NFL Panthers Cozying Up To New Two States Vodka Brand

Two States plays off of one of the Panthers' slogans, "Two States, One Team" Photo: silver screen bottling Two States plays off of one of the Panthers' slogans, "Two States, One Team" Photo: silver screen bottling Two States plays off of one of the Panthers' slogans, "Two States, One Team" Photo: silver screen bottling

Two States Vodka is Silver Screen Bottling Co.'s "first NFL-inspired liquor," and the Panthers-inspired vodka "could be an option" to become an official brand of the team, according to Erik Spanberg of the CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL. Sales of the vodka "started this week and will ramp up around the NFL Draft" in April, with Bank of America Stadium concessionaire Delaware North planning to serve Two States in the "various bars and lounges scattered throughout the stadium." Two States Vodka "isn't technically backed by the NFL franchise, but it's pretty close." The name "plays off one of the Panthers' slogans: 'Two States. One Team.'" NFL rules "prohibit teams from putting their logos on liquor or licensing any liquor brands," but Two States' logo is "only a couple of steps removed from one of the team's alternate marks." A label on the neck of the Two States bottles also "features the number '146' against a backdrop outline of the two states, with the number signifying the combined number of counties" in North and South Carolina. Panthers President of Business Operations Tom Glick said that Two States has "become an advertiser on team-controlled media." Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is for "multiple years." Silver Screen Bottling is a joint venture between Knoxville-based Whitener Co. and Dallas-based Chronicle Collectibles (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/24).