The Panthers Football team did something different this year. They allowed fans to come in the Bank of America free and see Panthers perform on the last day of mini camp. It was the coach's idea.
"What I really want to do is," Coach Ron Rivera said. "Create an atmosphere that our players can get used to, get on our field. It gives our guys a sense of community and it gives the community a sense of who we are and I think it can be a great change of pace."
Players had no problems with this concept. They think the more time they spend in the stadium - the better.
"We need to get used to being in here," Panthers player Steve Smith said. "And get used to being in the stadium and in our house. I love it."
Fans came from far and near to see their favorite team work out.
"I was amazed," Panther Team President Danny Morrison said. "How many came from long distance. We have people from Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Charlottesville, VA, Jacksonville, NC Asheville, NC, Hickory, Winston Salem."
We found one fan from High Point, NC. She drove down by herself. She had never been to a game or the stadium before.
"I teared up when I saw the Panther's stadium," Fan Ardria Perkins said. "I said Oh my God, even though I did get lost, but I still found them."
Once she got into the stands, she said she liked what she saw.
"I see Super Bowl." Perkins said.
About 5500 fans showed up at Thursday's event and organizers say it will be hard not to do this again next year.
Panthers say the momentum is high. Officials report tickets sales are better this year than last year.
Panthers return back to camp in July.
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