History of Third Down Man!

History of Third Down Man
Little Guy

The Third Down Man concept started during the
2000 Panthers Football Season.

Bill Vasil, the original Third Down Man, was always a vocal supporter of the defense by getting up out of his seat on every defensive down to make noise and support the team in Section 552. During the 2000 season, whenever it was 3rd Down, he really tried to get more fans into the game by shouting out "It's Third Down!! Come on! Get Up! Make some noise!!" and flashing three fingers over his head to help rally the fans in his section to get into the game.

At the time, too many people were just sitting watching the game like they were in their living room or watching a movie, and barely anyone would make any noise to support the team's defense.

It was pitiful and shameful. The NFL was new in this town (and still is after 10 seasons), and a lot fans were just too quiet for to be at a football game. This is not golf!!

So every 3rd Down he would get up and start yelling it was 3rd Down and encourage people to get up and get into the game. And eventually people did start to get up as well! It wasn't long after that when another PSL owner (Jason A.) called Bill 'Third Down Man' (you know like 'Beer Man'), and it caught on.

At the next home game, Bill brought with him Third Down Man t-shirts that his company, Contagious Graphics, printed up. Everyone wanted one, and he gave out as many as he could in attempt to spread the word. Those original shirts are no longer available, but Season 2004 t-shirts are available for purchase.

For the past 5 seasons, Section 552, 553, and 551 have been making loud noise and getting into the game. There are quite a few 3rd Down Men throughout those sections and now throughtout the stadium, and the Third Down Man Army has grown a lot since those days. Check out this link to see the growth of the TDM Army....

It would be great if every section in Bank of America Stadium had several Third Down Men - everyone should have as much fun as we do at the games (not that anybody's having less fun of course, but we all have a blast!).