Ravens Vs Vikings - Oct 18

[WinnipegRaven]

Looks like I will be gracing an NFL football field (the stands at least) for the first time on Oct 18. Not too sure what to expect except another W (fingers crossed) for the Ravens.
Anyway, I have no idea about tailgating or Vikings fans or where to go pre/post game, whether or not Im gonna getta beating for cheering for the visiting team.

Anyone else going to this game? Wouldn't mind meeting up if you are.

[XxSizzleXx]

You and me both will be catching our first live NFL games. I'm also driving up from the north like you with some buddies. Got some 3rd row tickets right next to the players wives section .

[Moderator 4]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='28 September 2009 - 02:19 AM' timestamp='1254118757' post='243300']
You and me both will be catching our first live NFL games. [/quote]

This will be the approx 200th or so NFL game that I will have attended; I am just as excited as you guys to see the Ravens in the Metrodome.

[D-Rey]

I'm going to this game to, driving up there from Davenport, Iowa on Saturday morning. What hotel are you guys staying in, i haven't booked one yet. Are you guys doing anything before or after the game?

[edreedfromtheu]

Yes, someone from Minnesota... where are the good bars?

And also, anyone going to the Rodrigo y Gabriela concert the night before? They are so awesome live!

[XxSizzleXx]

Staying at the Super 8 close to the Mall of America, got the King Size jacuzzi suite already booked haha. I was wondering if anyone knew how the Vikings fans are, I don't want to have to get physical after the Ravens leave the Purple Bowl with a BIG W!!!

[NorthernRaven]

Got four of us coming down from WPG to check out our first NFL game..
RE: tailgating - super stoked about grilling some meat and drinking beer at 9 in the morning, but can't find too much info on how to execute this. Apparently there are three lots dedicated to season pass holders, and then there might be some "cash" lots ($40?) for outsiders and one-gamers. anyone else find anything out? lets unite

[WinnipegRaven]

Im with ya Northern! I'm obviously heading down from WPG as well. You guys on one of those tour bus things or driving?

[Rocky Mountain Raven]

I lived in Mn for 7 years. I wore a Ripken jersey to a Twins game and didnt have any problems. Minnesota's a nice place but you will get heckled, all in good fun though.

[Moderator 4]

Stadium parking diagram is ----> [url="http://www.vikings.com/stadium/tailgating.html"]here[/url].

Anyone who can scout out and choose a cash lot, please post it here. I will likely take a cab or bus to the Dome, and will bring "refreshments" to join up an existing tailgate.

We did it that way in San Fran a few years ago: wound up with over 50 Ravens fans, all strangers, great party!

[XxSizzleXx]

Does anyone know where the parking is for non tailgating vehicles? We are just going to park close and probably walk to the tailgating lots.

[BigMike]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='08 October 2009 - 03:26 AM' timestamp='1254986791' post='251646']
Staying at the Super 8 close to the Mall of America, got the King Size jacuzzi suite already booked haha. I was wondering if anyone knew how the Vikings fans are, I don't want to have to get physical after the Ravens leave the Purple Bowl with a BIG W!!!
[/quote]

You guys represent! Don't worry about the Viking fans. I've been on several road trips. It's a blast supporting your team on the road. Have not had a bad experience to date. Just lots of fun. Enjoy and cheer hard!

Go Ravens!!

[D-Rey]

Ya, I want to party with my fellow Ravens fans before the game. I'm super excited for my first NFL game.

[NorthernRaven]

We are driving down on Friday and hopefully we can find out some more from the locals on where we can park for this thing. one of my friends will be wearing a Vikings jersey so we plan on kicking him out of the car in Fargo. Another friend may wear a Bombers hat, but we'll let him stay (he can drive)


If anyone else has info plz post. we will bring the laptop down and post anything we find out.. the more "visitors" tailgating the better!! cheers!

[XxSizzleXx]

Open up that link above that Mod 4 has, the grey highlighted areas are where you can park and the purple highlighted areas are the tailgating lots. So pumped that's all I'll be able to think about this week is having some brews tailgating and going to cheer on the Ravens in their first game at the Metrodome.

[52RayFan]

[quote name='NorthernRaven' date='11 October 2009 - 11:39 PM' timestamp='1255318763' post='255020']
We are driving down on Friday and hopefully we can find out some more from the locals on where we can park for this thing. one of my friends will be wearing a Vikings jersey so we plan on kicking him out of the car in Fargo. Another friend may wear a Bombers hat, but we'll let him stay (he can drive)


If anyone else has info plz post. we will bring the laptop down and post anything we find out.. the more "visitors" tailgating the better!! cheers!
[/quote]

[52RayFan]

We have 3 coming from B-More on Saturday. Would also like to tailgate or meet other Ravens fans Saturday night.

[XxSizzleXx]

http://www.vikings.com/stadium/tailgating.html

This is the parking diagram.

PURPLE highlighted areas for tailgating lots

GREY highlighted areas for vehicle parking.

ALSO IF SOMEONE FINDS THE CASH LOTS POST IT SO ALL US RAVENS FANS CAN TAILGATE BEFORE THE GAME.

