Panthers_Lover

I thought last year he emphasized his name is Corey ... but I like Philly better. (Maybe I'm just misremembering ... ha!)

Not really much to get so bent out of shape about, though ... It's a tweet, not a full-fledged article about the original (or not original) KK.

Bringing in major guy from Lowe's.

Also ... Because of an increase in requests from camp attendees, the Hub City Hopper Shuttle is increasing its schedule to pick up downtown. Now, the shuttle service is available beginning 1 hour prior to practice and continuing through practice and for 2 hours afterward. Fans can park anywhere downtown and be picked up and dropped off at 100 Dunbar Street. It's a great way to get downtown for lunch, a few drinks and some shopping!

I can't believe I forgot to mention Willy Taco, out on East Main Street. It's a great new Mexican place. Y'all would love it!

He did.

TopCats and PurrCussion performing. Sir Purr. Food, beverages, other activities. Cheerleaders signing autographs and talking photos. Video highlights of last season. Should be fun for him.

Some "food" for thought ... The world-famous Beacon Drive-In is one of those legendary places that visitors seem to already know when they arrive. Offering their famous Southern sweet tea, hash aplenty plates, Pig’s Dinner massive ice cream bowls, and much more, it’s often the first stop once fans venture away from camp. The restaurant is just a short drive from Wofford, and the experience is one to be remembered. The Beacon has been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on the Food Network. Go to www.beacondrivein.com. Closer to camp – within a short driving distance or even walking distance for the hearty – is downtown Spartanburg’s Morgan Square, featuring Wild Wing Café, Delaney’s Irish Pub, Thai cuisine at the Lime Leaf, sandwiches at Groucho’s, great gourmet sandwiches and more at Cribb’s Kitchen, Italian fare at Renato’s (which recently moved to Morgan Square), Asian at Monsoon Noodle House and pizza at Wild Ace. You’ll also find Carriage House Wines, Miyako sushi bar and RJ Rockers Brewery and Main Street Pub. Other restaurants and bars in the downtown area, offering a variety of menus, include Boots’ & Sonny’s Drive-In (famous for its hot dogs with chili), Krispy Kreme (doughnuts), Ike’s Korner Grille (great greasy burgers and handcut fries) the Nu-Way (good greasy burgers and more), Papa’s Breakfast Nook, Peddler Steak House, Ricky’s Drive-In (more hot dogs), Sugar and Spice Drive-In (don’t forget the baklava), Mellow Mushroom and Venus Pie pizza. Across Pine Street from camp are McDonald's, Basil's Grill, Hardee's and Long John Silver's. At the bottom of Twitty Street, of course, is Starbucks. And, Jeremy will steer you to the Pizza Inn!

Lots of people where already know who I am, so I'm not worried. Hey ... I deal with the media every single day, so bring it on!

You can get a salad there ... does that count?

I'm happy to be a resource for anyone visiting training camp at Wofford ... questions about the opening party, campus, parking, etc. and about Spartanburg (restaurants, hotels, etc.). Happy to help in any way I can. If I don't know the answer, I'll do my best to find out for you. Just ask away here or email me at [email protected]. Look forward to having all of you on our campus!

A couple more notes. 1) It's now called "Lowe's Kickoff Party" instead of "Back to Football," and most/all of the entertainment will be held inside the stadium between 4 and 6:30, when practice begins. The Panthers want this to give fans as much of an "in-game" experience as possible. 2) The viewing hill has a new look, with several large viewing "pads" on terraces overlooking the field, with hillside seating below. The viewing pads, as I understand it, will be available on a first-come basis. It will look gorgeous. 3) Don't forget to register kids for Panthers Pals for the days indicated, ages 6-13; those selected may bring one adult (18 or older) with them for the experience. Registrations are taken each day and do not carry over to the next practice. The kid must be present when names are called. (Location of the registration tent hasn't been determined but it will be easy to find.) 4) For hotel and restaurant information, go to www.visitspartanburg.com. Downtown Spartanburg has lots of restaurants and bars. Free street parking in the central business district plus several easily accessible and inexpensive parking decks available. (Parking at training camp is free.) 5) NO pets or alcohol allowed in the training camp viewing area. 6) Ask me anything about camp and Spartanburg. I'll be happy to answer. If I don't know, I'll try my best to find out for you.

True ... I'm currently assigning volunteers for the Lowe's Kickoff Party, Play 60 Fun Day and Panthers Pals. I have an embarrassment of riches! 30+ volunteers for EACH time slot where I only need 4-6 volunteers. It's wonderful, but making the assignments, trying to be fair and give as many the experience as possible is messing with my head. Those of you who have been to camp will not believe the improvements being made to the viewing area! It's going to be beautiful! The camp experience for fans is being enhanced tremendously. (On a sad note, we have been dealing with two student deaths in the past two weeks. That has been trying and difficult.)

To thebigcat: I'm around ... just been very busy.

You're an idiot.

That's neat. I was with my friend Beverly. We're from Spartanburg.

Did you go to the HOF Game with Broach? I was on that trip.

I'm a lifelong Panthers fan ... I've been a fan for the entire life of the Panthers. I'm almost 60. Always loved pro football but never really had a team until the Panthers. Actually was a fan before there was a team, because I knew before it was announced that Mr. Richardson was going to seek a team and I vowed to be a fan of any NFL team that came to the Carolinas (his, specifically).

I'm still here ... for what it's worth.

Camp schedule updated: http://www.panthers.com/schedule/training-camp/practice-schedule.html