to the rest of the state (and SC too of course). Honestly, though... with RoaringRiot doing the fantastic thing he's doing, it just might happen someday.

so long as russell wilson is a thing and the panthers don't have a ring raleigh is going to be a hard sell

that's one thing i learned when i moved to the triangle after living in the charlotte TV market for the first 24 years of my life.  it's like there's a 60-80 mile bubble around charlotte that is primarily panther fans but outside of that it's sort of a free for all.

[SCP]

Early in the teams history Charlotte was not quite the relocation destination it has become. The relocated fan factor wasnt that much of a thing on the 90s from what I remember. That came about more so after 2000. While not as "mature" the early fanbase was pretty solid. I dont remember the opposing fan issue being an issue early. Is my memory correct?

I came to a Panther/Steeler preseason game in like 96 or 97 in BofA and it was nowhere near like it is today when those clowns come to town.  Maybe because Pittsburgh was in a mediocre phase or maybe because most Steeler "fans" were pulling for the 49ers back then.  All I know is while I agree with Sam Mills in that I was thrilled to see the turn out on Friday night, I know that we will still see 30-40% of our stadium full of Redskins, Eagles, and Packers fans when they come to town.  This town and fan base still have a long way to go.  But we are certainly getting better.

[Panthers_Lover]

Charlotte is definitely full of support for this team... it blows my mind every time I go and see just how much of a Panthers town it is. And the reason why it's such a mind-blower for me is that unfortunately, I'm not used to it... that kind of support is not evident in other parts of the state. Here in Raleigh, I'm in the minority. All the bandwagon fanbases take over here. It would be amazing if the support in Charlotte could carry over to the rest of the state (and SC too of course). Honestly, though... with RoaringRiot doing the fantastic thing he's doing, it just might happen someday.

We're having record crowds at training camp in Spartanburg ... in SC ... it's been an amazing summer!

[Wundrbread33]

Man I'm pumped! This is our team! Who wants to go with me to vandalize all the Steelers houses in my neighborhood?