Game On: Kickoff Your Ravens Experience in Baltimore

Are you ready for some football? Baltimoreans are gearing up for the 2024-25 season cheering on their beloved, two-time Super Bowl champions, the Baltimore Ravens. The team's inception in 1996 followed a bold move by Art Modell, then-owner of the Cleveland Browns, who announced in 1995 that he would be relocating the franchise from Cleveland to Baltimore. Leaving behind the team's colors, history, and records in Cleveland, the Baltimore Ravens emerged as a fresh expansion team, ready to forge their own path.

The name "Ravens" was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem, "The Raven." Poe spent a significant portion of his life in Baltimore, and his connection to the city made the name a fitting tribute. The Raven, with its fierce and intimidating demeanor, perfectly complements Baltimore's other avian team, the Orioles, creating a dynamic duo of bird-themed sports pride. The Ravens' distinctive colors—purple and black—further set them apart, creating a striking visual identity that the fiercely loyal “Ravens Flock” proudly embrace.

The Ravens play their home games at the impressive M&T Bank Stadium, which boasts a capacity of just over 71,000 seats. Currently undergoing a $465M renovation, the stadium was originally completed in 1998, designed by the same architects responsible for Camden Yards. The stadium's prime location, just a short walk from Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast, makes our historic inn the perfect place to stay when you're in town for a game. Imagine experiencing the excitement of a Ravens game and then retreating to the charm and comfort of our inn, enveloped in Baltimore's rich history.

As the Ravens prepare for the 2024-25 season, fans eagerly anticipate a great season. The preseason home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 9 promises to be an exciting preview of the talent of Lamar Jackson and his young team. The regular season home opener on September 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders will mark the beginning of another hopeful season for the Ravens.

Leading the highly competitive AFC North Division, the Ravens regularly face off against tough opponents such as the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. These intense rivalries make for a lot of thrilling moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Over the years, the Ravens have been home to some of the greatest players in NFL history. Legends like Ray Lewis, a formidable linebacker known for his leadership and ferocious playing style, and Jonathan Ogden, an exceptional offensive tackle who was the first player ever drafted by the Ravens, have left indelible marks on the franchise. Ed Reed, a ball-hawking safety, and Joe Flacco, the quarterback who led the team to a Super Bowl victory, are also celebrated figures. Running back Jamal Lewis and linebacker Terrell Suggs have likewise contributed significantly to the team's success.

Before the Ravens, Baltimore had a rich football history with the Colts, who played in the city until 1984 before their sudden relocation to Indianapolis. Fans still cringe from that ill-gotten day when the Colts were ‘secreted’ out of the city. The decade-long absence of an NFL team left a void in the hearts of Baltimoreans, who remained passionate about football, so the 1996 arrival of the Ravens was a joyous occasion for a city that absolutely cherishes its sports teams.

The Ravens have achieved remarkable success in their relatively short history, winning two Super Bowl titles. Their first championship came in the 2000 season, led by a dominant defense that is still regarded as one of the best in NFL history. The second Super Bowl victory was in the 2012 season, highlighted by Joe Flacco's exceptional playoff performance and the unforgettable "Mile High Miracle" against the Denver Broncos.

The Baltimore Ravens are more than just a football team; they are a symbol of resilience, passion, and community for the city of Baltimore. Football fans visiting for a game are invited to stay at Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast, just few blocks from M&T Bank Stadium. Experience the exhilarating spirit of the Ravens and enjoy an unforgettable stay in the heart of Baltimore.