From story lines to schedules, a guide for fans attending Panthers training camp
Goodbye Charlotte, hello Spartanburg.
The Carolina Panthers continue their practice of being one of the few teams to conduct training camp away from their home facility, returning to Wofford College for the second straight year.
It’s also the second consecutive year the team will only play three preseason games and 17 regular season games under the NFL’s new schedule format. Panthers coach Matt Rhule said he and his staff have examined the “best practices” from last year and will plan to implement them.
One notable change they’ve made is moving from two joint practices to just one (with the Patriots ahead of their Aug. 19 preseason game).
“I think it’s really unique to have a joint practice versus a team you played the previous year and you lost to (Carolina lost 24-6 to New England last year),” Rhule said. “I have so much respect obviously for Coach (Bill) Belichick and that organization … to have a chance to go practice against them really is a chance for us to measure ourselves.”
NEED TO KNOW FOR ATTENDING PANTHERS PRACTICES/FAN FEST
Cost and seating: It’s free to attend Panthers training camp, but seating is first come, first serve.
COVID-19 protocols: No vaccine card or face covering will be required for fans at training camp.
Autographs: In a departure from last year, fans will be able to get autographs from players. The location of autographs will be found on signage along the Field 1 fence.
Things to bring/not bring: Fans can bring outside food and drink (non-alcoholic) but glass items will not be permitted. You can bring backpacks, containers for medical supplies, seating materials, strollers and selfie sticks. You can’t bring weapons, fireworks or pets. A full list of permitted and prohibited items can be found here.
Fan Fest: On Aug. 11, Bank of America Stadium will host Fan Fest, where Panthers supporters can enjoy “a night of football, fireworks and fun.” The team’s website says fans can see the Panthers practice on the field and see a variety of performances.
Fans will also be able to participate in a night-ending fireworks and laser show by using interactive wristbands.
Tickets are $5 and can be bought through Ticketmaster.
For more frequently asked questions about training camp FAQs, Panthers.com has you covered.
TOP PANTHERS STORY LINES
Warmer seat for Matt Rhule. When a coach finishes their first two years 10-23, their third season proves pivotal. The Panthers head coach knows that, saying that while his team started last season well, they didn’t get the job done down the stretch.
“It’s a results-oriented business and I certainly don’t want to be part of an organization that tolerates mediocrity,” he said.
How the coach handles the increasing pressure is important as the team hits training camp.
Christian McCaffrey’s health. It’s been a difficult run for Christian McCaffrey. The running back has played just 10 combined games in the last two years and has fewer than 1,000 rushing yards in that time. Ankle, shoulder and thigh injuries have plagued the star running back, one who carries a near $9 million dollar cap hit that’s set to more than double in 2023.
Rhule hinted that the team wouldn’t change too much of how they handled his usage but said the team would explore some in-season tweaks.
Defense putting it all together. While the Panthers’ defense finished No. 2 in yards allowed, other metrics didn’t rate them quite as highly.
They ranked No. 21 in points allowed and No. 15 in Football Outsiders’ DVOA. The main issues came in the red zone, where Carolina allowed touchdowns on 67.3 percent of possessions inside the 20-yard line.
Rhule called on that unit, led by defensive coordinator Phil Snow, to go from good to great by becoming better in the red zone.
Position Battles. The three main position battles are at quarterback, No. 2 EDGE and No. 3 wide receiver. You can read more about those here.
PANTHERS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
All practices are at Wofford College unless otherwise indicated. Dates and times are subject to change.
July 27, 11:15 a.m
July 28, 10:30 a.m.
July 29, 10:30 a.m.
July 30, 7 p.m. (Gibbs Stadium)
Aug. 1, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 2, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 6, 8:30 a.m.
Aug. 8, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 10, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 11, 7 p.m. (Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium)
This story was originally published July 26, 2022 at 8:43 AM.
