As a transplanted Buffalonian, I have to say that I think the lack of fanaticism about professional sports in Charlotte is refreshing. If the team is entertaining, the fans follow along and support them. If they stink it up, they do not. That goes for pro football and basketball. Professional sports are a form of entertainment. If they are not entertaining, then people move on.
They are a little crazy about college basketball down here, which is too bad, but it's no where near as bad as people are about sports up north. FYI, the number one sport in the south both in terms of participation and viewership is golf. I think it's the weather...