On any given Sunday in Charlotte, just a short walk from the west entrance of Bank of America Stadium, the air is thick with the scent of smoked meats and the sound of pounding beats. Here, tucked beneath the trees and across the railroad tracks, lies a shaded lot that’s home to one of the most revered tailgates in the NFL—Pantherfanz. What began in 1999 as a few friends and a Weber grill has grown into a full-blown football fiesta, complete with a club-quality sound system, massive smoker trailers, and a custom-built party bus known as the PantherFanz Party Prowler. Founded by the late Marc “Joker” Stanton and his close friend Dan Ortel—known affectionately as “Coach”—this tailgate crew has become a staple of Panthers gamedays and a beacon of southern hospitality for fans from near and far.

By mid-morning, dozens of cars begin to fill the Pantherfanz lot, which holds space for over 20 vehicles. Visitors are greeted by a welcoming crew of regulars and an unmistakable wave of energy. Laughter rings out over the hum of conversations and cheers, as fans in full Panthers gear exchange stories, throw the football around, and sip on the tailgate’s signature drink—Panther Potion, a potent concoction guaranteed to “put a scowl in your prowl.” The epicenter of it all is the Party Prowler: a converted 1979 Thomas International school bus, painted in black, white, and teal, with a massive Panthers logo and the group’s name emblazoned across the side. Its rear patio—fitted with authentic Veterans Stadium seats painted Carolina blue—provides a perfect perch to oversee the action, while inside, fans find tables, booths, custom lockers, a full fridge (stocked with beer, of course), and a dedicated ladies’ room. From the satellite-powered sound system to the signatures of Panthers players and cheerleaders adorning the interior, the bus is more than a vehicle—it’s a shrine to gameday passion.

Of course, no tailgate is complete without food, and the Pantherfanz spread is legendary. Dan “Coach” Ortel and his crew run multiple grills and smokers like a well-oiled machine. Slow-roasted chickens, prime rib, bratwursts, hot dogs, and marinated shrimp skewers are fired up alongside the iconic Pantherfanz Pulled Pork, Red Zone Ribz, and Pit Beans. From oysters fresh out of a propane boiler to Carolina coleslaw and homemade sides crafted by the group’s better halves, the culinary options are endless and exceptional. Whether it’s a regular season home game or a primetime playoff clash, the Pantherfanz tailgate feeds hundreds, with attendance sometimes swelling to 500 or more fans.

Yet beyond the smoke and sound, the heart of Pantherfanz lies in its sense of community. Known for their inclusivity and warmth, the group welcomes Panthers diehards and visiting team fans alike—as long as they play nice. Respect is key, and whether it’s lively football banter or shared grief over a tough season, the group remains united. It’s more than a party—it’s a support group, a welcoming committee, and a charitable force rolled into one. Pantherfanz has hosted U.S. veterans through partnerships with the Wounded Warrior Project, held fundraisers through Microsoft’s Keep Giving campaign, and opened their space for everything from Bobby Flay TV specials to TopCat Alumni parties. As Dan Ortel puts it, “It’s the fraternity of the fan—the celebration in the lot.”

With roots going back to the Panthers’ first seasons and a spirit that embodies the soul of Charlotte football, Pantherfanz is more than deserving of its 2008 induction into the Tailgating Hall of Fame. Their motto says it all: “We have never lost a tailgate.” Whether you're a lifelong Panthers fan or just passing through on a Sunday, there's no better place to soak in the culture, cuisine, and camaraderie of Carolina football than the Pantherfanz tailgate.