Ravens Fans Gearing Up For Preseason Opener Against New Orleans
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Football is back in Baltimore. The Ravens face off against the New Orleans Saints in their first preseason game of the year.
Ravens fans are hoping this will be the year the team makes it back to the Super Bowl.
Tracey Leong with fans gearing up for the game.
The parking lot opened up at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Eager fans were waiting, ready to claim their spot and start tailgating.
Ravens fans are pumped.
"Looking forward to a great season. We've got a fantastic quarterback, probably the best in the NFL," said Mike Massasdni.
It's not just excitement for the gridiron, it's also about reconnecting with other fanatics.
"We've got the Jager machine, nice bar, plenty of food. We usually run between 50 and 75 people at a tailgate. It's a blast. That's what makes it worth it," said Massasdni.
They're displaying their team spirit--in any way possible.
"We actually just bought this Ravens mobile. It's actually not mine, it belongs to my boss," said Steven Foster.
Showing you can never have too much Ravens pride.
"It's just great. It's just so exciting to have everyone together and everyone being a Ravens fan," said Foster.
The excitement translates to big bucks for the city.
"There are a lot of businesses around the stadiums who rely on the teams filling out the ballparks for thei bulk of their revenue for the year," said Michael Evitts, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.
Especially for those still recovering from April's unrest.
"We're looking to move beyond that," said Dave Rather, co-owner, Mother's Federal Hill Grille. "And for a positive Ravens season and go to the playoffs, maybe another Super Bowl."
They're relying on a boost from fans--home and visiting.
"If they can get a big bang during the football season, and hopefully, it's the O's going to the playoffs, that's going to mean a lot to their bottom lines," Evitts said.
It's estimated each game brings in about $10 million for the city.
WJZ is your home for 11 Ravens games this season, starting with the opener against Denver in just one month.