Diehard fans brave cold, rainy, windy conditions at Ravens' regular-season finale
BALTIMORE - There were hardly any fair-weather fans on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Those attending the Ravens clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers were the most dedicated, die-hard football fans by sitting through the wintry weather conditions.
[Maryland Weather: Alert Day, chilly rain for the Ravens game]
OOOF. If any team deserves the fan support, it's our @Ravens, but it's brutal out there w/ windswept COLD rain. Windchills in 20s. Just want everyone to stay comfy & safe. Wear many layers w/ waterproof shell & rainboots. Hope players all stay safe w/ no injuries. Go Ravens! @wjz pic.twitter.com/yu6reo0p39
— Steven Sosna (@SteveSosnaWX) January 6, 2024
They braved brutal weather to watch the game that had no implications for the hometown Ravens.
Fans dealt with strong wind gusts, heavy rain and bitter cold at the Bank.
The Ravens, who had already locked up the best record for the AFC playoffs, lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 17-10.
Many fans took cover under the overpass before the game.
Vendors sold countless ponchos, gloves and hand warmers.
The frigid rain was relentless but so were the dedicated fans, including John Randall, who told WJZ that not even these weather conditions could stop him from supporting his team.
But, having the right gear made all the difference.
"Waterproof materials, insulated socks, stuff like that, .gloves, additional layers," Randall said. "We're going to be soaked but it will be worth it."
The regular-season finale was cold and wet. A jacket with a hood or a poncho, along with an extra layer of clothing, was needed.
By kickoff, temperatures were around 35 degrees with a steady to heavy cold rain.
Some other areas of our region lucked out with a very picturesque snowfall Saturday morning, like in Westminster and further west and north.
"It's pretty flurry out here," said Michael Eaton. "It's beautiful."
Snow flurries fell on the northern parts of our region provided dusting on the sidewalks and streets.
The winter storm meant a busy morning for Felipe Alcanter, who was out clearing snow for a construction company.
"Every time we get snow, I get excited," Alcanter said. "Because we haven't had a lot of snow in a few years."
Hereford, in Baltimore County, we only saw sleet.
"The streets are pretty much covered in sleet," Frank Dudek said. "The side streets are starting to slick up and get icy, so be careful on any of the side streets."