Do you Riot? Learn about the Unofficial Fan Union of the Carolina Panthers

Zack Luttrell loves football.

Every Sunday from August to January he is glued to the TV watching his Carolina Panthers, drinking beer with his friends, cheering, throwing his hat, pacing back and forth, yelling at the TV, and throwing his hands up in the air.  It’s intense to watch football with him.

Luttrell has always been a Panthers fan. Back in the late 90s when Charlotte first got the team, Luttrell and his friends would attend home games and travel to a few away games.

Atlanta was often on the list and that is where the idea for The Roaring Riot was born.

What is the Roaring Riot?

– A group of die-hard Panthers fans billed as “The Unofficial Fan Union of the Carolina Panthers” that goes on the road and supports the team at away games.

– The mission is simple – to grow and unite the largest contingency of Carolina Panthers fans across the world.

– Luttrell’s goal has been to build traditions and a fan culture.

– Roaring Riot kicks off the season September 13 in Jacksonville, Fla. More than 500 Carolina Panther fans will be in attendance at the Jaguars’ stadium. We’re coming for ya, Jags.

I know it’s freezing in CLT but just remember we are only a few months away from doing this in Jax. #PanthersvsJags pic.twitter.com/WcaEoPolku

— Roaring Riot (@roaringriot) February 18, 2015

How do you join?

– Go here. The membership fee is $25.

– Outside of Charlotte, there are also groups in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Denver, New York City, New Orleans and Raleigh.

What does that get you? 

– Roaring Riot member T-shirt

Excited to officially be a part of the #RoaringRiot @RoaringRiotZ pic.twitter.com/6rnnTOxAMe

— PanthersDrafter (@PanthersDrafter) May 22, 2015

//><!--– $25 off every away game trip//--><!

– Priority registration

– Beer on the Roaring Riot tab at all Cans: Recycled home game parties (1 hour before the game)

– Discounts at away-game watch parties

– Discounts at all partner establishments

– Discounts at all Roaring Riot social events

What else does Roaring Riot do?

At 6 p.m. tonight they are hosting a fundraiser for a Braylon Beam — who was recently on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” —  at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille.

Tomorrow we’re Bringing it 4 Braylon. Will you come support a fellow Panthers fan? http://t.co/ULvWzS4hCl pic.twitter.com/HpIofMHfMe — Roaring Riot (@roaringriot) May 28, 2015

//><!--Braylon is a 6-year-old boy who lives in Denver, N.C., and is a huge Carolina Panthers fan.//--><!

He was diagnosed with an optic nerve tumor that is slowly causing him to lose his vision.

Tickets are just $10, which includes two beers. All of the money goes to Braylon’s medical bills.

Roaring Riot will make Braylon and his family honorary members, and the Charlotte Checkers are paying for the Beams to come to Jacksonville. It’s an all-expenses-paid trip to the game with field passes and $250 in spending money. Charlotte Checkers – you rock!

I really hope Braylon’s favorite player Cam Newton makes a point to come meet him.

If you can’t make the event but want to donate, there is a GoFundMe for the Beams.

When I was at Dilworth Neighborhood Grill recently I bumped into Panthers safety (and Tar Heel) Tre Boston. He riots … do you?

@TreBos10 wants to know….#DoYouRiot #staytunedqc #panthersnation @RoaringRiotZ @Aprilssstweets @roaringriot pic.twitter.com/4NeMt5q1xk

— Hello Im Jenna ⚓️ (@jboogribs) May 8, 2015

Photo: Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer

Jenna Gribble: If it’s trending, I know about it. www.helloimjenna.com.

This story was originally published May 29, 2015 at 1:49 AM with the headline "Do you Riot? Learn about the Unofficial Fan Union of the Carolina Panthers."