Here's how Carolina Panthers training camp could pump $7 million into Spartanburg's economy

The return of the Carolina Panthers NFL training camp to Wofford College is expected to pump $7 million into the Spartanburg economy.

"We couldn't be happier to welcome Panthers fans back to our community," said City spokesman Christopher George. "We'll have tens of thousands of visitors coming to Spartanburg, filling our hotel rooms, enjoying meals in our local restaurants and adding tremendously to the vibrancy and activity level we've seen so far this summer."

This summer marks the NFL team's 28th training camp at Wofford.

Billy Dunlap, chief tourism officer with OneSpartanburg, Inc., said the impact on the local economy will benefit restaurants, hotels, gas stations, local stores and "anything a visitor will spend money on."

"That's a significant impact," Dunlap said of his $7 million projection. "That will account for about 15 to 20 percent of total impact for sports tourism this year."

Panthers spokesman Riley Fields said the players will be able to feel the energy from fans as they compete for jobs and prepare for the upcoming season.

"Anticipation and excitement is running high for Panthers fans and the team," Fields said. "There is a renewed sense of energy, and training camp is going to be a special experience. Just the sense of purpose the team has, that Coach (Frank) Reich is creating, is really felt by the team and the fans feel it."

Hundreds of fans attended the first day of training camp at Wofford College Wednesday as temperatures soared into the 90s. Many fanned themselves with handouts of the team roster provided upon entry.

"Having the Panthers on campus is always an exciting time," Wofford Athletic Director Richard Johnson said. "The team and its fans are hopeful for the upcoming season, and you can feel that energy. The team's arrival on campus is also a reminder that our student-athletes and students will be returning to Wofford soon for the upcoming academic year."

John Meadows and Rick Martinez drove up from Charleston Wednesday morning and planned to return home Wednesday night.

They were planning to eat lunch at Ike's Korner Grille on Archer Road, one of 10 local eateries and places to visit recommended by VisitSpartanburg.com in a flyer handed out to fans.

Meadows said it's the first time he's attended a Panthers training camp, and he has season tickets for the Panthers' home games in Charlotte.

Meadows said he plans to return to Wofford in two weeks to watch the joint practice with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Aug. 9 and 10.

"It's free and open to the public," Meadows said. "You can't beat it."

Grace Marciano of Pittsburgh, Alan Hines and Macy Hines of Greensboro, NC, were among the first fans at Wednesday's training camp.

They said they didn't mind the long drive and planned to attend Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Wednesday, Aug. 2.

"We will eat here then drive back tonight," Macy Hines said.

Meanwhile, Fields said it's too soon to say if the Panthers will return to Wofford again next year and in future years.

Last year was supposed to be the team's final training camp at Wofford. This year was supposed to be the team's first year in a new $800 million training facility in Rock Hill.

But the Panthers stopped construction and announced a return to Wofford this year.

"The team really values its longstanding relationship with both Wofford and the Spartanburg community," Fields said. "Both have been tremendously supportive of Panthers training camp since Wofford became our summertime home.

"The special relationships that have been built over the years mean a great deal to the organization, and when it's time to come back to training camp, it feels like a homecoming. That is one of the key elements that makes training camp at Wofford a special experience for the organization and for the team's fans."

Bob Montgomery covers Spartanburg County politics and growth & development. Reach him via email at bmontgomery@shj.com.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Carolina Panthers expected to have $7M economic impact in Spartanburg