Overall fan interest down?

[Sam Mills Fan]

You know, I always assume (for whatever reason) that everyone on here is pretty close to Charlotte. I should know better than that. If you live far away, I can understand how economics could keep you away this year.

If you do live in the Charlotte area or in SC or within a few hours of Spartanburg though, it's seriously not that difficult to get down there and you're going to spend much less money and get more enjoyment (assuming the weather cooperates) than taking your family to the movies.

[Matt Foley]

I told a lot of people Zod would be there early this year. I HOPED that would mean bigger crowds.

[Brooklyn Bully]

It's the best chance of getting a really up-close and personal view of the players, etc. .... but whatever.

Yes, I know, and I don't care about that. I liked that stuff when I was a kid. If I had a kid, I'd definitely take him. But I don't. So I'll see the boys on the field and cheer them on come game time. I don't need to see D-Lo in shorts and a shell. I don't need any autographs. I don't need to trip Jarrett after high-fiving Moore. That's just me though. If others love it, so be it.

[Zod]

I HOPED that would mean bigger crowds.

As in bra size?

[Hairless Cat]

Im more excited about this year than any in recent memory. I really dont know what to expect out of this team but I am optimistic - no way I can drive 6 hours each way and pay for a motel to watch guys that may not even make the team in the middle of summer.

[Razeyfingers]

Im betting overall interest is down but, I think it's safe to say, imo, that overall excitement is up at least for the "more than casual" fans. I asked a couple of people about what they thought of the team and how our season would go and they generally said the same thing, "Ya but we lost so much". People just want to see their heroes and dont really want to wait around for new ones to rise.

Personally, I dont think there has EVER been a more exciting time in this franchise and Im a Panthers fan since day 1. Its incredible how much young talent is on this roster. It's as if I bought Madden, picked up Smitty and Dub Trubs, then built the team with every young steal I could find. (Not that I would ever buy another Madden game that is. . dem fargin EA bastages have made enough off me)

[Davidson Deac II]

If you can't afford free, then how are you able to afford the money to pay for Internet service?

Seriously, people can't go to training camp because it's too expensive? It's free. What do you want them to do, reimburse your gas mileage?

Its hardly free. For me, it means a 3-4 hour drive there, and then the same amount back. Or a hotel room. And meals and all the other stuff that comes with travel. And taking a day off work.

[mr beauxjangles]

Maybe has something to do with last year's performance?

Last year the team was coming off 12-4 with a blown playoff game. Lots of fans excited for the next year.

Last year was painful to watch at times. Maybe attendance is tied to general optimism about the team's potential performance that year?

Just a thought. I agree that this should be one of the most interesting camps in franchise history for a serious fan.

Does attendance typically go up over time during camp? That is to say, more people coming to the later/last weekend rather than the first weekend? Or vice versa?

[Panthers_Lover]

Yes, I know, and I don't care about that. I liked that stuff when I was a kid. If I had a kid, I'd definitely take him. But I don't. So I'll see the boys on the field and cheer them on come game time. I don't need to see D-Lo in shorts and a shell. I don't need any autographs. I don't need to trip Jarrett after high-fiving Moore. That's just me though. If others love it, so be it.

Yet you feel the need to throw in the insult.

[Panthers_Lover]

Actually, it appears from the numbers that attendance is keeping pace, if not exceeding, last year at this time.

[Brooklyn Bully]

Yet you feel the need to throw in the insult.

I see no insults. I was explaining why I don't go and others may not.

[Panthers_Lover]

I see no insults. I was explaining why I don't go and others may not.

"Hicksville"

[thefuzz]

Would love to go. Actually had tried to put together two days off in a row to make it, but couldn't get it done.

I am not off back to back days, and most of the time, am only off 1 day per week, and since I live in Wilmington, that is just not a good idea.

I will be making my way up for the 3rd preseason game, and taking off that Sat and Sun to do so, even though that is when I make my money.

[panther4life]

Although the economy may be getting better those who have suffered from it over the past _______ fill in the blank for the individual, just have less disposable income or free time (working more) to attend.

In addition to that the shitty season last year certainly isn't helping either.

Others who say they never go anyway are a non factor in this