Panthers getting closer to single-game ticket date

Noting the sports world:The Panthers don't play a game that counts until Sept. 13, but another huge date in the minds of many fans is almost upon us.On Saturday, Aug.1 at 10a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets, about 7,000 single-game tickets for each of the Carolina Panthers' 2009 home games will go on sale. Panthers ticket guru Phil Youtsey expects the hottest sellers to be the regular-season games against Philadelphia (the Sept.13 season opener), Washington (Oct.11), Atlanta (Nov.15) and Buffalo (Oct.25).“The Buffalo one surprises me,” Youtsey said, “but that's what I've been hearing. There are a lot of transplants out there who want that game.”You can buy a maximum of four tickets per game. The Panthers didn't raise prices, so most of the available tickets will be upper-deck seats at Bank of America Stadium for $51 apiece.Youtsey said the Panthers are “very fortunate” to have such a passionate fan base. Season-ticket renewals ...