December 2015 – JMBoulden

Panther Nation

Professional football is easily America’s most popular sport. Every Sunday fans all around the country gather together to watch their favorite team do battle. Watching an NFL football game for most fans is a social event. But what can fans do when they cannot make it to the stadium to see the game in person? The best way to recreate that live stadium atmosphere is to go to a sports bar. The beers are cheaper, the food is better, and parking is not nearly as big a headache.

Every city has its share of sports bars that cater to different fans. If you are a Carolina Panthers fan in Wilmington NC, then Dig & Dive is where you want to be on Sundays. Dig & Dive is the new home for the Roaring Riot Carolina Panthers fan club. The Wilmington chapter of the club is just getting started and Dig & Dive has been named an official Carolina Panthers bar. The Roaring Riot seeks to grow the Panthers fan base and connect fans with each other to show support for the team.

Outside of Dig & Dive, the official Wilmington Panthers Bar

The Carolina Panthers were an expansion team in 1995. After some initial success, the team underachieved for most of its history. The Panthers fan base has always been strong, considering its one of the few NFL teams in the south. The fans have been hungry for a winning team for years. It appears the wait is over. This is a great time to be a Panthers fan. The Panthers are currently 14-0 and seeking to become the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to finish the season undefeated. The Panthers are led by MVP candidate Cam Newton at quarterback, and one of the league’s best defenses. Interest in the Panthers has never been greater, and this season is looking to be their best ever.

Watching a Panthers game at Dig & Dive is a fun, party atmosphere. There are always great specials, prizes, and giveaways. The Roaring Riot fan club now adds another layer of excitement. If you are a Carolina Panthers fan in Wilmington, the best place to be on Sunday’s is at Dig & Dive.

How Volleyball Survives in The Winter

Wilmington, North Carolina is a beautiful beach town. People move here from all over the country to enjoy the sun, sand, and outdoor lifestyle. Part of that outdoor lifestyle is the thriving beach volleyball community. UNCW has even added sand volleyball as it’s newest sport. Beach volleyball is a huge sport in Wilmington, and one of the best places to play is at Dig & Dive sports bar. Dig & Dive is located at 3525 lancelot lane and has been a favorite hangout since 2012. In the summer time, the bar is packed with league players enjoying a few beers after a match or hanging by the outdoor tiki bar. Other outdoor games are also enjoyed such as corn hole and dodgeball.

Volleyball fans viewing the action from the deck at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, NC

But what about the winter time? How does Dig & Dive survive as a volleyball bar in the winter? The answer is simple, it’s called the frostbite league. Wilmington winters can be surprisingly cold. It’s not unheard of to see a few inches of snow and ice each year. The league runs from January until the spring. Dig & Dive offers sand socks and hoodies to help keep players warm. They also place heaters around the patio for players to warm up.

In the winter with less patrons, Dig & Dive has to diversify it’s offerings and find other revenue streams. Candace Gonzales is the general manager at Dig & Dive. She believes offering volleyball year round can help sustain the business in the slow months. Special tournaments and free play are also extended through the winter. Dig & Dive is also a destination for live sporting events and holiday parties.

Another new feature for the winter is the addition of the Dig & Dive shuttle bus. With the purchase of food or a beverage, customers can get a free ride downtown or to the beach bars. This service not only keeps the roads safe, but helps attract more customers. The shuttle will even pick you up at the end of the night and bring you back to Dig & Dive.

Beach volleyball is obviously a summer sport, but if you have the courage to brave the cold, it can be enjoyed year-round. Even though the winter is here, that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. League play continues at Dig & Dive and the great food and friendly staff keep you smiling. No need for sunscreen, just throw on some sand socks and try the frostbite league.

Four-Man Intermediate Semi-Finals Match

The Rally Monkeys and All Sets are Off faced each other Wednesday night to determine who would move on to the finals of the intermediate, B skill level tournament at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, North Carolina.

"Four-man tournament play begins between "Rally Monkeys" and "All Sets are Off" Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)" — “Four-man tournament play begins between “Rally Monkeys” and “All Sets are Off” Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”

Play was hampered most of the evening by a steady drizzle of rain that made things a bit more difficult for the players to get good control. Once the rain tapered off, play improved with some great shots.

"Rally Monkeys" prepares to serve to "All Sets are Off," Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)" — “Rally Monkeys” prepares to serve to “All Sets are Off,” Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”

The Rally Monkeys made great use of their serve the entire night scoring numerous points with hard overhand shots.

"Rally Monkeys" concentrates on returning the serve. Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)" — “Rally Monkeys” concentrates on returning the serve. Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”

The Rally Monkeys also did a great job returning serve the entire match. The back line players continually were able to dig the serve so teammates could get under the ball for accurate sets.

"All Sets are Off" goes for the kill shot, Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)" — “All Sets are Off” goes for the kill shot, Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”

The kill shots were a big part of the Rally Monkeys success. Most went unblocked and if a defender did attempt the block, the front line players easily poked the ball out of their reach.

"Rally Monkeys" defeat "All Sets are Off" 21-15 21-13 to advance to the tournament finals, Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)" — “Rally Monkeys” defeat “All Sets are Off” 21-15 21-13 to advance to the tournament finals, Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”

All Sets are Off kept the score close but in the end fell in defeat 21-15 and 21-13. Their problems returning serve and setting the ball limited their ability to move on to the next round. The tournament will resume next week starting at 6:30 p.m. at Dig & Dive.