When To Arrive At The Stadium?

[Ravenheart]

Hi,
German Ravens fan heading to his first NFL game against the Chiefs... pretty excited!
I have two questions though: I need to travel from D.C. that morning, when is it advisable to arrive at the stadium? What is there to catch before kick-off?
My second questions is regarding the policy on cameras.. I have a digital camera (not a camcorder nor a SLR), 6mp, so nothing great really, but it is [url="http://www.livingroom.org.au/photolog/Fujifilm-Finepix-FP6500fd.jpg"]kind of huge[/url]. Will I be able to take it inside, maybe with a small bag, even? If not, can I leave it somewhere outside?

Thanks a lot!

PS:
And where to go after the game, to celebrate?

[Moderator 4]

[quote name='Ravenheart' date='29 July 2009 - 04:30 PM' timestamp='1248899416' post='211455'] I need to travel from D.C. that morning, when is it advisable to arrive at the stadium? What is there to catch before kick-off?
[/quote]

I understand that the stadium gates now open 90 minutes prior to kick-off (used to be 120 minutes). Prior to kick-off, there is the better part of an hour of drills and other practicing. Then the band march on, playing of "I'm Proud to be an American" and the National Anthem, and sometimes a jet squadron flyover. Coin toss, player introductions, some fireworks. Even for those who attend every Ravens game every season, the pregame activities inside the Stadium are pretty entertaining.

Outside the Stadium and in the adjoining downtown and Inner Harbor area, game day brings a special excitement, like electricity in the air. Be sure to walk down the Eutaw Promenade (between the two stadia), where there are outdoor bars and grilled food vendors. Roam the tailgate lots and invite yourself to a party. Festivities start about 5 hours before game time, or longer for night games.

================================================================================

[quote name='Ravenheart' date='29 July 2009 - 04:30 PM' timestamp='1248899416' post='211455'] My second questions is regarding the policy on cameras.. I have a digital camera (not a camcorder nor a SLR), 6mp, so nothing great really, but it is [url="http://www.livingroom.org.au/photolog/Fujifilm-Finepix-FP6500fd.jpg"]kind of huge[/url]. Will I be able to take it inside, maybe with a small bag, even? If not, can I leave it somewhere outside?[/quote]

The stadium security policy on cameras is posted on the [url="http://www.baltimoreravens.com/Gameday/Tickets/Fan_Guide.aspx"]team official site[/url]. Since you didn't define "huge", you may also want to talk to someone in the ticket office (410-261-RAVE) with dimensions of the camera, to get an advance ruling. Also ask the Ticket Office about a place to stash it if the camera is precluded by stadium security.

===============================================================================


[quote name='Ravenheart' date='29 July 2009 - 04:30 PM' timestamp='1248899416' post='211455'] And where to go after the game, to celebrate?
[/quote]

Seriously consider finding a few post-game tailgate parties. Unlike going to the local bars, you can actually engage in conversations. Otherwise, there are many bars on Federal Hill or, further away, along Pratt Street, the Inner Harbor, or Fells Point


==============================================================================

Coming from DC by train, please note that transferring to Light Rail on Sunday mornings at BWI or at Penn Station is problematic because Light Rail doesn't wake up until late morning. You should consider taking an early train to Penn Station, getting the $9 fare, and getting to the stadium grounds early via cab for tailgate party hopping. Post game, you can take Light Rail to BWI, transfer to Amtrak there for a train to DC.

[Moderator 2]

Your camera is about the size of my Cannon that I take into the stadium, I have a cute little Fugi that does not take the same kind of pictures. Ravens walk is really nice before the game and they usually live music in a tent after the game. I would not mess with multiple lenses. I would not push the issue with a camera bag and there are no lockers, I tend to "wear" what I take in and I am female so I do have my purse.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

[quote name='Ravenheart' date='29 July 2009 - 04:30 PM' timestamp='1248899416' post='211455']
Hi,
German Ravens fan heading to his first NFL game against the Chiefs... pretty excited!
I have two questions though: I need to travel from D.C. that morning, when is it advisable to arrive at the stadium? What is there to catch before kick-off?
My second questions is regarding the policy on cameras.. I have a digital camera (not a camcorder nor a SLR), 6mp, so nothing great really, but it is [url="http://www.livingroom.org.au/photolog/Fujifilm-Finepix-FP6500fd.jpg"]kind of huge[/url]. Will I be able to take it inside, maybe with a small bag, even? If not, can I leave it somewhere outside?

Thanks a lot!

PS:
And where to go after the game, to celebrate?
[/quote]
Def arrive 2 to 3 hours before gametime and experience Ravens Walk and tailgating. Tailgaters are really fun and open to meeting out of state fans. Be sure to be inside the stadium before the team comes out of the tunnel, which is awesome. Don't know about your camera, but checkout br.com for stadium restrictions, etc. Welsome, enjoy the game experience.

[Ravenheart]

[quote name='Moderator 4' date='29 July 2009 - 09:59 PM' timestamp='1248901167' post='211465']Coming from DC by train, please note that transferring to Light Rail on Sunday mornings at BWI or at Penn Station is problematic because Light Rail doesn't wake up until late morning.
[/quote]

We'll be sleeping at the Sheraton (City Center), so we'll hope to leave our luggage there and then go to the stadium as early as possible. (Now that I got your advice).

I will call the ticket hotline to inquire about the camera.

Thank you all, I don't know how to imagine the tailgating part, we don't have that here, but I'm sure it is a lot of fun, and I'm VERY excited

[Moderator 3]

At the top of this page you can click on "Gameday" then "M&T Bank Stadium" to find all of the policies on what you can bring, etc.

[edreedfromtheu]

As far as cameras go... you should be fine. People bring their HUGE SLR cameras with the even bigger lenses in with them. [i][b]I think the only thing you can't bring is the camera case.[/b][/i] So you have to carry it around with you, most people with the bigger cameras just have it on a strap around their neck.

As for when you want to arrive... if this is your first Ravens game, then you HAVE to be there to see the players warm up, and see the pre-game introductions. It's something that everyone loves, and they typically always do Ray Lewis even on the days when they introduce the offense. But since it is opening day, they will most likely be doing the defense.

SO, to make sure you see all of that, I would recommend getting INTO the stadium at least 40 minutes before game time.

If you like to drink, then get to the stadium as early as you can... walk around the parking lots and join in with tailgaters. All the local bars are having special gameday events. And also... the food and beer is always cheaper outside of the stadium. Once you enter... they take all your money!

[Ravenheart]

Thanks, I really appreciate your hints!