The Panthers game doesn’t kick off until Saturday, but the parties are already underway at Clutch Kitchen and Pour House in Charlotte.Panthers fans and Panthers greats gathered to celebrate the team’s first playoff appearance since 20-17.The restaurant was packed and the crowd was full of energy. Years of frustration are turning into jubilation for Panthers fans.Panthers fan Blake Phillips said, “It’s awesome. We’ve been to a few home games this year, and it’s been a rollercoaster, but a lot more good. I’d say about half and half, but the good has been great.”The Top Cats led the crowd in some cheers, and of course, Sir Purr made an appearance. Panthers greats like Eugene Robinson, Jonathan Stewart and Luke Kuechly signed autographs and took pics with fans.Keuchly said, “I think this is what makes playing in Carolina special, is the fans and the energy and the excitement in the air, not only in North Carolina but South Carolina as well, and we’re so proud of the team this year and how resilient they’ve been and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”Clutch Kitchen and Pour House is filled with Panthers fans on Sundays. The staff said the vibe is definitely different with Carolina heading to the playoffs. Siena Rivera works at Clutch and said, “We’re just having a great time. Everyone comes in so enthusiastic, just excited to have fun. Everybody comes in and they’re coming together with so much spirit.”And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Panthers party without Winston-Salem’s own “The Mad Cattah.” He has a message for fans on game day.The Mad Cattah said, “I’m telling you, everybody, it’s electric down here in Charlotte, be here Saturday. No excuses at all, we go to get loud, ya’ll, we go to get loud.”Plenty of food, plenty of fun and the game doesn’t even start until Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —

The Panthers game doesn’t kick off until Saturday, but the parties are already underway at Clutch Kitchen and Pour House in Charlotte.

Panthers fans and Panthers greats gathered to celebrate the team’s first playoff appearance since 20-17.

The restaurant was packed and the crowd was full of energy. Years of frustration are turning into jubilation for Panthers fans.

Panthers fan Blake Phillips said, “It’s awesome. We’ve been to a few home games this year, and it’s been a rollercoaster, but a lot more good. I’d say about half and half, but the good has been great.”

The Top Cats led the crowd in some cheers, and of course, Sir Purr made an appearance. Panthers greats like Eugene Robinson, Jonathan Stewart and Luke Kuechly signed autographs and took pics with fans.

Keuchly said, “I think this is what makes playing in Carolina special, is the fans and the energy and the excitement in the air, not only in North Carolina but South Carolina as well, and we’re so proud of the team this year and how resilient they’ve been and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”

Clutch Kitchen and Pour House is filled with Panthers fans on Sundays. The staff said the vibe is definitely different with Carolina heading to the playoffs.

Siena Rivera works at Clutch and said, “We’re just having a great time. Everyone comes in so enthusiastic, just excited to have fun. Everybody comes in and they’re coming together with so much spirit.”

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Panthers party without Winston-Salem’s own “The Mad Cattah.” He has a message for fans on game day.

The Mad Cattah said, “I’m telling you, everybody, it’s electric down here in Charlotte, be here Saturday. No excuses at all, we go to get loud, ya’ll, we go to get loud.”

Plenty of food, plenty of fun and the game doesn’t even start until Saturday at 4:30 p.m.