Albany Panthers have first home game - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Albany Panthers have first home game

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ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

The stage has been set. The band, the lights and tailgaters. Saturday was the Albany Panthers first home game of the season. Tailgaters started setting up as early as 4 p.m. grilling burgers and just having a good time before the game.

The back to back champs are excited to be back in their home and say the community has been behind them all the way.

"Great support over the last four years, showed us love when were out a different events. They showed us great support and we just wanna make sure to make the City of Albany and surrounding areas proud as we come out here and defend our championship title," said Panthers General Manager, Will Carter.

Carter says he's been out promoting the games and has been waiting on this day for the last six months.

He says it's important to have something to bring everyone together.

"I think families look forward to us playing every week. It gives you a chance to get away from the stressful work week that you may have. Then you get to the weekends gives you something to look forward to. To cheer for your hometown team," said Carter.

Shatoyia Ross bought a total of eight tickets in the past two days. She plans to make this a family event.

"I think my son will like it. Him and my daughter play a lot of sports and I think they gonna look forward to it. They been asking me about it all week," said Shatoyia Ross.

The Panthers went head to head with in-state rival, The Columbus Lions.

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