An Appeal From An Out Of Towner.

[CharlesK]

[attachment=177:432.jpg]Hello all. I am a big Ravens fan and am heading to my first game at M and T stadium this weekend. I am a Minnesotan but I live in Indianapolis now. I will be driving out to Baltimore on Saturday I think and crashing overnight. I was hoping people could tell me where pre game festivities take place? I like to tailgate and I love the atmosphere but unfortunately I will not be able to have any of that stuff with me for the most part. Are there any concessions available outside the stadium during the morning? I am real laid back and just want to enjoy the atmosphere for a few hours before the game.
One small issue is that I am bringing my Pitbull with me. When you are a bachelor with no family within 600 miles you become quite attached to your pets. She also loves to travel. I will have her with me during any pregame festivities (which is why I asked about outside concessions). However I did not buy her a ticket. She will have to wait in the warm car during the game itself. Are there any garages where she would be warmer than outside. Are there any good places to hang out with a dog before hand? Thanks for any advice to all. I am ashamed to say I have never been to Baltimore.
PS Before people say anything bad about Pitbulls here is a pic of her and me from December.

[Purple Nurple]

Well, either buy her a ticket (did I just say that?) or leave the dog..............in a more appropriate place than a car in a garage. Good Lord, man.

[CharlesK]

Hey I have been doing my homework and was wondering if I could have a dog in the AAA Ravens Walk area before the game?

[Moderator 3]

Not only would a dog not be welcome on Fan Walk, it is WAY too crowded for her comfort. The poor dog would be terrified.

[CharlesK]

Any Edgar Allan Poe attractions downtown? Always been a big fan of his. One of the reasons I started following the Ravens as a kid. If the walk is too crowded (guess I'm just not used to East Coast spaces) I will find something to do with the dog. I'm not going to spoil anyone's good time. Any nice parks nearby? I am google earthing Downtown Baltimore right now as we speak. Any input would be appreciated.

[baadbobby]

[quote name='CharlesK' timestamp='1326117616' post='940755']
Any Edgar Allan Poe attractions downtown? Always been a big fan of his. One of the reasons I started following the Ravens as a kid. If the walk is too crowded (guess I'm just not used to East Coast spaces) I will find something to do with the dog. I'm not going to spoil anyone's good time. Any nice parks nearby? I am google earthing Downtown Baltimore right now as we speak. Any input would be appreciated.
[/quote]

Poe's grave is about 15 or so blocks North of M&T Bank Stadium. It's not a bad walk (maybe 20 mins) to actually park up in that area (for day games).
I would suggest finding a dog sitter or doggy day care. You can not leave your dog in a car in Baltimore, even though she would be fine with the forecasted temps, people steal dogs.

[CharlesK]

Thanks to everyone who gave me directions, thanks to the great hotel staff, courteous Stadium staff (great crabcake sandwich), and everyone who loved my dog and just chatted and hung out in the lot before the game. One of the greatest weekend vacations I have ever done! Well worth over 20 hours of driving. It will not be my last Ravens game.