The Carolina Panthers new owner David Tepper was spotted tailgating with fans before their first home game of the preseason on Friday night.  That’s a good way to introduce yourself to a fan base.

Seeing the owner out with the fans will be a welcomed change from former owner Jerry Richardson, who didn’t do much interacting with fans, especially in the last few years of his ownership.

Tepper isn’t new to the ownership game having spent the last nine years as a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He knows the importance of a strong relationship with a franchise’s fans.