Johnny Hammersticks Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 We moved here in 98. Local sports were dominated by NASCAR and Basketball and College sports. The NFL was new to the town and the predominate fan base was Washington. Local talk radio was mostly other fans calling in about their team( this is where I got the name Buffalo Boy) 19 years on Panthers talk predominates and cogent arguments are made and discussed. Are they tough? An annual discussion here is " How do we get a home field advantage?" This is a symptom of a corporate "Wine and Cheese" crowd due toPSLs and Southern manners. I have no fear of going into this stadium wearing my colors but that doesn't mean that Cam and Kuechly and Co. don't have more backing than at any time since we came here. Expectations are high here this year and the home opener should be raucous and well attended. Oh, without a doubt. They are good. Expectations are high. Especially being their home opener...there will be a raucous group of Panthers fans. I wish I could come down for this one. I haven't been back to Charlotte since we moved away in 2010. I love that city. I used to bartend at Hawthornes on Carmel Road in Ballantyne. John Fox had a house on the golf course, and used to come in all the time and have a few beers at the bar while he was waiting for his pizza. Great guy. Very down to earth and funny. Great tipper. Muhsin Muhammad's kids used to attend the elementary school where I worked. He would come in all the time with other Panthers players for assemblies and other special events. I remember he came in with (IIRC) D'Angelo Williams for one assembly, and the two of them watched Tom and Jerry in the conference room across from my office while they were waiting to be announced. I thought that was pretty cool. He and his wife were very kind and generous people. Gave away 10$ Starbucks gift cards to every school employee (from custodian to principal) every Christmas that I was there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr8billsfan Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Eat somewhere else beforehand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Boy Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Oh, without a doubt. They are good. Expectations are high. Especially being their home opener...there will be a raucous group of Panthers fans. I wish I could come down for this one. I haven't been back to Charlotte since we moved away in 2010. I love that city. I used to bartend at Hawthornes on Carmel Road in Ballantyne. John Fox had a house on the golf course, and used to come in all the time and have a few beers at the bar while he was waiting for his pizza. Great guy. Very down to earth and funny. Great tipper. Muhsin Muhammad's kids used to attend the elementary school where I worked. He would come in all the time with other Panthers players for assemblies and other special events. I remember he came in with (IIRC) D'Angelo Williams for one assembly, and the two of them watched Tom and Jerry in the conference room across from my office while they were waiting to be announced. I thought that was pretty cool. He and his wife were very kind and generous people. Gave away 10$ Starbucks gift cards to every school employee (from custodian to principal) every Christmas that I was there. When I first got here, I was managing at the IHOP on 74 in Matthews and then the one in Pineville. I can't remember at which one but one night in walks Pete Metzelaars with four kids in tow. He would take under privileged kids out as a community service/ church mission sort of thing. I chatted with him , just a little. Heck of a guy!!! I thought Hawthornes was over by the Mall in Pineville? Been a while. We've lived in Union county since 99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 When I first got here, I was managing at the IHOP on 74 in Matthews and then the one in Pineville. I can't remember at which one but one night in walks Pete Metzelaars with four kids in tow. He would take under privileged kids out as a community service/ church mission sort of thing. I chatted with him , just a little. Heck of a guy!!! I thought Hawthornes was over by the Mall in Pineville? Been a while. We've lived in Union county since 99 They had 5 or 6 locations when I was working there. I primarily worked at the Mint Hill location, but would fill in at the Carmel Road, 7th Street, and University locations. Great pizza...bunch of guys from NYC/Long Island area owned the place. I think they have a few more locations now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunsgoodtime Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Agreed. Panthers fans are the most fair weather fans I have ever been around. They lose a few games and the stadium is half empty in October. I went to a few games while I was living in Charlotte including the Bills game in 09. We found a small lot just a few blocks south of the stadium that was a pretty decent tailgate. It was about 50/50 panthers and bills fans and it was a good time. It's not Buffalo tailgating, not even close, but there are some good parties going on. We moved here in 98. Local sports were dominated by NASCAR and Basketball and College sports. The NFL