A group of Carolina Panther fans look on as player practice at Wofford College. (July 28, 2012/FOX Carolina)SPARTANBURG, SC (FOX Carolina) -
The Carolina Panthers have officially made it to their summer home in Spartanburg. Training camp kicked off Saturday afternoon, but before the players hit the field the fans were ready for a party.
In a sea of black, white and blue crowds at Gibbs Stadium Plaza on Wofford Campus, some of the most loyal Panthers fans surfaced at the first practice of the season.
"We're die-hard fans," said fan Mike Crumb. "We've been fans since they came into the NFL."
Crumb said even his 9-year-old daughter and 7-month-old son are devoted.
"My son was kind of born into it, my daughter became a fan over the years," said Crumb.
Saturday dozens of young fans filled up the Plaza, showing their Panther pride. Fans young and old couldn't hide their "Newton mania." Many said the return of the star quarterback is going to make 2012 a great year.
"I'm excited to see our offense and Cam Newton, see how he's improved over the year," said fan Brandon Behringer.
"I'm a huge fan of Cam Newton, I hope he can take us to the Superbowl," said Crumb.
Die-hard fans said this is the year the team will see the playoffs, and maybe even Superbowl.
The Carolina Panthers party continues Sunday with activities for the whole family from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the intramural fields at Wofford, near the Panther's practice fields.
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