When Jon and I went to one of the Panthers preseason games this year, we could not believe how expensive parking had gotten. If you’ve got a friend with a truck and an awesome tailgate spot, be nice to them. If not, you can find some delicious pre-game food and drink specials at restaurants within walking distance of the stadium. Here are a few of them.

Haymaker
Located just off Romare Bearden Park, this restaurant has a seasonal menu, and their game day specials are no different. You’ll always be able to find Billy D’s Fried Chicken Sandwich on Sundays, but look for items like truffle tater tots or chili sorghum wings throughout football season, as well as drink specials. Chef William Dissen says they’re also working on getting a permit to serve burgers and sausages out front from a Big Green Egg smoker.

Food trucks
Just outside of the stadium on Mint and Morehead streets, you’ll find a few food trucks in the Panthers Lair. The trucks will rotate, but one of our favorites, What The Fries, will be there for the Oct. 6 game.

Sweet Lew’s Barbecue
You don’t have to stray far from the stadium to find barbecue from popular barbecue spot Sweet Lew’s. Lew himself sets up in the Dog House each game day to sell his barbecue to hungry tailgaters.

Mimosa Grill
This Uptown staple opens at 10:30 a.m. for brunch on game days, serving a brunch buffet for $27.95 ($14.95 for kids). On the buffet, you’ll find items like scrambled eggs, a grit bar, mac and cheese, hand-carved beef, and omelets. And because it’s football, Bud Light, Budweiser, and Michelob Ultra are $2.50.

We’ll be updating this list, so stay tuned throughout the season. —Kristen Wile

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