Not every tailgate announces itself with towering RVs or rows of elaborate tents.  Some are discovered the old fashioned way, by following a path beneath the trees until the sounds of laughter and conversation reveal you've found the right place.  For more than two decades, that's how generations of Carolina Panthers fans have found PantherFanz.  Hidden in the shade just beyond the railroad tracks west of Bank of America Stadium, the gathering feels less like a parking lot party and more like a neighborhood tradition that happens to take place on football Sundays.  What began as a handful of friends has grown into one of Charlotte's most welcoming gameday communities, where familiar faces return week after week and newcomers quickly discover why so many Panthers fans consider this their home away from home.

Pantherfanz was established in 1999 by a small group of friends led by Marc "Joker" Stanton and Dan "Coach" Ortel.  What began with a Weber grill and a handful of loyal Panthers fans steadily grew into one of the largest organized tailgates surrounding Bank of America Stadium.  As new members joined and traditions developed, the group remained committed to the same idea that inspired its beginning: creating a place where people enjoyed spending time together before cheering on the Panthers.  Although the tailgate has grown dramatically over the years, that sense of friendship continues to define the experience.

A Sunday with Pantherfanz reflects the scale of the community they have built.  More than twenty vehicles fill their familiar shaded lot while hundreds of fans gather throughout the morning.  Conversations stretch from football to family, children toss footballs between rows of vehicles, and returning visitors quickly reconnect with friends they may only see a handful of Sundays each year.  Newcomers rarely remain strangers for long.  Members make a point of introducing themselves, sharing food, and welcoming anyone who wants to experience Carolina tailgating, regardless of which team they support.  Respect for one another has always been one of Pantherfanz's defining traditions, creating an atmosphere where spirited football conversations never outweigh good sportsmanship.

Food has become another hallmark of the Pantherfanz experience.  Under the direction of Coach and an experienced cooking crew, multiple smokers and grills produce an impressive variety of barbecue and Carolina favorites throughout the season.  Pulled pork, Red Zone Ribz, smoked chicken, prime rib, bratwursts, shrimp, oysters, homemade side dishes, and countless other specialties reflect the group's belief that every gathering deserves a memorable meal.  Returning guests also know to ask about the Panther Potion, the tailgate's signature drink, while many make their annual pilgrimage specifically for Pantherfanz Friendsgiving, when oversized turkey legs and a traditional holiday feast bring the entire community together for one of the most anticipated tailgates of the season.

The friendships created through Pantherfanz extend well beyond Charlotte.  Years of welcoming visiting fans and traveling to away games have established relationships with tailgaters throughout the NFL.  The group has also opened its tailgate to charitable organizations, veterans, alumni events, and national television productions, demonstrating that Pantherfanz represents far more than a gathering on Sunday mornings.  Their custom Party Prowler has become a familiar landmark for visitors, but its greatest contribution has been giving people another place to gather, celebrate, and strengthen the friendships that define the group.

Pantherfanz represents the traditions that have made NFL tailgating an important part of the football experience.  Built on friendship, strengthened by hospitality, and sustained through a shared commitment to welcoming others, the group has created a gathering that reflects the character of Carolina Panthers fans.  Their motto, "We have never lost a tailgate," captures the spirit that has guided Pantherfanz for more than two decades.  Win or lose on the scoreboard, the friendships formed around this community have made every Sunday a success and secured Pantherfanz's place in the Tailgating Hall of Fame.