Grab the mic Panther fans and let the nation know!  Open Mic is an open discussion thread. Just drop a comment in the comments section below. Respond to other fans, and as always #KeepPounding

I grew up in Charlotte, and five years ago I moved out of the Carolinas for the first time in my life.  I now live on the West Coast and travel to all of the Western states on a regular basis.  I spend time in LA, Seattle, San Diego, Denver, etc. and I see first hand the difference in the big cities out there and Charlotte.  Charlotte is the best place to live that I've been to period.  It has the perks of a big city but still has that small town feel to it.

When it comes to smaller markets compared to bigger markets, there needs to be a mechanism to keep professional teams from moving and chasing that big-city money.  The Panthers built their stadium and maintain financial security from PSLs.  The team committing to staying is the upside.  There is a downside, however.  The downside is a franchise can lose it's "hunger" or need to win big when it isn't going to make much of a difference to the bottom line.  

Do you think that describes the Panthers?  Do you think the Big Cat (whom I love by the way) desperately wants to win a Super Bowl?  Or is some excitement and financial solvency enough for him?  That is an important question.  I want to hear your thoughts.

Mel