Lowe's "will become the first company to sponsor" the NFL Panthers' training camp, leaving only four teams in the league without a camp partner, according to Erik Spanberg of the CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL. Neither the team nor the company would disclose terms, but a source "estimated the deal to be in the low six figures annually." Lowe’s said the team approached the company “with the idea of refurbishing the training camp grounds and fan experience” at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., where the Panthers hold camp. Lowe’s plans to "use local employees interested in volunteering to help with the renovations." Outdoor furniture from the Lowe’s allen+roth line "will be added at Wofford during training camp for fans to use and, the company hopes, serve as an incentive to future customers." With the training-camp agreement comes a "designation of Lowe’s as the presenting sponsor as part of a new logo and VIP hospitality for the company and its guests." Lowe’s "backed the Panthers as a team sponsor" from '95-'04, spending $1.5M annually before opting against a renewal in '05. At the time, the company "shifted its Charlotte sports marketing to the NBA." Lowe’s "returned to the Panthers" as a sponsor in '07 and stayed on through '12 (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/24).
