Carolina Panthers Set Training Camp Schedule in Spartanburg

The Carolina Panthers 2005 training camp will be from July 29-August 24 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. All training camp practices are free and are open to the public.

During training camp, the Panthers will normally practice twice a day at 9:10 a.m. and 3:10 p.m. with each practice session lasting between 90 minutes and two hours. Please be aware that practice times and locations are subject to change without notice.

2005 Panthers Practice Schedule

Panther Pals
 The Panther Pal program, begun at the 2003 training camp, offers children ages 6-13 a special opportunity to view part of morning practice from field level and then spend time with a player or small group of players when practice ends.

Children register each morning for a chance to be chosen as a Panther Pal by picking up a free numbered ticket at the Panther Pal center at the gate to the practice field. Five tickets will be randomly picked about 30 minutes before the end of the practice session. The children selected will receive a Panther Pal T-shirt and be escorted to a special area to watch the final minutes of practice.

When practice is over, Panther Pals meet the players, spend time talking with them and stay with the participating players while they sign autographs on the way up to the training facility. Each day’s experience is unique and dependent on schedules and player availability as determined by the Carolina Panthers.  There may be days that the Panthers Pals program will not be held, depending on practice schedules, player availability, weather and other factors.

For more information, contact Laura Corbin at (864) 597-4180 or by email at laura.corbin@wofford.edu.

More on the Panther Pals Program

Panthers Experience
 If you have ever wondered how it feels to stand under a punt and try to catch a football spiraling downward or have wanted to test the accuracy of your passing arm, you can find out at the Panthers Experience, a series of interactive games where fans can test their skills. "Fair Catch" and "Football Toss" are just two of the interactive games that will be present when the Panthers open training camp.

The Panthers Experience is geared toward children and will be open from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. every practice day from July 30-August 18 with some exceptions.

Not only will fans be able to test their skills in receiving, passing and catching punts, but there will also be an inflatable obstacle course and a stadium bounce where anyone can go when they tire of honing their talents. Additionally, there will be autograph signing sessions as well as picture opportunities behind the "Look Like a Pro" mannequin.

2005 Panthers Experience Schedule

General Camp Information
Though hard-core football fans often arrive at practice empty-handed, there are a few items that might make it more enjoyable for families planning to spend a day with the Panthers. Blankets, towels, folding chairs or golf-type stools are permitted and make life on the hillside more comfortable. Since the grass is often wet in the morning, waterproof seating is a plus, and during afternoon practice the sun can torture those who show up without sunscreen and hats.

Fans should be sure to stop by the Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau tent, located just outside the fenced practice area, open daily to provide information on hotels, restaurants, shopping and other attractions in the Spartanburg area. They will have suggestions for activities to fill the hours between morning and afternoon practice sessions.

The CVB will also provide rosters, available free of charge, to help fans keep track of the players.

Panthers Camp Survival Tips

  • Shade is at a premium, so bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. You will sweat, so making a towel a handy fashion accessory is always a good idea.

  • Coolers are not allowed inside the gate, but there will be vendors selling food, drink and souvenirs. Bring money, especially if you bring children, because they’ll drink a lot and beg for a T-shirt or football.

  • Since the action moves from field-to-field throughout practice, comfortable shoes are a must.

  • For those who prefer to sit in one place, a blanket, folding chair, field glasses or umbrella can make the experience more comfortable. And getting there early gives you the opportunity to pick out a prime spot, maybe even one with a little shade.

  • Bringing a camera helps to make the memory of a day at training camp permanent.

  • A team roster, available at the Convention and Visitors Bureau tent at the entrance to the practice area, is a must if you want to pick your favorite players out of the group or check out newcomers.

  • Autograph seekers should bring a Sharpie for players to use to sign autographs and a photograph, football or other memento for them to sign. And good manners go a long way. Signing is not a requirement. It's something special that the players do for their fans. Not every player will stop to sign autographs every day. Though training camp is entertainment for fans, it’s hot, sweaty work for the players.

Practice schedules are subject to change. For up-to-date information about activities and practice schedules, check the Team Spartanburg Web site at www.teamspartanburgsc.org or call the Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau at 594-5050 or 1-800-374-TEAM.

Free parking, including handicapped parking, is available on Twitty Street, a cul-de-sac off North Pine Street, and there is ample space available in the parking lot of the vacant K-Mart building on North Pine Street, just a short walk from the practice facilities. 

Directions and Tips for Training Camp

Look at photos from the 2004 training camp opening weekend

For information about the Carolina Panthers, please go to www.panthers.com or call 1-704-358-7000.

Team Spartanburg
Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau
298 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC  29306
(864) 594-5050
1-800-374-TEAM

For more information, contact Team Spartanburg.