Custom TripTik offers key stops commemorating the Panthers history-making season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 28, 2016) – AAA Carolinas is providing fans with special driving routes to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California. Motorists driving to the February 7 game between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers can utilize AAA’s customized TripTik to visit key places which are relevant to the NFC Champions.
“We wanted to give fans who are making the long drive to the big game a chance to make memorable stops along the way,” said Sarah Henshall, Senior Vice President of Travel and Branch Operations at AAA Carolinas. “It’s been a special season for the Panthers and our custom TripTik offers stops that honor the team’s journey and should provide more memories for fans taking the two day road trip.”
AAA Travel designed a southern route that begins in Charlotte, covers just over 3,113 miles and ends at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Here are some key stops for Panthers fans featured along the route:
HOME FIELD- Your AAA Road Trip to the Big Game starts at Bank of America Stadium, where the Panthers won the NFC Championship Jan.24. Be sure to take a selfie in front of one of the iconic giant panther statues with emerald eyes and golden teeth. CAM’S COLLEGIATE DAYS- Travel 5 hours, 20 minutes to Auburn University, where Panthers QB and Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton won a national championship and would be drafted No.1 overall by Carolina in the 2011 NFL Draft.THE BIG EASY -Continue another 5 hours and 7 minutes to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, the site of the Panthers 41-38 win over the Saints on December 6, 2015. (Because it is Mardi Gras, it is highly recommended to continue through New Orleans).TEXAS TWO-STEP -Another 5 hour, 12 minute drive brings you to NRG Stadium, home of the Texans whom the Panthers defeated 24-17 in their second regular season game. While that Sept. 20 matchup was played in Charlotte, NRG (formerly Reliant Stadium) is the site of the Panthers heartbreaking loss in their first trip to the big game where they faced the New England Patriots February 1, 2004 in Super Bowl 38.
OVERNIGHT
FOZZY’S FIELD- From Houston, travel 2 hours, 44 minutes to The University of Texas in Austin for a brief stop at the school that was home to Panthers running back Foswhitt Jer’ald “Fozzy” Whittaker w?ho carried the ball twice and had a 19-yard kickoff return aiding in the defeat of the Arizona Cardinals. CRAZY COINCIDENCE- Travel 5 hours and 24 minutes to Ratliff Stadium in Odessa, which was not only the stadium featured in the movie Friday Night Lights but is also home to the Odessa BRONCHOS and Permian PANTHERS. What are the odds? BIRDS NEST- From Odessa you’ll travel 10 hours, 23 minutes to Glendale, AZ to see University of Phoenix Stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals who the Panthers pounded 49-14 for the NFC title and a trip to Super Bowl 50!
OVERNIGHT
COACH’S CORNER -Travel 10 hours, 47 minutes to The University of California Berkeley, where Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera played as an All-American linebacker, leading the Golden Bears in tackles the last three years as a player, before being selected in the second round of the 1984 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. GAME TIME -From here it is a 1 hour drive to Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara CA. Enjoy the game! Go Panthers!
For link to entire TripTik route click here:AAA Road to the Big Game
Full packages including air, hotel and game tickets are also available at AAA.
AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 1.9 million members and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
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