Team Spartanburg

Carolina Panthers Roar into Spartanburg July 26

The Carolina Panthers 2008 training camp will be from July 26-August 13 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. All training camp practices are free and open to the public with each practice session lasting between 90 minutes and two hours. Please be aware that practice times and lengths are subject to change without notice.

2008 Carolina Panthers Training Camp Practice Schedule

Day	Date	Practice #1	Practice #2
Saturday	July 26	9:10 a.m.	6:40 p.m.
Sunday	July 27	3:10 p.m.	No Practice
Monday	July 28	9:10 a.m.	6:40 p.m.
Tuesday	July 29	3:10 p.m.	No Practice
Wednesday	July 30	9:10 a.m.	3:10 p.m.
Thursday	July 31	3:10 p.m.	No Practice
Friday	August 1	9:10 a.m.	6:40 p.m.
Saturday	August 2	11:00 a.m. Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC	No Practice
Sunday	August 3	No Practice	No Practice
Monday	August 4	9:10 a.m.	6:40 p.m.
Tuesday	August 5	3:10 p.m.	No Practice
Wednesday	August 6	9:10 a.m.	3:10 p.m. (Snyder Field)
Thursday	August 7	3:10 p.m.	No Practice
Friday	August 8	10:45 a.m.	No Practice
Saturday	August 9	8:00 p.m. vs. Indianapolis Colts Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Sunday	August 10	No Practice	No Practice
Monday	August 11	9:10 a.m.	6:40 p.m.
Tuesday	August 12	3:10 p.m.	No Practice
Wednesday	August 13	9:30 a.m.	No Practice

Panther Pals

Panther Pals offers children between the ages of six and 13 a special opportunity to watch part of select morning practices from field level and then spend time with a player or small group of players after practice. Each day's experience is unique and dependent on player schedules and availability as determined by the Panthers.

Children can register for their chance to be a Panther Pal at the Team Spartanburg tent at the 9:10 a.m. on these dates:

Saturday, July 26
Monday, July 28
Wednesday, July 30
Friday, August 1
Monday, August 4
Wednesday, August 6

The tent is located outside the main gate to the practice fields. Five names will be randomly chosen about 30 minutes before the end of the practice session. The children selected meet Panthers players following practice, talk with them and stay with them while they sign autographs on their way to the training facility. Panther Pals also receive Panther Pals T-shirts and will watch a portion of practice from field level.

For more information, contact Laura Corbin at (864) 597-4180 or e-mail teamspartanburg@gmail.com.

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 a part of the Panthers Experience.

The Panthers Experience is geared toward children and will be open during practice 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 stadium bounce where anyone can go when they tire of honing their talents. Additionally, there will be picture opportunities behind the "Look Like a Pro" mannequin.

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 also will 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.

Directions and Tips for Training Camp

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.