SCVB Blog

Attention all football fans: Mark your calendars for your opportunity to see the NFL Football up close and personal! For the 16th year, Spartanburg will be the summer home to the Carolina Panthers, as they host their 2010 Training Camp at Wofford College July 29th-August 18th.  All training camp practices are free and open to the public with each practice session lasting between 90 minutes and two hours. On top of practice sessions, there are also many other special events on the drawing board for this year’s camp.

On Saturday, July 31st, join Wofford College and the City of Spartanburg in welcoming the Panthers back to Spartanburg with a “Back To Football Party”.  Practice will be in Gibbs Stadium on Wofford's campus and the celebration will be on the plaza and surrounding area.  The party will begin at 4:30 pm and will feature the Spartanburg based band Back 9 and local favorite food vendors will provide some signature items, like Redneck Cheeseburgers.  The Top Cats and Sir Purr will be in attendance along with face painting. The party will be emceed by the voice of the Panthers, Mick Mickson, and returning back to football for autographs are some of the former Panther players.  Panther merchandise will be for sale.  Practice will begin at approximately 6:40 pm then the party will continue after practice.  

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 the 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 Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau/Team Spartanburg tent at the morning practices. The tent is located outside the main gate to the practice fields.

On Sundays, plan to bring the whole family along for “Family Day” and spend the day watching the Panthers practice and also join in special activities the entire family can enjoy. After each practice on Monday evenings, catch a football flick on the big screen.  Tuesdays will be known as T-shirt Tuesdays, where fans will have the chance to catch a t-shirt thrown by players.
 
On Saturday, August 14th, come to Panther Practice for Bluegrass and Barbecue - featuring Spartanburg band Bushy Valley Boys and some of the best barbecue and ribs in the Upstate!  The party will begin at 4:30 pm and end when practice begins.

Fans of all ages will not want to miss this rare opportunity to witness NFL football up close! For directions to Training Camp, a link to the practice schedule and more information, click here.