This season, we’d like to introduce you to Panthers fans not just around the country, but all around the world. It takes a lot to be a Panthers fan outside of the Carolinas – people make fun of you, you’re ostracized at parties, people constantly send you gifs on Twitter of fumbles not being recovered – but The Roaring Riot aims to help alleviate that issue by creating a watch party for your favorite team in every city on the globe.
This week, we’re chatting with Jamie Pruitt and Louis Agaliotis, two of the heads of the Gate City Riot in Greensboro, NC – you may think it’s easier to run a Roaring Riot chapter in North Carolina, but it’s actually harder! Check out some details on this chapter that officially joined the Riot in 2015.
What’s life like in Greensboro?
Jamie: During the playoff game last year with New Orleans we actually had a Saints fan attend our watch party and attempted to hack into our bluetooth system that we use to play game day sounds to play ‘When the Saints Come Marching In” — Needless to say, that plan was spoiled.
Alright, good start! How Hard Was It To Find A Bar To Host You?
Jamie: The Bearded Goat opened up during the 2016 season and was owned by a huge Panthers fan. Seth Mapes actually sold his PSL’s to start this new venture and was ecstatic to make his bar the home of the Roaring Riot – we had several businesses vying for us but at the end of the day we knew we could make a long lasting home/relationship with TBG.
Louis: They have a great set up. As soon as you walk in you are facing the bar and can see the TVs; they also have long bench style tables where you can fit a lot of fans together and become friends. This bar is very chill and an awesome place to just hang out and they have outdoor games and patio that is fenced in and also a dog friendly bar!
What does a typical gameday look like for you?
Louis: When games are on Sunday at 1pm, The Bearded Goat opens up around noon and I show up around then in case there’s anything that needs to set up. Other members/fans show up around then and more trickle through as the game goes on.
How Many People Usually Show Up?
Louis: It varies from game to game since we are close to Charlotte a lot of our members go to the game when they are home, but I would say about 15-20 people show up on average.
What Traditions (Audio, Cheers, Drinks, Etc.) Does Your Chapter Have?
Louis: This year Jamie provided me the sounds of the game files that we use over the sound system at The Bearded Goat for when Luke makes a great play, Cam does his typical Superman run or scores and when the Panthers score or kick a field goal. The Bearded Goat has good game day specials – $5 build-your-own Bloody Mary, $4 22oz Miller Lite draft, $4 IPA draft. You can ask for a Panthers shot and they make a shot that comes out Panther blue, it’s a very good shot.
Have you ever spotted a Panthers fan on the streets and invited them to watch with you?
Louis: I’ve never invited fans off the street but have told coworkers and other friends about The Bearded Goat to watch Panthers game and they come out from time to time. There have been a few people walk in off the street when seeing a bunch of Panther fans watching the game and asked about what was going on. We told them it is the official home of the Roaring Riot for Greensboro and then tell them about the Roaring Riot – some join right on the spot!
Up Next: More With Louis!
