As a former Baltimore Colts fan, I was very excited for football to return to Baltimore. Despite having mixed feelings for getting the former Cleveland Browns, and the way in which they were obtained, I immediately signed up for seasons tickets for the first season to be played at the historic Memorial Stadium in 1995. I love Memorial Stadium and had many fond memories there, but that arena was NOT designed for comfort, and there are many seats with obstructed views.

Raven's stadium was built a few years later and despite the purple seats, it is visually remarkable, not unlike nearby Oriole Park at Camden Yards. With a capacity to seat about 70,000 fans, a state-of-the-art soundsystem, and two giant Smartvision TV's, the technological advances of other major cities and the spirit of football was back in Baltimore.

THE FANS:
Ravens' fans are much more lively than Oriole fans, constantly supporting their favorite players, calling out what they think will be the next play, and booing the officials. Be prepared to deal with that if you're visiting from an opposing team. Since Baltimore was without a team for so many years, there are many people from the area that do support other teams. Tons of Steelers and Redskins fans to name a few, show up wearing their teams jerseys. Most of the heckling is good natured but it does go on.

THE VIEW:
You will get a great view of the game from every seat. I have sat in lower level, club level, and upper level seats and have never left feeling that I missed out on anything. The Smartvision boards, hanging above each endzone, provide replays and up close views so you never miss a play and can judge for yourself if the referee made the right call. The jumbo TV also shows controversial calls and those plays reviewed through instant replay by the officials.

TICKETS
Most tickets are taken by season ticket holders and corporations. However, the Ravens reserve about 6000 seats to sell to the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the Raven's Box Office on the west side of PSINet Stadium or by using Ticketmaster. (800.551.SEAT or www.ticketmaster.com) The ticket prices can range from $26 for Upper Reserve endzone corner sections to $297 for Club Level 50-yard line seats.

PARKING
PSINET parking lots are already filled with season ticket holders providing plenty of room to tailgate. However, there are several garages and parking lots surrounding the stadium that are in close proximity. Parking prices range from $7 - $20 for stadium events. One notable garage is the Baltimore Arena Garage located on the corner of Howard and Eutaw Streets. Leaving this garage is a lot easier because you pay when you enter. Public transportation is also available through bus park-and-rides and the lightrail system. The lightrail trains do get very crowded especially after the game so you may have to wait awhile for the next train. Round trip prices are $2.70. The Maryland Transportation Authority (800.543.9809) can provide more information.

FOOD/BEVERAGES
There are numerous food and beverage choices available for consumption. Food includes the normal stadium fare: hot dogs, nachos, pizza, chicken fingers, hot pretzels, peanuts, and french fries. Certain levels provide Maryland Crap Cakes, Crab Soup, and burgers. Expect to pay about $4 for a hot dog and $7 for a chicken fingers/french fries platter, which are very tasty. Beer prices are about $5 per draft. There are several beermen found walking all over the stadium, as well as coke and hotdog vendors. During the winter months, you'll find hot chocolate and coffee choices available and can even get them mixed with Kahlua! And don't worry, with over 60 extremely large bathrooms, you won't have to wait very long to use the facilities except during halftime and the end of the game.

STORES
If you want to take home some Baltimore Raven's memorabilla, there are several shops located throughout the stadium. T-shirts, sweatshirts, programs, and signed footballs are a bit more pricey at the stadium then at other stores but they are all available.

If you're from the Baltimore area, you are probably on a "football high" right now. Although tickets to single games as well as full season tickets will not be as easy to obtain as in recent years, I highly recommend trying to go to atleast one upcoming game. The team the Baltimore Ravens have right now is extremely talented and exciting to watch, and many have given back tremendously to the community. With free agency and the salary cap, who knows how long they will stay together. PSINET Stadium (or as I prefer to call it, simply Raven's Stadium) is an excellent ball park to show your support or to enjoy watching football at its best.



Recommended: Yes

Parking Availability: Busy But Manageable
Seat Location: Lower Level