In lieu of Dan Barker’s usual inane ramblings (Dan is still wringing out his clothes from Monday night) we bring you a mid-season message from Roaring Riot ringleader Zack Luttrell.
In early May of 2015 our Roaring Riot group here in Charlotte (now the Queen City Riot) formed a partnership with six other Panthers fan groups around the country. The idea was to create one national organization of Panthers fans that, while remaining autonomous, would come together for home game tailgates, away game trips, and would work together to grow and unite the largest organized group of Panthers fans in the world that would always support our team and one another – in good times and in bad. Six months after the launch of the “Union of the Roaring Riot,” I’m pleased to report some of our successes to date:
When we launched in May we had seven founding Chapters. Those Chapters are: New York, Washington DC, Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Denver. To become a Chapter an area must have a minimum of 25 Roaring Riot members, a bar that will dedicate the best TVs and sound to the Panthers games, and have a business in the area that will provide some discount or special to Roaring Riot members. As of today we have more than doubled our size since our launch with 15 total FULL Chapters and five Affiliate Chapters. Full Chapters: Lake Norman, Winston Salem, Greensboro, Columbia, Upstate SC,Wilmington, Greenville NC, and Asheville. Affiliate Chapters: Charleston/Mt P, Richmond, N. Virginia,and Houston
In May we also launched a new membership program. Roaring Riot members pay an annual due of $25. For that they get a T-shirt and some other swag, a dedicated tailgate space when they come to home games, discount on all of our away game trips, discounts at host bars and other various businesses. A portion of the dues goes back to each respective Chapter and is used for banners, flags, and other items to promote the Chapter. Our goal for year one was to reach 1,000 members. As of today we have 1,362 Roaring Riot members. We are represented in 27 states and eight countries – and we think that it pretty awesome!
We made Braylon Beam and his family official members of the Roaring Riot. We took them to Jacksonville with us and as a group we raised over $4,100 for their family. THIS Saturday we’re heading to the Checkers game as a group and if you buy a $16 ticket from us you get a sweet Checkers hat and $5 goes to the Beam family. Another opportunity to join the fun and support Coach Bray.
Speaking of Jacksonville…..we took 550 Panthers fans and created the largest fan-led away game takeover in Panthers history. What an epic trip and experience. We dominated that stadium. It was also evident by the players’ reactions. Even Cam gave us the nod when he came off the field. We currently have over 200 people registered for the Music City Takeover in Nashville and the GA Dome trip is on pace to sell out soon – only 20 spots left in it. We’re going to continue to make impressions at away game stadiums by SITTING TOGETHER and joining our voices.
Cam…..how awesome was it to be acknowledged by Ace Boogie himself? Not to mention it was in the middle of one, if not THE, most important press conference of his life. We’ve had some great talks with the Panthers. They support our movement and our relationship with the organization is only going to continue to grow!
As a group we raised over $7,200 and built one bad-ass beer trailer for our tailgate parties. Thanks to everyone who donated money or promoted the campaign. That trailer has been a huge asset to the tailgates this season and it is just…..awesome.
We’ve built the best tailgate party in Charlotte. If you don’t think that’s a fact, then you haven’t been to one yet.
It’s safe to say that the launch of the Union of the Roaring Riot has been a great success. But we’re only getting started. Our fan base is growing but there’s still a lot of work to do and we’re not going to stop – ever. In six short months we’ve made a ton of new friends who have all played a role in taking this group to the next level. We’re extremely lucky to have received all of your love and support – truthfully, it could not have been done without you. Thank you to everyone who believes and who wants to be a part of Changing the Culture in this fan base.
Oh…..and since we announced this launch the Panthers have not lost a game. That is definitely not a coincidence. 😉