Your Panthers fandom biography...

[Bmullis]

My dad called me while my mom was stationed in Germany to tell me that it was just announced Carolina would be getting there very own football team. Since I was 13 at the time I idolized everything my dad was into... Tarheel basketball and Dale Earnhardt so since he was pumped so was I. My favorite memories in no particular order include

1. Since I was out of state or country will you my dad playing me the tape of the 1996 game of Carolina vs Steelers when we intercepted the ball and clinched our very first division and playoff berth.

2. Hearing all the pundits say Carolina had no chance in the playoffs against the Superbowldefending cowboys and then whopping that ass (At this time my mom got stationed in San Antonio and everyone there was a Dallas fan)

3. 1997- That summer I flew out to my dad's and he took us to the stadium for the very first time...back when it was Ericsson Stadium

4. 2003 the entire season. That year my dad would call me after every big Carolina play since I could never get a game out here in Texas. That was the first year he decided to do that and he did it every year after.

5. 2006 I went to my very first training camp and took my little brother with me

6. 2013- The very first touchdown vs the Seahawks. Cam threw it to Smith in the end zone. My father passed away that February so this was the first time my Dad didn't call me after a score and it all finally hit me.

7.  2016-The entire season... It just feels so magical from the beginning

 

[d-dave]

Mine began when they announced the team. My parents were doing well enough at the time, and they bought 4 PSLs (505, row 23, 9-12 btw).

For those first few years, my family was pretty consistent attenders. We made it to Clemson, including the horrible traffic on the drive home. It was much easier, and more fun when, then Ericsson Stadium, opened.

Once I was able to drive, my folks have the tickets to me more often. It was awesome. It was during those years I learned my obnoxious fan cheers, screamed up and down the ramps, and almost got in fights with opposing fans. Ahh, the good ole days.

Then came the drunken magic of 2003! My buddy and I went to every single game that season. We were hammered most of the time. I'm pretty sure it was fun! I remember the most epic catch: my buddy caught a football while holding beers in each hand and his cigarette. Not a drop spilled!

Then I met a girl, got my first teaching job, and I rarely made it to games (why did I fall for a preacher's daughter???). My folks kept the tickets for s few more years, but eventually let them go. None of us could afford them or had time to go.

It's hard for me to go to games now, especially with my skin cancer risk (2008 was scary). Now, when my son gets a little older and more into football, I can't wait to bring him; hopefully hit up a Huddle tailgate to introduce him to the best fan community around.

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