Ravens Fans Celebrate The Return Of Football At The NFL Kickoff Village
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Fans are counting down the hours until the Ravens take the field to open the season. The team has arrived in Denver, and the celebration in Baltimore is well underway.
Kai Jackson has more from the "Kickoff Village."
The Ravens and Broncos are the first game of the season, and fans in Baltimore have shifted team spirit into high gear.
The day before the first NFL regular season game was full of excitement in Baltimore. Even though the Ravens are in Denver for the opener, fans are making it clear that Ravens Nation is back in session.
"A lot of new players, a lot of new talent. Hoping we come back with another ring. So we'll see," said Jill Gill, Centreville.
During the day, fans took part in the famous NFL Experience downtown. At Patterson Park, kids with dreams of playing in the NFL performed real NFL drills.
At M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens held the Back to Football 5K Run Wednesday evening.
Runners, many of whom are Ravens fans, showed up to flex their muscles and support the Super Bowl champion home team.
"I love [running]. I do it almost every day. I love the Ravens," said Leslie Fleming, runner.
The Ravens run really pumped up fans for the state of football season.
Stephanie Dwyer is from Catonsville. She came in third place for women overall. She and other football fans appreciate how the NFL markets its product to fans.
"I thought [the run] was amazing. I thought it was awesome to be out on the field. I mean, nobody really gets that," Dwyer said.
"I'm very excited to watch. Excited to see how [the Ravens] do," said Parker Jones, Ravens fan.
A number of festivities and events are scheduled around town Thursday, including a free Keith Urban concert.
Jamal Lewis and Matt Stover were among some of the former Ravens taking part in some of Wednesday's events.