was new to the town and the predominate fan base was Washington. Local talk radio was mostly other fans calling in about their team( this is where I got the name Buffalo Boy) 19 years on Panthers talk predominates and cogent arguments are made and discussed. Are they tough? An annual discussion here is " How do we get a home field advantage?" This is a symptom of a corporate "Wine and Cheese" crowd due toPSLs and Southern manners. I have no fear of going into this stadium wearing my colors but that doesn't mean that Cam and Kuechly and Co. don't have more backing than at any time since we came here. Expectations are high here this year and the home opener should be raucous and well attended. Agree with both of you. I went to the last regular season game there, and it seemed 50/50 bills panthers fans. Also they were very up tight, golf clap types. Since I live in Va a good comparison of the 2 for me is the bills are like va tech games, wild and have a good time, panthers fans are like uva games, golf clap and wine lol. I almost got in a fight at that game for "cussing" at the game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.Biscuit97 Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 We moved here in 98. Local sports were dominated by NASCAR and Basketball and College sports. The NFL was new to the town and the predominate fan base was Washington. Local talk radio was mostly other fans calling in about their team( this is where I got the name Buffalo Boy) 19 years on Panthers talk predominates and cogent arguments are made and discussed. Are they tough? An annual discussion here is " How do we get a home field advantage?" This is a symptom of a corporate "Wine and Cheese" crowd due toPSLs and Southern manners. I have no fear of going into this stadium wearing my colors but that doesn't mean that Cam and Kuechly and Co. don't have more backing than at any time since we came here. Expectations are high here this year and the home opener should be raucous and well attended. I went to a preseason Panthers - Fins game a couple of years ago and there were almost as many Bills jerseys as there were Panthers ones. A couple of star players help but Charlotte pro sports fans are pretty weak. I'm definitely planning on attending this game. Look for the guy surrounded by women. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 I went to a preseason Panthers - Fins game a couple of years ago and there were almost as many Bills jerseys as there were Panthers ones. A couple of star players help but Charlotte pro sports fans are pretty weak. I'm definitely planning on attending this game. Look for the guy surrounded by women. Going to Bobcats games was brutal. I think they had one good run when they made the playoffs as a 8 seed, and the place was packed. Otherwise, the place was empty. I've had more fun at funerals. They definitely can't support a NBA franchise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.Biscuit97 Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Going to Bobcats games was brutal. I think they had one good run when they made the playoffs as a 8 seed, and the place was packed. Otherwise, the place was empty. I've had more fun at funerals. They definitely can't support a NBA franchise. Proud to say I attended several Bobcat games when they set the NBA record for lowest winning % in history! I like Charlotte and have had some really good times there. But man, it sometimes feels like such a generic city. It's obviously much cleaner and has better weather than Buffalo but there is so less civic pride it seems. Still, lots of pretty women and good people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Boy Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 They had 5 or 6 locations when I was working there. I primarily worked at the Mint Hill location, but would fill in at the Carmel Road, 7th Street, and University locations. Great pizza...bunch of guys from NYC/Long Island area owned the place. I think they have a few more locations now. Was thinking of a different place....Harpers maybe. I've gotten Pizza from Hawthornes in Mint Hill on 51. Proud to say I attended several Bobcat games when they set the NBA record for lowest winning % in history! I like Charlotte and have had some really good times there. But man, it sometimes feels like such a generic city. It's obviously much cleaner and has better weather than Buffalo but there is so less civic pride it seems. Still, lots of pretty women and good people. Have to agree about the Sterility. Between the strip mall feel and the whole " Southerner" thing it can suck sometimes but it is as much home now as Depew ever was. Not sure we will stay here for retirement but it is a good place to have raised my son. He's a much better kid than I was at his age due to lack of bad influence in this area😝 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookie Man Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Making the trip from Raleigh. See ya there boys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offsides#76FredSmerlas Posted June 3, 2017 Author Share Posted June 3, 2017 My daughters band "7 DAYS" is playing at the Bills party on Sept 16. If you like classic rock you are in