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May 09, 2008
Replace NFL shield at midfield?
You may have seen the petition, floating around Panthers' message boards and popping up regularly on our blogs. Its point is to get the team to switch its midfield logo in Bank of America Stadium from the NFL's famed "Shield" to Carolina's stylized big cat.
The petition was organized by a group called Fans For The Logo, although no individuals are named. The explanation of the petition reads in part: "This petition is to show Mr. Richardson (owner Jerry) an example of how much it means to the fans for us to have our own logo on our football field. What would Dallas be without the star or even the Colts without their logo? Fans take pride and ownership in some of the simplest things."
And while I can think of many more important things to spend one's time on, as fans they have every right to pursue this one.
So I called the club to see if changing the midfield logo was a possibility, or even on the team's radar at this point.
A team spokesman said there are no plans to make changes at this time. He reiterated that Carolina officials believe that the NFL logo reflects the respect for the league and reinforces its popularity, just as the script "Carolina Panthers" in the end zones reflect the popularity of the team.
Still, the team knows about the drive.
"The Panthers are aware of it (the petition) and appreciate the passion of their fans," the spokesman said.
So that, at least at this point, is that.
-- Stan Olson
Posted by Observer Sports on May 9, 2008 at 01:32 PM | Permalink
Comments
Don't understand why they wouldn't want the Panther logo at midfield...this baffles me to this day. PUT THE LOGO ON THE FIELD!
Posted by: JanitorDan | May 9, 2008 1:49:16 PM
Couldn't hurt to replace the midfield logo... not like having the NFL logo at BOA has done much good for us at home the last few years.
Posted by: Kris | May 9, 2008 1:59:26 PM
They should put the Panthers Logo at midfield for national televised games and playoff matchups. The same way they light up the Bank of America building's spire with a blue light for National tv games.
Posted by: Ron King | May 9, 2008 2:05:01 PM
After all it's our home. One wouldn't put the neighborhood address on their personal home.
Posted by: lookin4dlight | May 9, 2008 2:07:09 PM
How about the team lets NFL Network do a Hard Knocks series during training camp this year, on the Panthers!!! I would much rather see that than the logo on the middle of the field!
Posted by: PeppersFanatic | May 9, 2008 2:14:04 PM
In all seriousness, the Panthers have changed many things about the face of this franchise, and in particular certain philosophies have come and they've gone...and for this, I give them credit. So why NOT put the damn Panther's logo midfield? Besides, there are many other great ways to show respect for the NFL in that stadium besides a keeping that boring NFL logo midfield. Put the NFL logo on a flag post, or ANYWHERE else visible except for the TURF!!
Did Mr. Richardson not say he wants the team to look more like the Steelers?
Well they have a freaking logo at midfield for one reason and one reason alone. To let their opponents know they are "treading" on Steeler turf.
It's time for the Panther's brass to realize that this is not just THEIR team, and it is extremely important to the fan base to see that beautiful Panther head midfield!
SUPER BOWL OR BUST!! GO PANTHERS 2008!
Posted by: Shaun | May 9, 2008 2:15:14 PM
Ron,
VERY good point/idea ! Maybe THAT should have been the petition..
Posted by: Shaun | May 9, 2008 2:17:46 PM
Change da logo keep da logo..??? Really... does..it matter..???? ..how bout lets win more games n maybe a championship..dat would b nice..how a bout they need 2 earn da logo..!!!!
Posted by: bennyfrankz | May 9, 2008 2:31:30 PM
Who gives a shitie either way?
Posted by: Tony F'ing Rowell | May 9, 2008 2:49:13 PM
A "group" organized it? Try one guy who is his own biggest obstacle in being taken seriously.
Posted by: JoeJoe The Wonder Chimp | May 9, 2008 2:50:25 PM
The NFL logo reinforces the fact that Charlotte is an NFL town and the Panthers are an NFL team...even if they don't look like one sometimes!!
Posted by: dp | May 9, 2008 2:55:17 PM
I was under the impression that the NFL dictates which stadiums use the NFL logo and which ones do not. They then rotate it around every few years. It makes sense from a branding perspective for both the league and the teams.
