Surprisingly The Carolina Panthers Are One Of The More Affordable Games To Attend In The NFL
The Panthers are one of the more affordable teams to attend games for in the NFL. But does it even matter? I made a deal with myself before the first preseason game this year. It was when I came across a Panthers jacket that I absolutely loved. But, I told myself that I am not allowed to spend any money on the Panthers until the team has a winning record. That includes tickets and merchandise. And at this point, it could be years before that threshold has been broken. The team hasn’t had a winning record since David Tepper purchased the team. In those 6 years, they are 29-56. At no point have the eclipsed 7 wins. And now, under the third coach of the David Tepper era, Frank Reich, the Panthers are 0-3.
This die-hard football fan just doesn’t have an emotional investment in the team anymore. I still watch but with zero expectations to actually win. It is sad when you think about the teams of the past that brought so much joy and excitement to the city of Charlotte. But if you, unlike me, are a little more optimistic or have money to burn, then I do have good news for you. The Carolina Panthers are actually one of the more affordable teams to attend games for. I know what you’re thinking- how can that be? Well, Bookies.com calculated the cost of attending an NFL game in every station. And below average, ranked as one of the cheapest is the Carolina Panthers and Bank of America Stadium.
These calculations are based on the cost of 4 of the cheapest tickets, a parking pass, two 16 oz. beers, two 20 oz. sodas, and four hotdogs. That cost for a Panthers game? $459.50. That’s the 9th lowest in the NFL (out of 32 teams). It is still quite expensive to invest in a team that isn’t winning. Heck, it’s a lot of money to invest in a team that’s undefeated. And I love attending sporting events- I have season tickets for my college football team. And even with travel costs it’s a significantly lower price point.
The most affordable stadium to see a game at? It’s not far down the road- Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium. I’ve attended 2 concerts at the stadium and I have to say it is by far my favorite of the 7 NFL stadiums I have personally visited. The food is super affordable. I was able to get two alcoholic drinks and a bottle of water for less than $20 when I was there in April. And a few years ago, the “specialty cocktail” was just $10. You can’t even get a beer for that price in Charlotte. I’m not a Falcons fan at all, and Atlanta isn’t my favorite city by any means, but I’ll take any opportunity to attend a show or event at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
In contrast, the most expensive team to support? It’s the Las Vegas Raiders. This is driven mostly by high ticket prices. You can see the full breakout for each NFL Team here.
Cost to attend a Carolina Panthers Game (One of the NFL’s most affordable teams)
- Four (4) tickets -cheapest price point: $366.50
- Lot Parking: $40
- 2 16oz Beers: $20
- 2 20oz Sodas: $9
- 4 Hot Dogs: $24
- Total Cost: $459.50
Average Across The NFL
- Four (4) tickets -cheapest price point: $550.62
- Lot Parking: $45.03
- 2 16oz Beers: $17.86
- 2 20oz Sodas: $10.64
- 4 Hot Dogs: $22.70
- Total Cost: $646.88
Not A Panthers Fan? Here's Where To Watch Your Favorite NFL Team In Charlotte North Carolina
Arizona Cardinals
You’re on your own kid if you’re an Arizona Cardinals fan. If you own a sports bar or restaurant consider adopting the Cardinals fans. I do know a few!
Atlanta Falcons
Sorry Falcon’s fans, there isn’t a dedicated Falcon’s bar in the Queen City. You can request to join the private Facebook group Charlotte Atlanta Falcon’s Fans which may include meet-up locations!
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens fans in Charlotte spend game days at Crown Station Pub (3629 N. Davidson St). Crown Station is home to the Queen City Ravens Nest fan group.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills fans your go-to spot on game day in Southend’s Tavern On The Tracks. Located at 1411 S. Tryon Street Tavern on the Tracks has been the longtime home of the Charlotte Bills Backers!
Chicago Bears
Bubba’s Bunkhouse in Harrisburg is the home of Beardown Charlotte. Enjoy southern comfort food while cheering on the Bears!
Cincinnati Bengals
Are you a Bengals fan in Charlotte? Or just enjoy watching Joe Burrow (guilty)? Watch the game with other Bengals fans at Greystone Pub at 3039 South Blvd.
