The deep, loud “LUKEE” rumbles throughout the stadium. Kuechly completes the sack as Cam darts across the field and bounds into the end zone. TOUCHDOWN CAROLINA! The crowd goes wild; the iconic panther growl ripples throughout the stands, the cannons boom, and the flag holders sprint across the field.
The Carolina Panthers’ stadium is my home away from home. Everything about the stadium makes my heart incredibly happy and joyful. Now I realize this may sound quite strange. What is peaceful about a place filled with 70,000 screaming and obnoxious fans? The only way I can answer this question is to say I bleed black and Panther blue.
For many years, my mom managed the health care at the Panthers stadium. I was dragged out to the stadium once or twice a week. Whether it was to help her clean golf-carts or restock care centers, I was there. I say “dragged” like I hated going, but in all honesty, I would beg her to take me with her. She’d say she was going to the stadium, and all I could say was, “Please, please, please mom, let me come, please!” She could never resist my pleas, so I’d sort through my plethora of Panther gear to compile the perfect outfit, and we would head to uptown Charlotte.
I am very proud to say that I know the ins and outs of the stadium like the back of my hand. I know where all of the best seats are; my favorites are up in the 500 Level because you get a nice clear view of the field. My mom showed me all of the best food vendors. I even know where all of the best hiding corners are. Ask me something about the Panthers and their stadium, and I guarantee you I will give a roaringly good answer.
There is something incredibly intoxicating about being on the sidelines of an NFL game. The fast-paced nature of the game and sideline activity are enough to make anyone’s head swirl in the best way imaginable. Cameramen, cheerleaders, players, coaches and ball boys all line the field and share a common love for Panther football. Employees and fans alike are one giant family.
Generally speaking, most people feel content on a beach, in their bed, on a mountain top, or in the kitchen. They like the clean, fresh, open-aired smell of these places, the comfort they bring, and the quietness that comes along with that type of environment. And me? I love the mixture of smells, the way barbeque, chicken, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and beer fumes envelop my nose. I adore the energy, the black and blue with hints of silver that adorn the stands, the way the TopCats’ pom-poms glisten in the bright sun. Honestly I can’t think of any reason not to love the Panthers stadium.
Calmness overwhelms me at the stadium because I know my way around. The smells are comforting and bring up fond memories. The screams from the fans engulf me. When “the wave” begins throughout the stadium it’s as if we are one. The safety, the unity, the energy, and the love of my team, The Carolina Panthers, is why the stadium is my “happy place.”
