Carolina Panthers

Bank of America Stadium sits right in the middle of Uptown Charlotte, and the walkability factor is off the charts. You can park at your hotel, walk to a pregame bar, walk to the stadium, and walk back to the after-party without ever touching your car. For an NFL experience, that's rare and incredibly clutch.

Panthers fans are a passionate group that's been building something since the team arrived in 1995. The 2015 season when Cam Newton was dabbing on everyone and the team went 15-1? The energy in Charlotte that year was absolutely unreal. Bank of America Stadium was vibrating, and the "Keep Pounding" drums before each game sent chills through the entire building.

The tailgate scene around the stadium is legit. The lots open early and the Carolina BBQ comes out in force - pulled pork with vinegar-based sauce, smoked on portable rigs by fans who take their grilling as seriously as their football. Inside the stadium, the food has gotten way better in recent years. The Mac and Cheese Burger is a gut bomb in the best way, and the local craft beer from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is on tap throughout.

Before the game, the EpiCentre and the bars on East Trade Street are right there. After the game, South End and NoDa (North Davidson) are where Charlotte's nightlife lives. NoDa in particular has a craft brewery scene that's sneaky good - Heist, Birdsong, and NoDa Brewing are all within walking distance of each other. Charlotte is one of those NFL cities that surprises people with how much fun it is. Don't sleep on the Panthers.