All training camp practices are free and open to the public.
It’s time for kickoff! The Carolina Panthers return to Spartanburg and Wofford College for their 18th annual summer training camp on Saturday, July 28. This is your opportunity to see NFL football up close and personal!
Spartanburg will celebrate with the Panthers Kickoff 2012 Party Saturday, July 28th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 8:30-9:30 p.m. at Gibbs Stadium, taking a break for fans to watch the first practice of the season from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the stadium.
The event will feature the second annual Mayor’s Ball Run, with participation from all 14 of Spartanburg’s municipalities; performances by the Panthers’ TopCat cheerleaders and mascot Sir Purr; live music from the popular Back Nine band; along with face painting, door prizes and much more. Spartanburg Mayor Junie White will kick off training camp officially at 6:30 p.m. from the stage. Admission is free!
Young fans between the age of six and 13 will have the special opportunity to register to be selected as a Panther Pal. This allows them to watch part of practices from field level and then spend time with a player or small group of players after practice. Each day's experience is unique and dependent on player schedules and availability as determined by the Panthers. Children can register for their chance to be a Panther Pal at the Team Spartanburg tent. This opportunity will be available at practices Monday-Friday.
On Sunday, July 29, the Panthers will host Play 60 Day for youngsters, featuring eight youth football stations, three inflatables, TopCats, Sir Purr and more. The free event will be from 5 to 7 p.m.
“T-Shirt Tuesdays” – with free T-shirts thrown out to fans by players – will be held on July 31 and Aug. 7 and 14.
All training camp practices are free and open to the public and parking is free as well. Unless otherwise noted, practices will be held on the practice fields. The following is the training camp schedule for 2012: (Please note practices are subject to change in time, date and location without notice)
Saturday, July 29 – 6:30-8:20 p.m. (Gibbs Stadium)
Sunday, July 29 – 6-8:20 p.m.
Monday, July 30 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 31 – 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 1 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 2 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 3 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 6 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 7 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 8 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 9 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 10 – 2:45-5 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 13 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 14 – 6-8:30 p.m.
Fans of all ages will not want to miss this rare opportunity to witness NFL football up close!
by Amy Phillips for the Spartanburg CVB