Anticipation ends as Panthers fans party for 2018 opener

The weather didn't stop Panthers fans from enjoying Sunday’s home opener at Bank of America Stadium.

The Carolina Panthers hosted a pregame street festival, “Panthers on Mint,” before the team’s regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

The free event was held outside Bank of America Stadium’s east gate on Mint Street between Stonewall Street and Morehead Street.

Our sports team will be covering every angle of the huge match-up with the Dallas Cowboys.

You can see their analysis and hear from player and coaches, tonight on the Queen City Overtime show at 11:30 p.m.

Fans had the opportunity to enjoy live music from the band Simplified, appearances by Panthers legends Mike Rucker and Wesley Walls, Sir Purr, the TopCats, the Black & Blue Crew and PurrCussion.

New owner David Tepper said he wanted to help build the excitement and amp up the atmosphere on game day.

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“Of course I'm excited,” Tepper said. "One of my favorite things in sports is the feeling of anticipation before an NFL game."

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Two large outdoor video screens showed the NFL RedZone channel so fans could see the action from every 1 p.m. game before the Panthers played the Cowboys at 4:25 p.m. The festival also had sponsorship activation areas and beverages sales.

Fans have been anticipating this game since last year’s playoff loss.

“I've been waiting since January for this game,” one fan said.

Another fan told Channel 9 she packed her lucky hat.

“Wore it every game and we went to the Super Bow,” she said.

Another fan said he brought his lucky cat.

“His name's lucky because during the 2015 season we made it to the Super Bowl and hopefully he's going to help us get back there again,” he said.

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