Last season was rough for Carolina Panthers fans, but that's the thing about a new football season — there's always hope this will be the year your team turns it around.

Why it matters: First-year head coach Dave Canales has a reputation for resurrecting quarterbacks, as The Athletic reported. He's tasked not only with helping young quarterback Bryce Young find his footing in the NFL, but also bringing the Panthers back to life.

Zoom in: Fans around here know what it feels like to win, and they're exhausted by last season's 2-15 record and opposing fans' colors filling Bank of America Stadium.

• It's been nearly a decade since the Panthers went to the Super Bowl, capturing the hearts and minds of even the most casual football fans.
• The team hasn't made the playoffs — or had a winning season — since David Tepper bought the team in 2018.

What's next: The Panthers open the season in New Orleans against NFC South rival Saints on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 1pm.

• Carolina will host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 1pm for their home opener. Tickets for the home opener start at $37.
• The game will air on CBS.

My thought bubble: It's the team's 30th anniversary — anything could happen.

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🏟 The team unveiled major renovation plans for Bank of America Stadium and its Uptown practice facilities.

🇩🇪 The Panthers face the New York Giants in Munich, Germany, on Nov. 10.

🖊 Dan Morgan, a former Carolina Panthers linebacker, was named general manager and president of football operations on Jan. 22.

🏈 Head coach Dave Canales was hired on Jan. 25.

🖊 Wide receiver Xavier Legette was drafted No. 32 overall earlier this year.

📝 The Panthers traded for wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

🖊 Free agent signings include:

• Linebackers Jadeveon Clowney, Josey Jewell and D.J. Wonnum
• Safety Jordan Fuller
• Cornerback Dane Jackson
• Defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson
• Offensive linemen Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis

🛍 Girl Tribe: Grab one of their football sweatshirts or T-shirts starting at $38.

👕 Glory Days Apparel: Check out their shop in South End for shirts and hats from their football collection starting at $34.

🏈 Locker Room CLT: Find vintage apparel like jerseys, hats and shirts.

🧢 Roaring Riot: Find a hat or a shirt for Panthers fans.

👕 704 Shop: Grab a local T-shirt ($38).

Read about Girl Tribe's Panthers deal

Tailgating is an essential part of the football experience.

🍔 Head to the Panthers VIP tailgate on Bank of America Stadium's South Lawn off Mint Street and Morehead Street.

🍻 Join fellow Panthers fans at Roaring Riot's tailgate at 628 W. Morehead St.

🎤 Get hype for the season with Roaring Riot Kickoff Jam on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2–10:30pm at NoDa Brewing North End at 150 West 32nd St. Tickets start at $39. Expect Panthers legends like Jonathan Stewart, live music exclusive beers, foot trucks and a football fun zone.

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We caught up with Panthers head coach Dave Canales about life off the football field. Here are a few things to know:

😋 He has a menu item named after him: You can order the "Dave Canales' caprese pita" ($17) at Red Rocks Cafe in south Charlotte.

☕️ Mornings are precious in the Canales house. He and his wife Lizzy get up 30–45 minutes before their kids. They start the day with lemon water before brewing a cup of Sleepy Monk Coffee.

💪 He has to work out on game day.

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