Linebacker Sam Mills readies the defense during the Panthers’ inaugural game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sept. 3, 1995. | Photo via Carolina Panthers
Thirty years ago — Sept. 3, 1995 — the Carolina Panthers kicked off their inaugural season at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, building NFL fever in the Queen City. Let’s take a trip back in time.
Inaugural season
The team started 0-5, but rallied with seven wins in their last 11 games, finishing 7-9 — the best record ever for a first-year franchise at the time. They even stunned the defending Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers. Not bad for the new kids.
Frank Reich (yes, that Frank Reich) took the first snaps at quarterback before rookie Kerry Collins stepped in. On defense, Sam Mills became the heart and soul of the team, laying the foundation for what would become the “Keep Pounding” legacy.
The Carolina Panthers faced the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Championship dreams
True fans still remember when the Panthers won the NFC Championship in 2003 to advance to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the New England Patriots. In 2015, the team returned to the big game but fell to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.
ArtBreak at the Gantt | 12-12:30 p.m. | Harvey B. Gantt Center | Free | Spend your lunch hour exploring the exhibitions on display at the museum.
Metalmorphosis at Whitehall Present The CSO Roadshow | 5-8 p.m. | 3701 Arco Corporate Dr., Charlotte | Free+ | Order bites from local food trucks before enjoying a performance by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
Dueling Pianos | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Hoppin’ | Free+ | Request your favorite songs for an evening of sing-alongs and entertainment.
Friday, Sept. 5
Yiasou Greek Festival | Friday, Sept. 5-Sunday, Sept. 7 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | $5+ | Get ready to savor all the gyros, spanakopita, and baklava your heart desires at this three-day festival.
Public Cupping | 2:30 p.m. | Hex Coffee, Kitchen & Natural Wines | Free | Sample the full coffee menu using the traditional method of cupping — attend to learn what that means.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream opens tomorrow, Sept. 4 at The Commonwealth in Plaza Midwood. Starting at 11 a.m., they’ll serve $1 scoops, and the first 100 guests will receive a free tote bag. Plus, the ice cream brand will debut a collab sundae with The Batchmaker.
Civic
Nine polling stations are open through Saturday, Sept. 6, for early voting. Charlotte voters will choose their at-large city council and district representatives. The primary election is next Tuesday, Sept. 9. (The Charlotte Ledger)
Number
Tourism spending in Mecklenburg County increased to a record $6.4 billion — a nearly 9% increase from 2024. According to figures by Philadelphia-based research firm Tourism Economics, tourism supported ~38,000 jobs. Bottom line: Charlotte is a top destination for travelers and their wallets. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Cause
$4,428. That’s how much three Weddington High School students raised during a 5K to support school communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. The teens said they started their nonprofit to combine community service and their passion for running. (WCNC)
Award
Discovery Place was reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums — the highest honor in the country for museums. Only 28 museums in North Carolina earned this status. (WCNC)
Active
Pinehurst No. 2 and Quail Hollow Club are the hardest golf courses in the state, according to ACBJ research. The study compared course ratings, or the number of strokes a scratch golfer is expected to score. See the full list. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Mailbag
When we get a new CLTtoday reader, we always ask them about their favorite restaurant. Recently, Godfrey A. said his favorite is Billy Jack’s in NoDa, writing, “The Gonzo burger with Mike’s Hot Honey drizzled... OMGoodness.” If you need me, I’ll be at Billy Jack’s.
Sports
WCNC Sports Director Nick Carboni will talk about major Panther moves on Monday nights. Stay informed with the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Eat
Speaking of the Panthers... the season opener is Sunday, Sept. 7, in Jacksonville, FL, but you can still tailgate at home. Bojangles is offering its Big Bo Box, packed with bone-in chicken or supremes, sides, biscuits, and iced tea to keep you fueled for game day all season long.
Coming Soon
Drum roll, please. CLTtoday’s Best launches on Sept. 15, which means you get the chance to tell us your fave local businesses. Get ready to cast your nominations and stay tuned for when polls open.
Finance
Running a small business takes vision — and the right support. Huntington National Bank, a leading SBA lender in the region and the country, offers flexible loans designed for growth, from start-ups to expansions. Think: longer terms, lower down payments, and no balloon surprises. Start the conversation with a local lender.*
Biz
“Straightforward, transparent, and low stress.” That’s how one business described our self-service ad portal. No sales pressure. No hidden fees. Just you, your message, and the tools to get it out there — your way. Get started.
“Beetlejuice” returns to the Queen City for the third time this September. | Photo via Blumenthal Arts
“Beetlejuice,” the cult-favorite musical, is haunting its way back to Blumenthal Arts in Uptown for the third time. Based on the 1988 film by Tim Burton, fans can expect mischief, comedy, and big musical numbers with a lot of pinstripes.
Jesse and Lexie Sharp — a real-life couple who’ve been part of the show every time it’s come to the Queen City — spoke with CLTtoday about the show’s return.
Editor’s note: their answers were edited for brevity and clarity.
How does it feel to bring “Beetlejuice” back to the Queen City?
We love Charlotte! Terrific downtown, and Blumenthal Arts is a great place to play. It’s always one of our favorite tour stops.
You’ve performed here enough to be honorary Charlotteans — do you have a “we’re back in CLT” tradition?
We love Optimist Hall, and we’ll definitely go back there a couple of times. Lexie is originally from Alabama, so she is always on the lookout for good southern food.
Your go-to item for upping fall runs and workouts: a top-selling weighted strength training vest. Choose from six pounds up to 30 pounds and add the weighted vest to runs, classes, or gym sessions to enhance calorie burning, improve your core, and increase muscle gains.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I finally finished watching “The Hunting Wives” on Netflix, and it was so cool to see so many familiar spots on the small screen, like the West Boulevard connector for the River District, Mooresville’s Main Street, and I think I spotted The Quarry at Carrigan Farms, too — though I’m not 100% sure on that. Also, did you know you could rent the lake home from the show? BRB, I’m dreaming of an afternoon in the pool.
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