CHARLOTTE -- On Friday, September 1 the stage was set for the 2017 season by the Panthers secondary. Representatives of "Thieves Avenue" spoke at the John Rocco's Charlotte Touchdown Club's Carolina Panthers Kickoff Luncheon at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel. This aforementioned group included safeties Mike Adams and Kurt Coleman, and cornerbacks James Bradberry, Captain Munnerlyn and Daryl Worley.
Among the many guests at the annual event, one lucky PSL Owner, Bob Erb, and wife Judy Erb received the opportunity to attend the luncheon.
"We wanted to add this experience for our PSL Owners as an extra special way to kick off the regular season," explained program manager Kalen Rearden.
After moving to the Charlotte area 15 years ago, neither Bob nor Judy Erb had any strong ties to an NFL team but instantly became Panthers fans upon being surrounded by the organization's culture in the Carolinas.
"We wanted it to be something that we could share with our grandkids and have them grow up as part of the Panthers' culture," said Bob, who has now owned PSL's for 13 years.
The day began with a silent auction of collectibles and autographed items from teams all across the Carolinas, while our PSL Owners mingled with Charlotte locals who were also gearing up for the start of the Panthers regular season. From there, the Erbs enjoyed a three course lunch at the team's table while being surrounded by Panthers décor and the excitement of football in the air.
Following the delicious meal, Bob and Judy intently listened to the players talk about their excitement and preparation for the upcoming season, the team as a whole and added a dose of comic relief by playfully tossing jabs at one another regarding their pre-game superstitions. Emcees Jim Szoke and Mick Mixon came prepared with just the right questions during the Q&A including getting the players to open up about their affinities to their favorite superheroes.
At the completion of the event, Bob won a coveted football signed by Munnerlyn and could hardly contain his Panthers Pride. "We haven't missed a regular season game since the beginning," he said. "Judy even has a showcase in our home with all of our Panthers memorabilia where I am sure our newest addition from today will be on display"
The luncheon concluded with an overall feeling of optimism as all in attendance look forward to the regular season opener on September 10th, when the Panthers take on the 49ers.
The Carolina Panthers are pleased to continue offering opportunities like the Kickoff Luncheon through the Panthers Privileges program as part of an ongoing effort to reward the PSL Owners fan base.
