Attending my first game in BOA in 18 years. Anything I (or new attendees) should know?

[Panthera onca]

It’s a cashless venue now.

[EgoDogg]

5 minutes ago, Billy Love said:

don't have sex in the stadium bathroom stall. police are apparently cracking down on this type of behavior. 

If not the bathroom stall, then where? Cam's back and I'm expected to keep it in my pants? 

/s

[Brooklyn 3.0]

You are going to need more time, man. I doubt you even get to Raleigh by noon. You should just make it a Panthers trip and do scouting another time and give yourself 3-4 days.

[EgoDogg]

10 minutes ago, Billy Love said:

stop for bbq in lexington on your to to charlotte from raleigh. thank me later. LEXINGTON BBQ in lexington nc. 

As much as I'd love to, that's one less stop in the Research Triangle for the visit. Otherwise, I would absolutely go! But that's something I'll remember for when we do move down there since there's a strong chance we'll be going back and forth to Charlotte up to 8+ times a year

[EgoDogg]

Just now, Brooklyn 3.0 said:

You are going to need more time, man. I doubt you even get to Raleigh by noon. You should just make it a Panthers trip and do scouting another time and give yourself 3-4 days.

Us both being able to allocate the time with a 1 year old and a 3 year old at home isn't much of an option, so we need to make the most of it while we're there. How long would you expect the drive to take on a Friday morning from Charlotte to Raleigh? I'm going based off Google, which says departing Charlotte at 8:45 AM on Friday shouldn't take more than 3 hours, based on traffic.

[Brooklyn 3.0]

I just figure it's going to take time to get your bags and go through the rental process. Anything is possible though. You guys are going to be exhausted. And as a father of a 3 yo ... you already are lol. Have fun though! I used to live in Charlotte and Raleigh and Durham. Haven't been to a game in like 12 years. Used to have PSLs.

[EgoDogg]

Just now, Brooklyn 3.0 said:

I just figure it's going to take time to get your bags and go through the rental process. Anything is possible though. You guys are going to be exhausted. And as a father of a 3 yo ... you already are lol. Have fun though! I used to live in Charlotte and Raleigh and Durham. Haven't been to a game in like 12 years. Used to have PSLs.

We're doing carry-on only, and we already have a car reserved through Turo (essentially Airbnb for cars) about 10 minutes from the airport. So, it's just a matter of getting an Uber to the car pick-up. Wasting no time! 

And exhausted is just a part of reality now . Thanks!

Of the three, did you personally have a preference? I heard enough words of wisdom to stay clear of Durham. And where'd you end up moving to if you don't mind me asking.

Thanks again!

[Billy Love]

29 minutes ago, EgoDogg said:

If not the bathroom stall, then where? Cam's back and I'm expected to keep it in my pants? 

/s

I understand 100%, totally your call.  If you do decide to go for it, make it quick and avoid the halftime crowd.

[Eric4280]

You got the right game to go to in 18 years.

[Move the Panthers to Raleigh]

1 hour ago, EgoDogg said:

A little bit of background. I live in Pennsylvania, and I haven't been able to make it down to Charlotte since the 2003 season for a game. I've been to plenty up here (Jets, Giants, Eagles), but it's been tough to make the trip.

My wife & I have been planning to get down to the Research Triangle sometime this fall to scout the area & maybe check out a game, as we're fairly sure we'll be moving there in the next year or so. The plan was November 7th to see Cam (and the Pats) vs the Panthers. Circumstances prevented that date from working out (mother-in-law had something come up), so that date fell through. Only other feasible game we could make the trip for was the Washington game & Rivera's return. Not a bad consolation prize.

Welp, discussions to make the trip for the November 21st game / weekend started to pick up. Mother-in-law is available to babysit (we have a 1 & 3 year old), so we just needed to figure out the logistics.

Thursday morning rolled around, and we all know what happened. The second that signing was done, I was already checking out on Ticketmaster (wanted to beat the inflation). Flights & transportation were taken care of that night.

So, the agenda is as follows:

• Fly to Charlotte Friday (arrive at 8:15 AM), pick up rental car and drive over the Raleigh and be there by noon.
• Friday + Saturday = Get our fill of Raleigh & the surrounding areas as much as humanly possible. Drive to Charlotte Saturday night.
• Sunday:
  Morning = TBD
  Afternoon = Game
  Evening = TBD, return car, flight to return home at 9 PM (Options were 4:50 PM or 9 PM flight)

Seats:
Section 133, Row 3

TLDR:
Stars aligned, going to my first game in Charlotte in 18 years. What do you recommend doing / checking out on gameday? Before the game? Tailgating spots? Stadium stuff, etc? Plus, after game suggestions are great.

Bonus points:
If you have any suggestions on things / areas to check out in the research triangle as we're not 100% settled on where we want to move within it. Trails, restaurants, breakfast places, neighborhoods, etc.

Thanks to anybody who can lend some advice and help us get the most out of this trip as possible. And without further ado, KEEP POUDING!

Every northerner and their mother are moving to Raleigh right now.

Edited November 15, 2021 by Move the Panthers to Raleigh

[motocross_cat]

They don't take cash any more.

Beer is crazy expensive 

Your going to want to get a parking spot early if you don't want to walk a half mile.  Head in around noon.  This one is going to be intense.

[EgoDogg]

27 minutes ago, Move the Panthers to Raleigh said:

Every northerner and their mother are moving to Raleigh right now.

I had this on the agenda since I first visited the Carolina's back in 2002. Finally at a point where it can finally happen.

[trueblade]

29 minutes ago, Move the Panthers to Raleigh said:

Every northerner and their mother are moving to Raleigh right now.

All the Ohioans have taken over Charleston.

[Paa Langfart]

I'm not sure, unless you have a job lined up, why you would want to move inland with the whole coast of North Carolina available.  Or even the mountains over Asheville way as a strong second choice.  But the Raleigh area ?  What is the attraction ?