Posted by: Mike F | May 9, 2008 2:56:15 PM
I for one appreciate the post Stan, maybe if the number of people who sign it goes into the high thousands maybe they change their minds. Mr. Richardson has always says he listens to the fans so who knows. But this post is all we can ask for to at least bring awareness to the situation so again thanks for the blog guys.
Posted by: JV | May 9, 2008 3:10:52 PM
On a different note, if the team logo was placed at midfield and the team officals still wanted to show respect for the nfl, they could place 2 small sheilds at each 30 yard line as they do with the "Playoffs" logo for postseason play. Just another idea to throw around.
Posted by: JV | May 9, 2008 3:15:15 PM
Make an alternate logo like UNC has in the Dean Dome, but with the outline of South Carolina added too. They are the CAROLINA Panthers after all.
Do something unique, don't just copy the logo we already have.
Posted by: Jay | May 9, 2008 3:17:50 PM
Maybe that's why we haven't won a Super Bowl yet. Replace the logo!
Posted by: Bob B. | May 9, 2008 3:19:09 PM
Hi all -
Being a Vegas, BABY! Caronlina Panthers fan, I'm out of luck (expect Cardinals games, and this up coming season's Chargers and Raiders games) to see the games.
Because I don't get to see the games my input is almost nil. However, if Mr. Richardson was serious about keeping a happy fanbase during losing seasons and price increases with an economy in which many others are not in such exellent financial positions he may consider the petition a little more closely.
Another option - and I'm unsure if this is even possible - is to keep the NFL Shield at center stage and put the Panther's head at the 25 of each end. Or reverse that with the Panther's head and the NFL logo's at the 25 (much like I've seen during the playoff's).
On an unrelated, but commented topic, I too would "love" to see Inside Panthers Training Camp. So far it's been John "Chucky" Gruden's Buccaneers dominating the NFC South on TV.
Thanks for the read.
Be Well.
Theocrat
Posted by: Theocrat | May 9, 2008 3:21:10 PM
First, to Jay's comment about "adding the outline of South Carolina..." it's already there! The shape of the logo is a stylized representation of BOTH Carolinas together.
Shaun's comment about the Steelers, "Well they have a freaking logo at midfield for one reason and one reason alone. To let their opponents know they are "treading" on Steeler turf." is RIGHT ON... and maybe that's part of the problem... our turf is labeled "NFL" and it seems like the anyone in the NFL can win here!
Dump the shield and use the Panther's logo. In so very many ways Jerry Richardson is a great owner and really does "get it"... I just don't understand why he doesn't get this?
Posted by: John | May 9, 2008 3:33:36 PM
Just thought of this... everybody talks about curses in sports... well, maybe we got our own here. Let's call it the "CURSE OF THE SHIELD" ;-)
Hey, has anyone considered that our only season going 8-0 at home was the season when Billy Graham held a crusade at Panther stadium before the season started? Only Billy was able to overcome "THE CURSE OF THE SHIELD".
:-)
Posted by: John | May 9, 2008 3:36:33 PM
Hey Theocrat,
If you want to see inside the Panthers training camp, ask the Patriots for a copy of their video... I'm sure they have one!
Posted by: John | May 9, 2008 3:39:03 PM
I was an early supporter of the NFL logo on the field but it has now run its course. It is time for the Panther's logo to assume its rightful place at midfield. Come on Carolina, don't under estimate what this means to the fans.
Posted by: Steve | May 9, 2008 3:59:12 PM
I was an early supporter of the NFL logo on the field but it has now run its course. It is time for the Panther's logo to assume its rightful place at midfield. Come on Carolina, don't under estimate what this means to the fans.
Posted by: Steve | May 9, 2008 4:03:07 PM
LOL John!
And I'm all for replacing the NFL shield. I think maybe Mr. R is bucking for NFL Commish.
Posted by: Fat Cat Fan | May 9, 2008 4:05:10 PM
CHANGE THE LOGO ON MIDFIELD PLEASE!!!!
Posted by: victor | May 9, 2008 4:06:40 PM
46-51
That's our all time win-loss record at this stadium (not counting '95 season)
Its time for a change! Brand this field with our logo and maybe, just maybe we'll inject some home field advantage.
Right now its not our house, its the entire NFL's house and the entire league seems to win here more often than we do.
Posted by: Snook | May 9, 2008 4:18:44 PM
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