for a great night. They book out just about every weekend and have been filling places to capacity. They play tonight in Langtree and were expecting a huge crowd and then next Saturday night they are playing on stage in the prime slot at 8:30pm for the "Taste of Charlotte". If you are in the area come check them out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aristocrat Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 So tavern on tracks will be open Sunday morn for drinking and tailgating. They are making it a charity thing so that works around the liquor laws. Also I've got info on holiday inn rooms blocked off Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 So tavern on tracks will be open Sunday morn for drinking and tailgating. They are making it a charity thing so that works around the liquor laws. Also I've got info on holiday inn rooms blocked off Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk That's my kind of charity! Where there's a will there's a way.... Is the hotel near the stadium? Also, maybe I missed it, but what's the best avenue for getting tickets? I'm tired of making StubHub my own personal charity.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 (edited) Anyone needing or wanting to pit stop from the north I am exit 96 a mile off i85. RV's are welcome. I'm heading down Friday south the one hour drive Edited June 4, 2017 by Boyst62 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.Biscuit97 Posted June 5, 2017 Share Posted June 5, 2017 Anyone needing or wanting to pit stop from the north I am exit 96 a mile off i85. RV's are welcome. I'm heading down Friday south the one hour drive I'm just going to pick up a random girl at Whiskey River and crash with her. Thanks though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunsgoodtime Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 Looks like cooper's in Greensboro may be back in play this year for Bills Backers which is great news, I know someone commented on it. Also they are working out details on the tailgate party, I will keep you guys updated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offsides#76FredSmerlas Posted June 13, 2017 Author Share Posted June 13, 2017 Eat somewhere else beforehand. I think were gonna have a buffet set up so there is no waiting around to eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebug Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 Gotta say that sounds like a kick ass time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aristocrat Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 So tavern on tracks will be open Sunday morn for drinking and tailgating. They are making it a charity thing so that works around the liquor laws. Also I've got info on holiday inn rooms blocked off Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk That's my kind of charity! Where there's a will there's a way.... Is the hotel near the stadium? Also, maybe I missed it, but what's the best avenue for getting tickets? I'm tired of making StubHub my own personal charity.... Hotel is nearby but tickets are gonna be tough. Available just a little pricey Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manbeast Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 I remember the last time I went Bank of America looked like the Ralph Red and Blue everywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowgirlsFan Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 It certainly was amazing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 I'm so ready to go to this game as I can't stand the obnoxious panther fans of the world Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offsides#76FredSmerlas Posted June 26, 2017 Author Share Posted June 26, 2017 Over 117 people already interested in joining our Bills pre tailgate party the night before the Bills visit the Panthers on September 16. If you are coming down and looking for a place to stay here is some information for you. https://www.facebook.com/events/301136066978008/permalink/312246765866938/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JESSEFEFFER Posted June 26, 2017 Share Posted June 26, 2017 My Tavern on the Tracks review from the day my wife and I spent there, 12/14/2014, Bills v. Packers. "Tavern on the Tracks it was. All those recommendations were spot on. I won their halftime trivia a got a T shirt, met folks from Geneseo, Clarence, Rochester and Jamestown. The Bills won and I spent less than $40 for my wife and I to eat and drink for 6+ hours. Oh yeah, and the Bills won!" It was a great day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted July 7, 2017 Share Posted July 7, 2017 rooms are still available for those who haven't got one yet. I am at Courtyard city Center Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted July 7, 2017 Share Posted July 7, 2017 We rented a house. I think that there's like 14 of us or something. Should be a good time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeF Posted July 8, 2017 Share Posted July 8, 2017 Just picked up 4 tix...driving from Raleigh. Planning on making the tailgate. Stepson is a Panthers fan-- but go easy on him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted July 8, 