[ ABOVE: Image courtesy of ESPN.Go.com ]
In three weeks, the NFL’s Carolina Panthers will return to Spartanburg for their 2016 training camp running July 28 through Aug. 16.
And businesses surrounding the camp hope to benefit from the annual influx of Panthers players and their families, hordes of faithful fans and members of the media.
Last year’s camp shattered all attendance records since the team held its first practice at Wofford College in 1995.
It drew in 77,625 visitors, a 60 percent increase compared with the previous record, and had an estimated $8 million impact on Spartanburg County. The camp also supported 174 jobs and generated $1.8 million in local and state tax revenue.
With the team hoping to redeem its Super Bowl loss to the Denver Broncos and the star power of its players, including quarterback Cam Newton, local officials believe this year’s camp will have a banner year.
“I think we’re going to blow last year out of the water,” said Chris Jennings, executive director of the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. “They are the defending Super Bowl runners-up, and there is a lot of excitement surrounding the team in terms of what they’ve been doing in the offseason. I think the 77,000 visitor mark will soon be a distant memory.”
Parking options abound
Visitors this year could face a few challenges due to larger crowds and construction on Wofford’s campus, Jennings said.
The CVB, city of Spartanburg and other local groups have teamed up to make sure fans enjoy the experience, he said.
Parking will be provided at 10 lots around the city, including three lots on campus, two lots near the intersection of Pearl and Church streets, the Spartanburg County Administration Building’s lot, Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Beaumont Mill, Pinewood Resource Center and the St. John Street parking garage.
The Pinewood Resource Center lot will be for handicap and shuttle parking. A free shuttle service will be offered at that lot, as well as the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, St. John Street parking garage and Beaumont Mill lots.
“It will be a little different than in the past,” Jennings said, “but it could be a real opportunity for folks to see a little bit more of the city. That means more opportunities for business owners to benefit from the camp.”
More traffic on Main Street
Kelly Blackwell, owner of the women’s boutique Two Doors Down at 100 E. Main St., said she is looking forward to training camp this year, especially since East Main Street between Church and Liberty streets was experiencing construction during last year’s camp.
The construction was part of the city’s streetscape project aimed at straightening the road, adding parallel parking, new lighting and, in general, beautifying the corridor.
For several weeks prior to camp, the road was closed to motorists but reopened just before camp visitors arrived. However, work on the sidewalks, parking spaces and landscaping continued into the first week of camp.
Blackwell said the project has helped her business and she anticipates more customers this year, as the street will be free and clear of construction.
“I am certainly looking forward to training camp this year,” she said. “Downtown is getting better and better. We’re seeing more foot traffic. The word is getting out. I’m seeing a lot of people who are visiting friends, just passing through town, and heard about downtown and wanted to check it out, or considering moving here. It’s very encouraging.”
Kathy and Michael Silverman, owners of The Local Hiker at 173 E. Main St., recently opened their ice cream shop Hub City Scoops at 147 E. Main St.
The couple typically puts out a window display with Panthers gear and memorabilia at their hiking store to welcome training camp visitors to downtown. This year, they hope to help fans cool off with a cold treat and get a taste of Spartanburg.
“We are very excited about camp this year,” Kathy Silverman said. “We’re looking forward to a bump in sales … It’s important for us to be welcoming and positive, and to show visitors what Spartanburg is all about.”
For more information, visit panthers.com.
