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See my other visit to
M&T Bank Stadium:

StadiumTour- Feb.21,2007









 

As the east coast was being pounded by a record setting snowstorm with designs on crippling the region, I found myself rolling in the Quest Machine into the heart of it all. I had tickets for an NFL weekend doubleheader with the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday  and the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football at FedExField. The storm was expected to dump twenty-two inches of snow on an area that’s typically shut down by an inch or two, so figuring the first several hours of the storm would weed out those destined to maroon themselves in a snow bank on the side of the road, I timed my trip to arrive in the beltway after the brunt of the storm front had passed. For the most part, the route was completely clear until I hit western Pennsylvania, then things began to slow to a crawl for the last leg of my journey. White-knuckling in down the road behind a frozen windshield wiper that refused to clear the center of my field of view, I eventually arrived around 11:00pm on Saturday night. A little inclement weather certainly cannot deter the Quest!

The Baltimore Ravens game, which was originally set for a 1:00pm kickoff the next day, was moved to 4:15pm by the NFL due to the weather; and with the Chicago Bears still stranded in Chicago, there was actually talk of postponing the game again … potentially to Monday Night.  Unfortunately for someone like me, with designs on a weekend doubleheader, the move to Monday night could potentially derail my plans for completion of the Quest in 2009. 

Crews worked around the clock, throughout the storm, clearing snow from the stadium and from the surrounding roads and parking lots with all types of construction equipment.  It was an impressive operation that continued into Sunday morning, and thankfully, due to their diligent work, gametime was on target to proceed as planned at 4:15pm.

Leaving from the beltway early Sunday morning, I was accompanied by my fraternity brother Jamin, who was also with me for Stadium #7 Lambeau Field in Green Bay Wisconsin.  We decided to give ourselves plenty of time to get to Baltimore and ended up arriving a full five and half hours before game time. The lots were clear, massive piles of snow surrounded the periphery, but there was noone else there.

Baltimore is highly regarded as one of the better tailgating venues in the National Football League and a proud tradition remains among this solid fanbase of diehards that hits the lot each week rain or shine. This is a city that unexpectedly lost its team in 1984, when Owner Jim Irsay packed up the Baltimore Colts in the dead of the night and rolled out of town bound for Indianapolis.  This was an event that devastated the city, but united its fanbase and their love of pro football.  When the Ravens came to town in 1996, they were immediately embraced and a new chapter of Pro Football in Baltimore was begun.

What I found in walking the lot was a strong, resilient fanbase that bleeds purple. Although the storm had taken its toll on the City of Baltimore and its outlying areas, Ravens Fans persevered.  They dug themselves out and headed for M&T Bank Stadium to support their Ravens in the final push for a playoff berth. I was told by many of the fans I talked to that several of the larger tailgates were canceled or delayed due to the storm.  So although sparse pockets of tailgaters began the day, right before game time the lots were full with folks talking football, grilling up meats, and enjoying their ice cold beverages of choice.

I found the Ravens fans to be a welcoming breed. Knowledgeable on the game of football, and committed, as you might imagine, to the Defensive side of the ball. GM Ozzie Newsome continues to reload this Super Bowl caliber defense with exceptional talent as each successive draft passes. These days, with recent draft picks such as Joe Flacco, Ray Rice and Michael Oher, the offense is finally coming along as well. Considering the young talent they have that's flanked by strong veteran leadership, these guys should continue to be a force in the AFC from many years to come.

Right before game time, I was invited by Hall of Fame Fan, the Purple Dame, to stop by her tailgate before heading into the stadium. This group of super fans including the highly recognizable Sports Steve and Captain Dee-Fense, represents the concentrated core of Raven ambassadors charged with hyping the crowd each week and providing that necessary 12th man support to rally the home team. We spent some time kicking back a couple of cold ones and talking Ravens football right until gametime. It’s always interesting when you find kindred spirits who love the game of football as much as you do, so the conversation flowed as freely as the amber bock. I’m told that National Bohemian Beer, or “Natty Bo” is the classic local beer of choice as it was once brewed right in Baltimore. Not being one to buck the system, I had a few.

Heading over to M&T Bank Stadium, we ascended the stairs bound for Section 545 to our gameday perch. The stands were filled with purple and black and I have to say I was fairly impressed with the Ravens 12th man. The commitment of the front office to the defensive side of the ball, has really spurned a culture of defensive fan support. Third down, as you would expect is a big one, and the home crowd responds with disruptive noise to assist their beloved Ravens defense. I’m also please to report that I was on had to witness yet another home team blowout as Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense picked apart the once-vaunted Bears defense with four touchdowns by the golden arm of the University of Delaware product. The Ravens would cruise to victory by the score of 31-7, leaving Chicago Bear players just shaking their heads. With Stadium #29, M&T Bank Stadium, complete on the Quest for 31, I prepared for FedExField on Monday Night Football. Hopefully another home team win is in the cards for this Questor.


For more information on the city of Baltimore, MD check out my other review by clicking on the link below:
     NFL: February 21, 2007 - M&T Bank Stadium Tour
 

           Baltimore Ravens
          2010 NFL Schedule

1 Monday, 13-Sep BAL @ NYJ 7:00 PM
2 Sunday, 19-Sep BAL @ CIN 1:00 PM
3 Sunday, 26-Sep CLE @ BAL 1:00 PM
4 Sunday, 3-Oct BAL @ PIT 1:00 PM
5 Sunday, 10-Oct DEN @ BAL 1:00 PM
6 Sunday, 17-Oct BAL @ NE 1:00 PM
7 Sunday, 24-Oct BUF @ BAL 1:00 PM
8 Bye
9 Sunday, 7-Nov MIA @ BAL 1:00 PM
10 Thursday,11-Nov BAL @ ATL 8:20 PM
11 Sunday, 21-Nov BAL @ CAR 1:00 PM
12 Sunday, 28-Nov TB @ BAL 1:00 PM
13 Sunday, 5-Dec PIT @ BAL 8:20 PM
14 Monday, 13-Dec BAL @ HOU 8:30 PM
15 Sunday, 19-Dec NO @ BAL 1:00 PM
16 Sunday, 26-Dec BAL @ CLE 1:00 PM
17 Sunday, 2-Jan CIN @ BAL 1:00 PM

                NFL Football Stadiums

 

M&T Bank Stadium Tours - Tours are only for groups of 20 or more

Ticket Prices: $5 per person
Phone Number: Contact Phil Gentile at 410-986-5261
Hours: Anytime Monday - Friday  
Areas Covered: Field, Suite Level, Club Level, Locker Rooms, and more.

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from M&T Bank Stadium:
 
 

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