Rain or shine, fans show up for Panthers Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium
Kevin Weiker’s life changed the day he attended a Panthers game the night before Halloween in 2020.
There was already a mask mandate because of COVID-19, so Weiker decided to play into the holiday and the new rule. He came to the game dressed in a full costume. He bought a Grim Reaper outfit, but decided to make it Panthers themed, nicknaming himself the “Carolina Reaper.” Weiker has always been fascinated by superfans, like those from the Cleveland Browns’ Dawg Pound and the Raiders’ Black Hole.
Almost five years later, it’s become a persona for Weiker. He’s known among fans. He gives kids stickers with his nickname. Now he’s a part of a group known as the Carolina SuperFans United.
“I found out that fans just want to have fun with other fans,” Weiker said.
And on Saturday evening, the fans got their first opportunity to have fun with one another. The Carolina Panthers held their annual Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium. The event marked the first time fans have gotten the chance to see the Panthers since ongoing construction kept them from the practice facility. Despite rain and gray skies, fans still turned out to catch a glimpse of the team ahead of the 2025 season. Head coach Dave Canales believes it elevated the Panthers’ level of play.
“It’s amazing,” Canales said about his team playing in front of a crowd. “For these guys, this is why they do what they do, and they kind of go to another level.”
Along with taking players to another level, Fan Fest means everything to fans, especially those like the Evans family.
Their preparation involved sorting through a large selection of Panthers-themed clothes, ranging from headbands to dresses to way too many T-shirts.
Eventually, Jenny Evans settled on a black and Process Blue cheerleading dress for her young daughter, Ember. Jenny’s friend had gifted it to the family. It was the perfect choice for such a monumental moment.
“This is (Ember’s) first fan fest, so it’s a very big deal for me and my husband,” Jenny Evans said.
Like many fans in attendance, Ember was wearing Panthers gear almost as soon as she was born. Jenny and her husband, Donovan, stockpiled clothes for their newborn. Now, Jenny is excited to initiate her into the fandom, even if it means waiting over 30 minutes to get Ember’s face painted like a Panther.
Jenny is betting this is the season that turns the program around. The Panthers haven’t had a winning season since 2017. But whatever happens, Jenny will continue to enjoy her Sunday get- togethers and Ember’s newfound fandom.
“It’s just being around your Panther family, and your friends,” Jenny said. “(It’s about everybody) getting excited for the game.”
Fans in the front of the stadium threw footballs with various coaches and players, and took photos with the Carolina Reaper.
“This is what it’s all about,” Weiker said.
Weiker was swarmed by people, but he took time with each one before fans got a first taste of what’s to come this season.
This story was originally published August 2, 2025 at 9:25 PM.