Cleveland Browns
Perhaps it’s a different Ohio team you are cheering for on Sundays. If your team is the Cleveland Browns (my sympathies as you’ve dealt with a lot) you’ll want to visit Protagonist LoSo on game day.
Dallas Cowboys
Sorry, first I have to ask have you even been to Dallas? If you’re a Cowboys fan please stay amongst your own kind at 1st and Goal Sports Bar in the University area.
Denver Broncos
There are either a ton of Denver fans in Charlotte or they just travel well even when the team is struggling because Bank of America Stadium was orange last year when the Broncos came to town. The weekly gathering spot is Duckworth’s at Rea Farms!
Detroit Lions
Lions fans you’re game day spot is in Plaza Midwood. Hattie’s Tap & Tavern is the home for Detroit Lions fans in Charlotte.
Green Bay Packers
Cheeseheads unite! Those of you who migrated south can still watch the Packers with fellow fans at Blackfinn Ameripub in Ballantyne.
Houston Texans
If you’re looking to have a fan meet-up for the Houston Texans, you’ll have to create your own. Currently, there is not an official bar or organized fan group.
Indianapolis Colts
I’m shocked there isn’t a fan group or bar for the Colts. Seems like a great opportunity for someone to start one!
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville is just a 5-hour drive from Charlotte. But there must not be too many Jags fans here. With Clemson star Trevor Lawrence at the helm for the Jaguars there has to be a sizable fan base in the Charlotte area. But as of now, no official Jacksonville Jaguars bar.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs fans can cheer on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs at the Kilted Buffalo. The Charlotte Chiefs Fans group takes over this Plaza Midwood spot weekly.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have bounced around from market to market throughout their history. The fans that have stuck with them and made their way to Charlotte spend gamedays at Club House Kitchen & Cocktails on Central Ave.
Los Angeles Chargers
Unfortunately there isn’t a Chargers bar for fans (if there are any) in Charlotte. After leaving San Diego for LA I don’t think there are too many in California either!
Los Angeles Rams
Relocated LA football teams must not have much of a fanbase in the Carolinas. The Rams fans are also without a gameday home in Charlotte.
Miami Dolphins
Phins up! Cheering on the Dolphins in Charlotte? You’ll have to be at Midnight Mulligan Brewing with the rest of the Charlotte Dolfans Club.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are the only NFC North team without a Charlotte place to call home. There have to be fans who have escaped the Minnesota winters somewhere though!
New England Patriots
New Englanders you’ll have to go a little south of Charlotte to Fort Mill to cheer on your team. You’ll find the home of the Patriots at Mulligan’s Sports Bar & Grille.
New Orleans Saints
Charlotte has seemingly unanimously avoided welcoming fans of any other NFC South Team. It must not be worth the boycott from Panthers fans that could be placed on any establishment supporting a rival team. There is a Facebook group of brave Saints fans in the Queen City however called New Orleans Saints Fans of Charlotte.
New York Giants
There is no shortage of Giants fans in the Carolinas. Especially with former Duke QB Daniel Jones at the helm of the team. The Local in uptown Charlotte is where the local Giants Fans congregate on gameday.
New York Jets
If there are Giants fans there are Jets fans. If the other NY team is the one you fancy, hang out with like-minded fellow fans at Dillworth Neighborhood Grille.
Philadelphia Eagles
Steamers Sports Pub on Pierson Dr is the Charlotte home of the Eagles. Rise up, is another Super Bowl run in the works?
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers fans you’ll have to share you’re bar with the Jets. Dilworth Neighborhood Grille hosts both fan groups weekly.
San Francisco 49ers
Niner Empire of Charlotte is the 49ers fan group locally. RSVP Southend is where the game watch parties take place.
Seattle Seahawks
I was a 10-year Seahawks fan thanks to Russel Wilson and it was a fun time! Lucky Lou’s Tavern on Park Road is where the 12th Man hangs out in Charlotte!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sorry Bucs fans, rivalries don’t let you have a welcome spot in the Carolinas. At least you get to see your team play here once a year.
Tennessee Titans
I’m shocked that there isn’t a Titans bar in Charlotte. But luckily Nashville is just a short flight from Charlotte to get your football fix.
Washington Commanders
Last but not least is the team a lot of North Carolinians cheered for prior to the Panthers. If you want to cheer on the Commanders and former Panthers coach Ron Rivera you can do so at Jack Beagles on Morehead.
