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You can load up on autographs

Sporting News, The, July 21, 2006

There are five necessities if you're going to Panthers training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.

1. Sunscreen (the heat index frequently hits 120 degrees, and there's virtually no shade)

2. Water (see above)

3. A chair (there are no bleachers)

4. A Sharpie

5. Something to sign

The first three items are about survival. The last two are for pleasure. When it comes to getting autographs from and interacting with NFL players, there is no better place than training camp and there might not be a better venue than Wofford. That's why thousands of fans brave the heat each summer. The complex may lack glitz, but a cozy atmosphere makes it special.

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At the end of every practice, players have to walk about 200 yards to the locker room. They're usually soaked with sweat and eager to jump into tubs of ice water, but it's summertime--that can wait. That's because fans line the walkway and beg for autographs. Players aren't required to stop, but they almost always do. Only a small fence separates players and fans, and on a typical day you'll see Jake Delhomme, Julius Peppers, Dan Morgan and John Fox signing and chatting with fans for up to 10 minutes. Then, at long last, they go cool off.

You can load up on autographs

Sporting News, The, July 21, 2006

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