Where To Be?

[ebonynivory]

Hi there,

I'm flying down to Baltimore from western Canada to see my first NFL game in person.

I don't know if you all can help me but I'm just trying to make the most of the experience and the money I've spent to see my favorite team. I know nothing is certain but I would love to get a few autographs, ok one really, Ray Lewis'. Is there any places to be at certain times to better my chances? What about the practice facility?

I'm arriving friday morning Nov. 5, to watch the dolphins game. Can I catch a practice? I have a place for only one thing on my wall and that's a signed football from Mr. Lewis.

Also we want to do some tailgating. What time do they usually start?

Sorry if the answers have already been posted. I don't have a lot of time to play on the computer.

Thank you

[Moderator 2]

Practices are not open to the public and getting autographs are very hit or miss. Everyone starts tailgating at different times, check with the people you are meeting up with to tailgate as to the time. If you don't have a tailgate group there is [url="http://www.baltimoreravens.com/Gameday/Gameday_Events/Ravens_Walk.aspx"]Ravens Walk[/url] and the [url="http://www.baltimoreravens.com/Gameday/Gameday_Events.aspx"]Backyard Bash [/url]
postgame, some people welcome walk up strangers others don't--tailgating gets expensive. Stadium lots open 4 hrs prior to gametime and the stadium 90 mins.

[Moderator 4]

I can't help re autographs, since no one in my family collects them. In-season practices are closed to the public, so you'd likely have to find an evening charity event attended by Ravens players. Realistically, your chances on a Friday or Saturday would likely be slim. Perhaps write to the Ravens PR department listed elsewhere on this site, tell them how far you are traveling, and maybe they can help steer you. Others that hang around post-game at the players exit between gates C & D should be able to comment on getting autographs there -- I see the commotion after many games, but have never paid attention to the autograph seekers.

Tailgating starts as early as 7 am on game days. It gets serious starting about 8:30 to 9:30 am. Are you renting a vehicle? If so, get there early to get into the cash lots, which are primarily at Staples on Russell Street northeast of the stadium and along Warner, Stockholm, and Ostend Streets south and east of the stadium.

Another option would be to park in the downtown garages (no tailgating) along the Pratt & Lombard Street corridor, between University of Maryland and the Inner Harbor. Or, if you have no vehicle, take Metro or Light rail. In either case, instead of all the tailgate prep, you can just walk along the Eutaw Steeet Promenade between the baseball and football stadiums and buy food and drink from the outdoor cafes and pubs that align this walk.

If you are familiar with CFL prices: be prepared for sticker shock, regardless of the exchange rate. $45 or so at tailgating lots, $25 or so at downtown garages.

btw: depending on your age, jet lag can be bothersome. Last time I flew Baltimore-Calgary, it took me four days or so to recover. Eastbound is usually less of a problem, but it does happen.

btw2: check in at "Ravens Fans Unite" for other Ravens fans from Canada. We had quite a few who drove down from Alberta and Manitoba for the Ravens-Vikings game last year.

[ebonynivory]

[quote name='Moderator 4' timestamp='1281416614' post='447722']
I can't help re autographs, since no one in my family collects them. In-season practices are closed to the public, so you'd likely have to find an evening charity event attended by Ravens players. Realistically, your chances on a Friday or Saturday would likely be slim. Perhaps write to the Ravens PR department listed elsewhere on this site, tell them how far you are traveling, and maybe they can help steer you. Others that hang around post-game at the players exit between gates C & D should be able to comment on getting autographs there -- I see the commotion after many games, but have never paid attention to the autograph seekers.

Tailgating starts as early as 7 am on game days. It gets serious starting about 8:30 to 9:30 am. Are you renting a vehicle? If so, get there early to get into the cash lots, which are primarily at Staples on Russell Street northeast of the stadium and along Warner, Stockholm, and Ostend Streets south and east of the stadium.

Another option would be to park in the downtown garages (no tailgating) along the Pratt & Lombard Street corridor, between University of Maryland and the Inner Harbor. Or, if you have no vehicle, take Metro or Light rail. In either case, instead of all the tailgate prep, you can just walk along the Eutaw Steeet Promenade between the baseball and football stadiums and buy food and drink from the outdoor cafes and pubs that align this walk.

If you are familiar with CFL prices: be prepared for sticker shock, regardless of the exchange rate. $45 or so at tailgating lots, $25 or so at downtown garages.

btw: depending on your age, jet lag can be bothersome. Last time I flew Baltimore-Calgary, it took me four days or so to recover. Eastbound is usually less of a problem, but it does happen.

btw2: check in at "Ravens Fans Unite" for other Ravens fans from Canada. We had quite a few who drove down from Alberta and Manitoba for the Ravens-Vikings game last year.
[/quote]

Thanks for the advice. I'm actually from Calgary. I'm 30 and my wife's extended family lives in washington so they're going to drive us around and drop us off. None follow the Ravens so we're on our own. And thought we'd just walk to a tailgate party.

I'll try the PR idea, hopefully I can get it. I don't really like CFL but have gone to the games and I bet there is some price differences.

Don't know any other Ravens fans out here so that's cool.

[Moderator 2]

Except for Ravens Walk tailgate parties are private affairs among friends. I will see if the Baltimore City Firefighters are doing their paid tailgate.

[ebonynivory]

[quote name='Moderator 2' timestamp='1281474745' post='447990']
Except for Ravens Walk tailgate parties are private affairs among friends. I will see if the Baltimore City Firefighters are doing their paid tailgate.
[/quote]

Thanks. Any help is greatly appreciated. I just want to experience all I can while I'm down there. Probably won't do another NFL game till my son is older.

[K-Dog]

getting a Ray Lewis autograph in person is going to be super, super difficult. On game day the only chance you will have (which is slim) is to hang out at the players entrance / parking lot. They keep it baracaded with security, but there has been occasions where players have taken a moment or two to sign a few things.