Ravens Playoff Gear Bringing Big Bucks To Baltimore Economy
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Purple Pride means big business for Baltimore.
Jessica Kartalija explains how the Ravens' success is helping to boost the local economy.
People can't wait to get their hands on all the new Ravens playoff gear, so they're spending a lot of money. Also, of those fans who can't make it to M&T Bank Stadium for the playoff game, many will be coming down to the city to watch it from restaurants and bars, and that means big bucks for our economy.
"Not only do people come down for the restaurants and the bars, but they spend money at the local retail establishments. They want the playoff gear," said Sara Warfield of Visit Baltimore.
"We are getting in the division tees which have become incredibly popular," Jenni Hater, assistant store manager at sporting goods store Modell's, said.
Hats, tees, jerseys, even Ravens toasters are going fast.
"It's fantastic! We have customers coming in every day. We are getting new merchandise every single day. People are excited. It's a great atmosphere," Hater said.
Marylanders getting into the Ravens spirit are pouring thousands of dollars into Baltimore City's economy.
"A Ravens home playoff game is big news for Baltimore, both in the sense of community and excitement that it builds," Warfield said. "But it brings people downtown and they spend money."
In Federal Hill, fans who love the Ravens come to Ryleigh's Oyster, where they are making a new Ravens addition to their menu.
"Egg yolks, buttermilk..."
Pork tenderloin, battered and fried. Add a few poached oysters, and you have a Yandawich.
"We're doing the Yandawich to honor Marshall. He's had a great season, as all the Ravens have," owner of Ryleigh's Oyster, Brian McComas, said. "But we're honoring his Pro Bowl selection."
It's a sandwich straight out of Yanda's native Iowa with a Baltimore twist. It's the hottest bite in town.
The "Yandawich" is available to everyone Saturdays at lunch time, and it will be a permanent item on Ryleigh's menu.
