Charlotte leaders discuss post-Super Bowl plans

By Jim Bradley

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sunday’s Super Bowl is six days away for the team and Carolina Panthers fans.

In Charlotte, though, planning for the aftermath of the Panthers' big game has already started.

While no one wants to jinx the team by talking too publicly about what happens if the team brings home the Super Bowl trophy, uptown leaders and police said they can’t afford to wait until after the game to begin drawing up a game plan.

A Panthers win could send people who are expected to pack uptown bars and restaurants into the streets for spontaneous celebrations. For police, that means added manpower may be necessary.

“For public safety reasons, we have to make sure we have officers out and about and available should we run into issues,” Deputy Police Chief Jeff Estes said.

He said those issues “usually concern people pushing the envelope a little too far.”

With that in mind, City Councilman James Mitchell is urging fans to keep any post-game celebrations safe.

“It’s one thing to celebrate, but it’s the way you celebrate,” Mitchell said. “I want to make sure we celebrate like champions and we do it in a respectful way.”

A Super Bowl victory could mean another big event coming to uptown.

A Super Bowl victory parade is already being discussed by the team and uptown groups.

For now, no one wants to comment officially, but sources said a parade would likely take place on the Tuesday after the Super Bowl.

Fans like Tom White, who was walking with his wife to the Panthers team store, are already marking their calendars.

“(You've) got to stop saying the word ‘if,’” White said with a laugh. “(The Panthers) are going to win, and there is going to be a parade, and we’ll be there.”

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