Ravens May Not Hold Training Camp In Westminster! Say It Isn't So!

[Marc2k6]

Ravens training camp in Westminster at McDaniels College has turn into a tradition for many Ravens fans and families. During training camp you see many fans and families enjoying the rich tradition of Ravens training camp but this may come to an end. No more family trips to Westminster to wee our loved Ravens.
I know I personally have some how created a craved 6 year old Ravens fan and a 2 year old boy who is following in his brothers steps, it will be sad to not be able to attend training camp this year with my boys! Ravens Nation how are you going to feel if there is no longer Ravens training camp in Westminster?!©™

[Purple Nurple]

Ive never been but I do agree its a huge tradition for many many people. It would be a shame for them to end that. Where are you getting your info from?

As an aside, if I ever quote you will I be sued? I see you copyright and trademark everything!

[Twistidfunk]

Well, I don't know the reasoning behind it but whatever gets the team better prepared is what they should do. I'd imagine the Castle is better suited for preparations with its locker rooms/medical facilities/film rooms etc.

Football teams need to prepare to win first and foremost. If they don't do that then no one goes to actual games for loser teams. The games are more important.

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1322671026' post='890943']
Ive never been but I do agree its a huge tradition for many many people. It would be a shame for them to end that. Where are you getting your info from?

As an aside, if I ever quote you will I be sued? I see you copyright and trademark everything!
[/quote]
Purple you have to ©™ everything just in case, you never know! I'm hearing it on the radio and reading it on different sites like http://aggbot.com/Baltimore-Ravens-News/article/15486699, not sure if it will or will not continue, that is why I made sure to say may not. (©™) lol
Just saw it on WJZ ch 13 also.

[Hardbaugh]

I heard this as well on the Steve Davis show this morning. I agree winning is everything but if you do it at the cost of bringing young fans into the nest not to mention advertising dollars I think it's a huge mistake.

I've only been to camp a few times so I don't have any real stake in the decision but the people I know that attend it's a fan experience not felt anywhere in the area. I was much in favor of the Ravens removing the training camp adult autograph seekers from the equation a few years ago hence making it more family and kid friendly.

The Ravens have to understand that they are in relatively close proximity to three other franchises and are in a constant battle for fans, especially young fans and their families not to mention the franchise is still in it's infancy. The Ravens have done extremely well in the community but this would be a real step in the wrong direction .

[gabefergy]

That would make me sad. Its been a tradition for so long in Westminster, and it really helps out the community. I remember going over there after HS soccer practice and watching the Ravens practice, good memories.

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='Marc2k6' timestamp='1322670828' post='890941']
Ravens training camp in Westminster at McDaniels College has turn into a tradition for many Ravens fans and families. During training camp you see many fans and families enjoying the rich tradition of Ravens training camp but this may come to an end. No more family trips to Westminster to wee our loved Ravens.
I know I personally have some how created a craved 6 year old Ravens fan and a 2 year old boy who is following in his brothers steps, it will be sad to not be able to attend training camp this year with my boys! Ravens Nation how are you going to feel if there is no longer Ravens training camp in Westminster?!©™
[/quote]


You know... they could just open up camp to the public when they have it at their Owings Mills facility. I think that pretty much solves any and all problems.

[lowrider]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1322676447' post='891029']


You know... they could just open up camp to the public when they have it at their Owings Mills facility. I think that pretty much solves any and all problems.
[/quote]
You would have to think that they would make accommodations to the facility so they could support fans coming. It would only make sense. I can't imagine them moving the training camp back to the Castle and keeping the fans out

[BloodRaven]

I've heard that the living facilities in the castle are pretty cramped.

[H8R]

Well, there isn't ample parking at The Castle to accomodate the fans coming there... Maybe they're upgrading this?? All I can tell you is, I LOVED GOING TO WESTMINSTER/McDaniel! Though, if it proves to be beneificial to wins and losses...I'll gladly forego.
I remember Steve Biscioti flashingback to his childhood and what going to Wesminster meant to him and his family, cheering the Colts on!
It's really a GREAT time. Though, if they were to hold maybe a weekly practice or bi-weekly practice @ The Bank ( during Training Camp), that would be cool too!

[Dfence4champs2052]

Whatever's best for the team I would support. I would like to see tradition remain but there are casualties in every war!

[jus'_crAzy]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1322677270' post='891046']
I've heard that the living facilities in the castle are pretty cramped.
[/quote]
Didn't they have to sleep on cots in racquetball courts?

[raveon]

Are the Ravens saying to us buy our PSL's, buy our tickets, buy our merchandise, but don't bother us. I think its a bad PR move. There are a lot of Raven Fans who can't afford tickets or they simply can't obtain them and they can only see the players in person at T- camp

[Natty Boh]

I really don't care where they hold their traning camp so long as it is in the best place to prepare them for the season.

