That's when I took this picture. I was eight years old, attending my first Panthers game and their first ever regular season home home game at Clemson's Memorial Stadium. The Panthers lost to the Rams 31-10, but to be honest I had to look that up. When I remember that day I don't remember the outcome of the game. I remember being there with my family, the hot weather, and being exited that this game I had seen so much of on television was coming to my city at the professional level. I think of being sixteen years old, watching Steve Smith catch that pass in overtime, once again against the Rams, to send the Panthers to the Super Bowl. Of course the Panthers lost to the Patriots that year, but even as a kid I was so damn proud of that team and the game they played and it seemed the whole city felt the same way. Since the beginning I have been fortunate enough to attend at least one game every year. I wan't to keep that streak for my whole life if I can. I am very grateful to my father for always taking me and you can bet if I ever have kids they'll go to as many games as they can stand/I can afford.

Today I used this picture to remind myself why I am a Panthers fan, and I am posting it hoping that it encourages others to do the same. I consider myself very fortunate to have been there from the inception of this franchise. I've seen the best and worst of our team, but like many of you I have been a fan all along. Let's face it, it has been a while since Panther fans have had that much to celebrate, our latest taste was soured by the infamous playoff game against Arizona, but I remember what it felt like, and I believe that we will experience that again before Cam's time here is done. I am doing my best to be able to find a job and stay in Charlotte because I want to be here when it happens. Millions of people across our region will collectively celebrate once again, and we'll all be able to agree on one thing. Cam Newton will go down as the greatest thing to ever happen to the Carolina Panthers.

At least that's the way I see it.

edit: thats supposed to be an animated gif...but its not working. click it if you want to see it. sorry, first fanpost for me. advice appreciated

Was anyone else here at that inaugural home game? What's your story? Fan since day one or transplant/convert?

Go Panthers!