It's hard to believe that this fall marks 15 years since the National Football League announced it was awarding a franchise for the Carolinas.

The Carolina Panthers played their inaugural season at Clemson University's Death Valley in 1995, before moving to their new home stadium in Charlotte.

Since that first year, the Panthers have made their summer training camp home in Spartanburg.

Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has a deep history in Spartanburg, playing football at Wofford College before going on to play in the NFL.

Richardson returned to Spartanburg where he and a partner opened one of the earliest Hardee's franchises on Kennedy Street.

He grew that one restaurant into a business empire.

When he decided to pursue an NFL franchise, Richardson didn't forget the Upstate.

While the Panthers play their games in downtown Charlotte,

Richardson proclaimed the Panthers a Carolinas team and established a summer training camp on the campus of his alma mater.

For 14 seasons, the Panthers have been good for Spartanburg.

We believe the Spartanburg experience has been good for the Panthers.

The team is close to its fans. Coaches and players often sign autographs after practices, which are free and open to the public.

One highlight for children is the Panther Pals program, where children get special access to practice and players.

The three-week training camp is tough on the players, who have to endure the heat and humidity of Carolina summers.

But the Panthers have found ways through the years to bond with the people in the Upstate while taking care of the business of professional football.

We want to salute the Panthers, the city of Spartanburg and Wofford college on a great partnership that helps make this team our own.