Ex-Panthers bring star power to grand opening
Posted: Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/business/story/271120.html
Afshin Ghazi, The Ghazi Co._He is company owns the old convention center and is demolishing it this weekend to make way for the EpiCentre mixed-use project.
(10/02/08) Mike Minter (CQ), former Panthers safety, is now Coach Minter in his first season for Concord First Assembly Christian School's football team. (John D. Simmons - jsimmons@charlotteobserver.com)
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Monday's grand opening of the $1.5 billion N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis attracted a predictable lineup of politicians, including Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and state Sen. Kay Hagan.
But there were two guests there you might not expect: former Carolina Panthers Mike Minter and Mike Rucker. They live in the area now and have a number of local business interests. They said they were on hand to show support for the project since it is in their “back yard” and will have a positive impact on the community.
One of the many Kannapolis schoolchildren on hand for the event then shyly pushed a campus program at your scrawny 160-pound Observer reporter, asking for his autograph. But before that could happen, the woman behind the boy quickly pointed to the former Panthers and said, “No, those are the guys you want.”
That, trust us, was the only time we have ever been mistaken for a pro football player. It was nice while it lasted.
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