Hey, football fans. 👋🏈 Football season gets closer every day, but before the season officially starts, we’re here to tell you about how you can celebrate early by watching the Carolina Panthers practice during their training camp.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B09lDathWxq/

An insider’s guide to Panthers Training Camp 2019

Audra here. The Panthers are having their training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg now through Aug. 14. View the whole schedule here. And, trust me when I say there’s a lot to see.

Panthers Training Camp 2019 | Photo by Stephan Pruitt Photography

For one, it’s not every day (even if you attend games) that you get to watch these Cats on the field up close. Unless, that is, you buy some killer seats. But now is the time to watch them live in action for free, snap the best pics of your favorite players...and hopefully score an autograph or two.

Panthers Training Camp 2019 | Photo by AVLtoday

As a fan in attendance, you get to head over to Wofford’s practice field, sit on the sidelines with a blanket or chair and watch these men play for about two hours. While there are a few concession options, you are more than welcome to bring some snacks + non-alcoholic drinks. Just be sure to check the list of prohibited items here.

Panthers Training Camp 2019 | Photo by AVLtoday

Now for the best part. Be sure to bring your Panthers gear so you can stick around after the practice, and hopefully meet your favorite players. I even got to meet Luke Keuchly, Christian McCaffrey, Christian Miller, Greg Olsen, Michael Palardy + head coach Ron Rivera. Note: The players take turns with the meet + greet so there’s no guarantee as to who you may meet.

There’s not another practice until Sun., Aug. 11 from 3:15-5:10 p.m. – your Carolina Cats will be playing the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field at 8 p.m. on Thursday as part of their preseason schedule.

Panthers Training Camp 2019 | Photo by Stephan Pruitt Photography

So if you want to experience training camp firsthand, mark your calendars for the final days (Aug. 11-14) before the Panthers play home at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Fri., Aug. 16.

Panthers Training Camp 2019 | Photo by AVLtoday

And, after getting an interview with Ron Rivera + Luke Kuechly, we learned that head coach Ron is ready for this season and is hoping that fans are looking forward to what the Panthers are about to bring this season. Luke said he will be playing this season (after recovering from another concussion) but he will sit out on Thursday's game.

Panthers Training Camp 2019 | Photo by Stephan Pruitt Photography

Other things to look out for:

○ The training camp begins with a Kickoff Party this Thursday at 4 p.m. Admission is free + there’ll be live music, games, face painting, and food. The party is followed by the first official practice of the season – from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

○ Play 60 Day. On July 26, there’ll be inflatables + other kids’ “training camp” activities. Admission is free + will take place after the Panthers practice (3:10-5:10 p.m.) that day.

○ If you have kids (aged 6-13): Panthers Pals. Panthers Pals gives kids the chance to watch practice from the field + hang out with a player afterward. Five children will be picked per practice (not every practice, only the practices that have Panthers Pals marked on the calendar – so be sure to check the full schedule beforehand) and you can register them for a chance to get picked at the Academy Sports + Outdoor Kids Field by the entrance to the practice fields.

○ Fan Fest on Aug. 2 (7 p.m.) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Fan Fest is the Panthers 2019 debut at BOA Stadium and will feature a practice followed by fireworks + a laser show. Tickets are required, but are only $5 and will support Carolina Panthers charities.

Other bits of info:

🚘 Here’s the parking info for Wofford College.

🗺️ Want to make a day out of it? Check out the best things to do in Spartanburg.

💰Here’s the link to buy tickets to Fan Fest (on Aug. 2) – tickets are going fast, so grab ‘em while you can.

⛔Before you head out, be sure to check the list of prohibited items here.

📷 If you go to Wofford, be sure to tag us in your pictures + use #AVLtoday for a chance to be featured.

Click any of the buttons below to send this to your boss and convince them to let you have the day off. ⬇️