Baltimore Ravens Games

Photo Credit: Moe Epsilon

In lieu of the recent NFL draft I'll bring up a series of looming events, The Baltimore Ravens season. I briefly touched on this in my blog about M&T Bank Stadium which is where they play but I didn't go much into depth. The reigning Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens begin their season in August of 2013. As you can tell, that is right around the corner. It feels like just yesterday that we were celebrating the Super Bowl victory!

The schedule for the upcoming season was recently released and is set to be a fantastic year.  As you can see from that link they have 9 home games. A home game in Baltimore is an experience unlike any other. I love attending Ravens games and the events that transpire before and after kickoff. No matter what the weather or temperature, the Ravens faithful will be out in the parking lots tailgating and going strong. The tailgates are a blast. You can't take in a deep breath without smelling delicious food being cooked, and everyone is willing to give it away.

While in the stadium, you are guaranteed to have a blast. For blocks around the stadium you can hear the exuberant fans singing the Seven Nation Army tune which has become a staple at Ravens games. The sea of purple and black is a beautiful site on game day. Like most stadiums, the prices at M&T Bank Stadium are not as favorable as one would like but still reasonable. Depending on the game, the ticket prices vary. Although most games are sold out the availability for tickets is still pretty high which is always nice for people who make up their minds at the last minute.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco 

The Fan Zone outside the stadium is a great time as well. Games, vendors, merchandise, food and even players are the big draw here. It provides a more family oriented, kid based atmosphere which some of the other tailgate spots might not.

Another great way to tailgate for the games is at The Gameday Warehouse located two blocks from the stadium. This is always a popular location especially during poor weather. They serve food and alcohol in the Warehouse and also have a wide selection of flat screen t.v.s where you could watch the pregame activities or another game that might be happening.

I love attending Ravens games because they are my favorite football team but also because they are a great time. If you don't like the Ravens but are a fan of some other team, maybe you can get lucky with them coming to town. Following the draft this year is set to be another promising season. For all things Ravens, check out their website where you can find tickets, news, the schedule, roster and anything else you could desire about the Baltimore Ravens!

M&T Bank Stadium

College Football Game at the Stadium

     M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore is most commonly known as the home of the recently crowned Superbowl Champions, The Baltimore Ravens. The stadium is a majestic place. It is beautifully structured and the turf is new and is great looking. The sea of purple seats make me feel at home whenever I'm there because I am an avid Ravens fan.

     I had the pleasure of visiting the stadium a few times over this past NFL season, including Ray Lewis' last home game in the playoffs vs. The Colts. As a fan, there is nothing more awesome than attending a home game. The atmosphere is unreal.

     Along with Raven's games the Baltimore stadium holds home to a few other events. Around the state it is the hallowed grounds for high school football state championships. I never made it to play there but I did get to watch my high school play for it when I was a freshman. As a high school football player that's the ultimate goal, to play down at M&T Bank. To see my older friends playing out there was an unreal experience that I'll never forget and I can't imagine how they felt being out there.

Army vs. Navy Lacrosse Game at M&T Bank

     Besides the state championships the stadium has held the Men's College Lacrosse National Championship multiple times as well. This is a great location for the event as Maryland is a hotbed for the sport and the fans come out in huge numbers over Memorial Day weekend. They also host a few other lacrosse events which vary every year and season. On a warm day as a lacrosse fan it's a great scene to catch some good games.

Jay-Z and Justin performance! Photo Credit: Linda Marie

     Over the past few summers the stadium has hosted a few international soccer matches and this year is no different. In late July there are two days of soccer games at M&T Bank Stadium. Also this summer there is even a Monster Truck Rally in July.

     In August the stadium brings the Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake concert to town. This by music standards is a huge concert which will likely be sold out.

     M&T Bank Stadium is a great Maryland Treasure that should be experienced by all. Even if you don't like the Ravens maybe your team is playing them and you want to check them out, do it! Maybe you're a fan of soccer, or lacrosse, or high school football, or Monster Trucks, or Jay-Z whatever it is, M&T Bank is a great venue and a guarantee to be a great experience.