[MplsRaven]

My 7 year old son and I are from Minnesota and we love the Ravens. We will be at the game. My son is soo excited, as am I.

Anyone have any idea whats the best way to possibly have my son meet Ed Reed ??

[D-Rey]

I heard you can go to the Ravens bus after the game to meet them. I don't know, this is going to be my first NFL game.

[Moderator 4]

[quote name='MplsRaven' date='14 October 2009 - 03:56 PM' timestamp='1255550204' post='257140']Anyone have any idea whats the best way to possibly have my son meet Ed Reed ??[/quote]

[quote name='D-Rey' date='15 October 2009 - 12:06 PM' timestamp='1255622813' post='257626']
I heard you can go to the Ravens bus after the game to meet them. I don't know, this is going to be my first NFL game.
[/quote]



As to your son, you may want to have him wear a Reed jersey and carry a "Reed for President" or similar sign. Unlikely that you would get his attention inside the stadium, but if you want to try to get his attention with the sign immediately after the team comes out of the locker room pre-game, about 1:15 or so before kickoff, and hang in/near the end zone. Once they start warm-ups, the players go into a mental zone and highly unlikely you'll see him. Post game, sometimes you can catch them going off the field -- I have a friend who caught a glove tossed by Reed. But your best bet may be the bus.

At most Ravens road games I have attended, the area around the team bus has been cordoned off to provide a perimeter of perhaps 30 feet or so. Some of the players will come out to the edge of the perimeter to greet family/friends, while most just get on the bus. They generally have ignored autograph hounds, and most Ravens fans have respected their wishes for privacy. You may want to start a "Re-e-e-e-ed" cheer when he appears and hold up the sign.

[WinnipegRaven]

Well sports fans... Looks like this is one Ravens fan who won't be making the game after all. Just found out that me and my old lady are expecting our second child and had to put the trip on hold - BAHHAHRAH!!!! Sold my tickets on a local website - damn near broke my heart. Guess I'll have to wait for a more convenient time to go, jeee whiz am I sad.... Wanted to take some live pictures with my SLR and possibly get some autographs, not to mention see an amazing game.

[MplsRaven]

[quote name='Moderator 4' date='15 October 2009 - 01:04 PM' timestamp='1255629890' post='257702']
As to your son, you may want to have him wear a Reed jersey and carry a "Reed for President" or similar sign. Unlikely that you would get his attention inside the stadium, but if you want to try to get his attention with the sign immediately after the team comes out of the locker room pre-game, about 1:15 or so before kickoff, and hang in/near the end zone. Once they start warm-ups, the players go into a mental zone and highly unlikely you'll see him. Post game, sometimes you can catch them going off the field -- I have a friend who caught a glove tossed by Reed. But your best bet may be the bus.

At most Ravens road games I have attended, the area around the team bus has been cordoned off to provide a perimeter of perhaps 30 feet or so. Some of the players will come out to the edge of the perimeter to greet family/friends, while most just get on the bus. They generally have ignored autograph hounds, and most Ravens fans have respected their wishes for privacy. You may want to start a "Re-e-e-e-ed" cheer when he appears and hold up the sign.
[/quote]


thank you so very much. my son has an ed reed jersey that he will be proudly wearing sunday. i did not know that we can take a sign into the stadium. we are going to make the coolest sign ever.

we are both very excited to see our favorite team live for the 1st time.

[D-Rey]

[quote name='WinnipegRaven' date='15 October 2009 - 04:33 PM' timestamp='1255635223' post='257739']
Well sports fans... Looks like this is one Ravens fan who won't be making the game after all. Just found out that me and my old lady are expecting our second child and had to put the trip on hold - BAHHAHRAH!!!! Sold my tickets on a local website - damn near broke my heart. Guess I'll have to wait for a more convenient time to go, jeee whiz am I sad.... Wanted to take some live pictures with my SLR and possibly get some autographs, not to mention see an amazing game.
[/quote]

Sorry to hear you can't go, but congrats on the second child. I will be twice as loud for you.

[g_money]

where is everyone going to meet up for the game in minnesota?
I'll be flying into town tomorrow from NYC to see this game.
I cannot wait to enter the metrodome and walk out with a win.

Also how does one know where the bus is going to be to greet
the players? Any ideas where the players are staying ?

I was able to see Ocho Cinco at last week's game and that was
pretty cool.

[Moderator 4]

[quote name='g_money' date='16 October 2009 - 01:18 PM' timestamp='1255713495' post='258190']

Also how does one know where the bus is going to be to greet
the players? Any ideas where the players are staying ?

[/quote]

I just follow other Ravens fans walking around opponents' stadiums until finding the bus. Usually starting about 40 minutes or so after the game -- the home crowd would have thinned out and the bus should be easy to spot.

Don't know which hotel the players stay at and the Ravens stay mum about it; each time I have been at the same place, it's been at a high end downtown hotel.

Weather in Minneapolis area has turned gorgeous sunny and upper 50s comfy. Get to the stadium area early -- there's some chaotic downtown road construction through the weekend.

[XxSizzleXx]

Vikings tailgaters are very disappointing I thought. It didn't even look like the parking lots designated for tailgating were even close to filled.