NFL Panthers fans are "excited" about what new Owner David Tepper is bringing to the franchise, and that was evident by his approach to the "logo at midfield" of Bank of America Stadium, according to Fox' Joe Buck. The Panthers logo made its debut at the 50-yard line during yesterday's game against the Cowboys, replacing the NFL shield that former owner Jerry Richardson insisted on leaving on the field. There were a "lot of fans that actually wanted to have (the team) logo at midfield," and Tepper and the organization "listened." Buck: "For a guy who grew up in Pittsburgh in David Tepper, he is fired up about owning the Carolina Panthers" ( "Cowboys-Panthers," Fox, 9/9 ). In Charlotte, Jourdan Rodrigue in a front-page piece noted yesterday marked Tepper's "first regular-season game as the new owner" of the team, as well as the "beginning of an era" for the team. After Tepper's first official month with the team, he "created a new position within the organization that deals with outreach, social initiatives and alumni relations." On his "first day of work, he made business cards for the Panthers employee who has worked the front desk for two decades, John Coleman." Still "to be revealed in full" are Tepper's "big-picture plans for the organization, such as new multiuse facilities and practice fields, and improvement of the fan experience" ( CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/9 ).
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP : A CHARLOTTE OBSERVER editorial stated that the Panthers are "going to be more fun this year," and they "already are for one person" -- Tepper. Fans that follow the team "can't help but feel the fresh breeze" that is Tepper. He has been often seen "laughing with players or fans or whomever he's around -- and he's around a lot in Charlotte." The city has "always appreciated, and almost demanded, that its business leaders be a willing participant in life here." Tepper "understands that role and responsibility" ( CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/9 ).