2017 Share Posted July 8, 2017 Just picked up 4 tix...driving from Raleigh. Planning on making the tailgate. Stepson is a Panthers fan-- but go easy on him. I'll have more before the game. The cheapest gas on 85 is in Thomasville. Exit 103. At the racetrack or one next to cookout Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted July 8, 2017 Share Posted July 8, 2017 Things to do in Charlotte: http://www.charlottestories.com/lancaster-county-gold-mine-about-to-re-open-to-dig-up-5-7-billion-worth-of-gold/Did you know the first gold rush in the US was in 49? No. Not 1849, but 1749 and here in North Carolina? The UNC Charlotte school is named the 49'ers after such. There are mines they currently use for tours and such under modern day Charlotte! http://www.nascarhall.com/ If you like to turn left and know every line Cole Trickle ever said, this is for you! its a close walk from uptown and worth a visit if you're at all looking to cool off on a hot day. https://www.carowinds.com/ It ain't no cedar point, but if you want to kill 4-5 hours it is worth that and not much more. some great rides and some good times to be had https://www.discoveryplace.org/ this is a place for all kids of all ages and even Fergy! a museum of sciences and what not - could make for fun if you're bringing any kids along! http://usnwc.org/ The National white water center is here in us and offers rentals for boats and bikes on the off road courses. it's a great time! Tavern on the Tracks http://tavernonthetracks.com/ It is right downtown and a great place to stop in before things get busy. They like some really ****ty school up north there, too, so just watch where you step. There are many great parks in the area, and you can always head up to Lake Norman for a round of golf (which is not a real sport), as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 (edited) The Whitewater Center is awesome. Went to a wedding there one time. White water rafting, huge zip line, mountain biking, rock wall climbing, booze, usually live music. I highly recommend it. Edit: Epicenter in Uptown. Great for night life. Something for everyone. Watch a movie in a theatre while being served dinner and drinks, clubs, arcade, bowling alley....really fun place right down the street from the stadium. http://epicentrenc.com Edited July 9, 2017 by Johnny Hammersticks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offsides#76FredSmerlas Posted August 10, 2017 Author Share Posted August 10, 2017 (edited) We are expecting a big crowd. This should be one hell of a party. We will raffle off a few jerseys and run a 50/50. Edited August 10, 2017 by offsides#76FredSmerlas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maury Ballstein Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 I think I'm in. Is the downtown cabaret on the schedule? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 I think I'm in. Is the downtown cabaret on the schedule? Uptown Cabaret, baby!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maury Ballstein Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Uptown Cabaret, baby!! Hah ! That place is the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flomoe Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 (edited) I believe we have about 10 going to the pre party and the tailgate. I also think our "trip coordinator" has already contacted the appropriate people to let them know about our 10. Looking forward to it! Edited August 10, 2017 by flomoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 We are about 30 deep at this point but don't know who will be where. The trip kept growing. I'm planning on trying to come out to the pre-party. If it doesn't work out it sounds like we may go meet Ryan at Uptown Cabaret. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HelpusAll Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Last time our Bills were in town, there was a parking lot just for Bills Nation! Does anyone know if that is happening again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I'm struggling with Bills at Atlanta, Charlotte and Cincinnati in 4 weeks. I wish it was spread out through the season. I have my tix for Atlanta (three for $800), but that's a lot to lay down in a single month. Season tix may look cheap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I'm struggling with Bills at Atlanta, Charlotte and Cincinnati in 4 weeks. I wish it was spread out through the season. I have my tix for Atlanta (three for $800), but that's a lot to lay down in a single month. Season tix may look cheap!parking in ATL sucks tooHah ! That place is the best.I'm in. So is my date for this one. An obgyn who's never been to one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandlerBillsFan Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 I am coming from VA, and am a member of the backers in Greensboro, we are meeting up with fans in Charlotte and getting a lot near the stadium for a massive tailgate for Bills We are coming from VA through Asheville. Do you guys have a lot set up? We really want to find a Bills backer lot to tailgate in and get a spot. Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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