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='jus'_crAzy' timestamp='1322679069' post='891077']
Didn't they have to sleep on cots in racquetball courts?
[/quote]

Yeah there were reports about ridiculous conditions, should be a good selling point when the FA's visit.

/sarcasm

[bmorefan444]

[quote name='raveon' timestamp='1322679195' post='891082']
Are the Ravens saying to us buy our PSL's, buy our tickets, buy our merchandise, but don't bother us. I think its a bad PR move. There are a lot of Raven Fans who can't afford tickets or they simply can't obtain them and they can only see the players in person at T- camp
[/quote]

Exactly! I'm a poor college student so I don't have the money to put towards a ticket. I would drive to McDaniel a few times during training camp so I could see my team.

[Moderator 2]

There is no room at the Castle for the scores of fans. I wonder how much of this has to do with the changes in the CBA?

[PSU RAVEN]

The training camp has been great for my family. My son and daughter love to go but IMO they are too young to take to a game . It really cultivates fandom and gets folks close to the team who would not otherwise have an opportunity.

I am sure it is also a cost cutting measure but I think moving it from Westminster is a mistake.

[Free Agent]

I was very afraid this would happen after they announced they would be in Owings Mills for training camp following the lockout. It may be a convenient move for them, but it wouldnt be a good move for the fans. Ive met people who fly out from the west coast just to see the Ravens in training camp.

[George70]

[quote name='raveon' timestamp='1322679195' post='891082']
Are the Ravens saying to us buy our PSL's, buy our tickets, buy our merchandise, but don't bother us. I think its a bad PR move. There are a lot of Raven Fans who can't afford tickets or they simply can't obtain them and they can only see the players in person at T- camp
[/quote]

I think it's a bad move, also, rave - I just don't think it's right to try to, in essence, tamper with a person's emotions in this manner.

[PurpleDrink]

I live right next to Ball So Hard University ( M&T bank stadium ) and Camden Yards so it doesnt bother me at all if they dont do the Westminster thing anymore.

[baadbobby]

I would hope that they set up shop at another college, say Towson or something.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='baadbobby' timestamp='1322703573' post='891456']
I would hope that they set up shop at another college, say Towson or something.
[/quote]
I doubt they go somewhere else if its not in Owings Mills. Its always been McDaniel ( or Western MD for the good ole days). The reasoning for not going back to Westminster is because its a pain to move all the supplies back and forth.

[BMORElegacy]

This is disheartening to say the least :/

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1322703773' post='891457']
I doubt they go somewhere else if its not in Owings Mills. Its always been McDaniel ( or Western MD for the good ole days). The reasoning for not going back to Westminster is because its a pain to move all the supplies back and forth.
[/quote]
How "western" are you talking? I live in Washington County, and I'd just like to say that Frederick county isn't Western MD lol

[Guest Moderator 6]

Keeping training camp to the north west of the city (Baltimore) pushes that line where steelers fans out number Ravens fans. The further north west the better.

I really hope they keep it at McDaniel. I really missed it this past year.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='BMORElegacy' timestamp='1322704088' post='891460']
How "western" are you talking? I live in Washington County, and I'd just like to say that Frederick county isn't Western MD lol
[/quote]
Oh I know its not actually western...Carroll County is pretty much Central MD, but McDaniel used to be named Western Maryland College. They changed the name not too long after the Ravens started doing their training camp there.

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1322704321' post='891465']
Oh I know its not actually western...Carroll County is pretty much Central MD, but McDaniel used to be named Western Maryland College. They changed the name not too long after the Ravens started doing their training camp there.
[/quote]
Ahhh, thanks for the clarification. I must say, I feel neglected when people think the state just ends once you hit Frederick lol

[Bucky]

Hope they keep having training camps that are open to the public, even if it is not held at McDaniel. I know that Stevenson University recently built a football stadium where they could potentially move the training camp to if they want to keep the practices open.

If they decide to move the training camps to Castle and have it closed to the public that would be very disappointing. It is a great way to introduce the young ones to the Ravens, much better than taking them to the games which I personally do not feel are appropriate for young children. Were they to stop having the open training camps I would have to consider giving up my season tickets because while I know that it is probably easier for them to have the training camp at Castle it is also easier for me to stay home and watch the games.

Please do not forget the fans.

[True]

[quote]"We've had long, serious discussions about this decision, and, when all is said and done, we believe we can better prepare for the season by holding training camp here as opposed to McDaniel College or any other facility away from here," team president Dick Cass said. "We wanted to let the officials at McDaniel and at the hotel (Best Western) know as soon as we made the decision.[/quote]

[url="http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/sports/ravens/ravens-training-camp-will-remain-at-team-headquarters/article_0d225302-1d12-11e1-87b7-0019bb2963f4.html"]http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/sports/ravens/ravens-training-camp-will-remain-at-team-headquarters/article_0d225302-1d12-11e1-87b7-0019bb2963f4.html[/url]