When I saw that the Panthers were headed out to San Francisco this season, I have to admit my first reaction was “HELL NO”. There was no way I was going back to Levi’s Stadium again. Not after being there, surrounded by herds of Broncos fans, and watching whatever team that was playing in Super Bowl 50 that had replaced the 2015 Carolina Panthers (oh, and yes, Cotchery caught the damn ball). To this day, I still use the (lame) joke the flyover was amazing, Lady Gaga sang the Anthem beautifully, and then I should have left the game because it was immediately and abruptly downhill from there. There was no way I wanted to revisit that memory that I’m still not 100% over.
And then it happened…..the schedule was released and the 49ers were slated as the season opener for the Panthers and the thoughts of how important it is for the Roaring Riot to represent for Panthers fans at the start of the season superseded any personal demons that Levi’s could bring.
So we’re going. 180 strong so far. And I couldn’t be more excited!
Photo: Getty Images
Once you get beyond the SB50 scars, let’s be serious, San Francisco is an amazing city. From a tourists’ perspective the opportunities are endless. You’ll want to make sure you catch the obvious attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz (Note: I plan on doing a night tour this time), and of course, running down the crooked portion of Lombard Street after drinking some Anchor Steams is always fun. Many of our guests are shooting out to Napa to get “warmed up” for the weekend; those who prefer to stay in town are getting together in Fisherman’s Wharf at the shops and restaurants at Pier 39.
As far as our schedule is concerned, we’re getting the weekend “officially” kicked off with our Welcoming Party on Saturday starting at 4p at the Golden Gate Tap Room. This place is awesome! Two levels of TVs, bar games, good food, and delicious craft beer. We encourage ALL Panthers fans in town for the game to swing by and let’s turn that place into a Panthers Fans Headquarters for the evening. Auburn vs Clemson is at 4p PST so we will be sure to note the Cam vs Ben Boulware jerseys in attendance.
Sunday morning we’re getting up early, loading the buses with coolers, and heading down to Levi’s Stadium. For the first time ever we are participating in a team-created tailgate event. The 49ers host an open-to-all-fans “Red Zone Rally” tailgate at the Great American Pavilion amusement park and we’re taking a ton of Panthers fan there to turn the red zone into the black & blue zone. It’s open bar, tons of food, and some cool entertainment (we even get to ride a roller coaster). Plus, ALL of the early games will be on and in week one getting to watch all of the early games is super important to our crew. Some of us have gambling problems.
Photo: Levi’s Stadium
The good news for all you fans who can’t make it to the game is that we’re all sitting together in a lower level section, so get ready to hear “Keeeeep Pooouuunding” and “Luuuuuuuuuuke” on your TV sets all afternoon. There’s NOTHING better than sitting together and loudly impacting the game, and that’s just what we’ll be doing in San Francisco. Along with exercising some demons.
