Texas boy looking to go to first game, would like some advice

[D34Williams]

My wife and I are looking to go to our first Panther game this year. It's really spur of the moment, and I have it narrowed down between either going to Houston on the 18th, or going to the last home game against Tampa on the 24th.

I'm located in north Texas, and could catch the Houston game either by driving or flying. If I drive, it would most likely be a one day trip, leaving early Sunday morning, driving 9 hours, catching the game, then driving home right after. If we fly, we'll probably have to find a place to stay for a night, and be back Monday. Looking at front level end zone tickets for this game.

The Tampa game, I'm kind of liking the idea of, because I have to fly, and I would have to stay in Charlotte for at least a night. Always wanted to come to BoA anyways. I don't give a rip that it's on Christmas eve, which happens to be my birthday, and that I may not be home for Christmas. Looking at front row 48 yard line tickets behind Panthers bench for this game.

If I do this, what would anyone recommend we do for an extra day or two in the city? I really have no direction when it comes to finding something else to put on the agenda, other than going to the game.

Money really isn't an issue as long as it's not stupid spending. I don't mind paying a few hundred dollars for game tickets, then for plane tickets, then for a hotel, etc. You don't buy memories, and that's what this would be for us.

What would you do if it were you? Thanks for reading and for your love.

[smitty_89]

Whenever I go to a game, my friends and I usually go to the Epicenter the night before. Lots of clubs, nice restaurants, etc. right by TWC arena. I love Charlotte downtown in general. Its so much better than Raleigh in my opinion. I'm sure someone that is actually from Charlotte can give you a much better idea but thats just my 2 cents.

[Porn Shop Clerk]

if u go to the houston game u can see former panthers legend tommy jone standing on the sideline holding a clip board

[Ruff]

Whenever I go to a game, my friends and I usually go to the Epicenter the night before. Lots of clubs, nice restaurants, etc. right by TWC arena. I love Charlotte downtown in general. Its so much better than Raleigh in my opinion. I'm sure someone that is actually from Charlotte can give you a much better idea but thats just my 2 cents.

Pretty much this. Epicenter is fantastic, and has pretty much anything that you want to do.

There's also some really nice malls in the area. (South Park is in Charlotte, Concord Mills is about 20 minutes outside of Charlotte)

[Lumps]

uuh hell no, go to the Tampa game.

Not only is it a division game but that one is way closer to being a W than Houston, and games are not fun or (positively) memorable when you lose.

Personally I'd go to the Houston game but I live here in Charlotte and can't recall the last Texan game I went to. I go to 80% of the games, but if I were you and don't/can't see them play often, a division rival/win is better IMO.

[bleys]

Whenever I go to a game, my friends and I usually go to the Epicenter the night before. Lots of clubs, nice restaurants, etc. right by TWC arena. I love Charlotte downtown in general. Its so much better than Raleigh in my opinion. I'm sure someone that is actually from Charlotte can give you a much better idea but thats just my 2 cents.

Epicenter?

[longhorncat]

Personally I'd go to the Houston game but I live here in Charlotte and can't recall the last Texan game I went to.

I can. We lost 14–10. We were moving down the field for the go ahead score when Steve Smith kicked the guy that tackled him and got a drive killing personal foul called.

Go to Charlotte and see the game with you fan family.

[bleys]

Epicenter blows balls.. no way it's better than Raleigh's nightlife..

[redbuddha]

If your from Texas you like meat and lots of it. Go here for lunch or dinner. Is it gluttonous? Yes. Is it a place for vegetarians? No. Is it expensive? Yes. (But you can shave a little off the cost by registering at their website and printing off the coupon that they email you.) Is it worth it? Yes. Now I've never been, I went to a Fogo de Chao in Atlanta, it was the best meal I ever had. Whatever you do don't eat the salad, you'll be mad you didn't leave more room for meat later on.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/38/1348612/restaurant/Downtown-Uptown/Chima-Brazilian-Steakhouse-Charlotte

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

(704) 601-4141

[redbuddha]

For Asian food go here

P.F. Chang's China Bistro 80%

$$$ Southpark - Asian, Chinese, Vegetarian 6809 Phillips Pl Ct

Try the lettuce wraps, house special fried rice, steamed pot stickers, beef & broccoli, and sweet & sour pork or chicken.

[Babyboyheel]

If it were me, I'm thinking I would go to the Texans game. The atmosphere is going to be terrific and even though they might lose I want to see Cam play in that environment.

Ill be there but I don't have the option of going to the TB game.

It's a win win either way my friend but there is nothing like winning on the road against a team you're not supposed to beat. The Cats have a shot if they don't turn it over.

[D34Williams]

Thank you all for the input.

I think I'm leaning a little towards the Tampa game, only because I can make more of a trip out of it I think, and because I feel like I'll be at home at BoA even though I've never even been in NC. Need to figure out what the wife wants to do also. Only thing that keeps me thinking about Houston is the seats I can snag, and because I can always use it as an excuse to get to go to Charlotte later on down the road, hopefully a prime time or playoff game.

sumbitch I don't know what the hell I wanna do

[D34Williams]

any hotel recommendations for Charlotte? Wife and I are only 23, can't rent a car. So maybe something close to stuff to do. Going to have to catch cabs/shuttles wherever we wanna go.

[Chimera]

plenty of hotels in the area. you can stay a little further out to save a few dollars, but check the bus if you can't rent a car

if you wanna be close to uptown and don't want to spend a ridiculous amount on a hotel, i'd recommend the blake or aloft. i'm no hotel expert - but i constantly get asked by visitors for those two places.

system map

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/cats/Bus/maps/Documents/Charlotte%20Riders%20GuideA.pdf

uptown map

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/cats/Bus/maps/Documents/CharlotteUptownmap.pdf

if you're close enough, you can take the lynx blue line to the stonewall stop

you can also check routes from a hotel to the stadium here http://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&dirflg=r&ll=35.252016,-80.767226&spn=1.334497,2.112122&z=9 (type "(hotel name) to bank of america stadium")