Third Tree From the Corner

It was at least five hours before kickoff when these stalwarts set up their first tailgate of the season.  It was all there -- lounge chairs, cooler, boom box, cornhole boards.  Even a canopy in case of rain.

I asked the cami clad duo how many years they'd been tailgating, and they couldn't remember.  But this is always their spot.  Third tree from the corner, Lot A.  Their friends can always find them here.

They were expecting a few buddies later on.  The full complement of their tailgate crew wouldn't arrive until shortly before game time because (imagine this) they had to work.

These two longtime Ravens fans (that's a Jim Harbough #4 jersey on the left) were savoring the beautiful weather as they sipped the suds, caught up on news, and speculated on what they know will be a great season.

On the far side of the stadium, another gathering assembled.  These aren't tailgaters (at least not yet.)  They are the pack of the autograph hounds who line up outside the players' parking lot to catch their favorites on the way to work.  None had shown up yet when I took this picture, but the throng of hopeful fans continued to grow as I walked around. 

(You can see the light rail in the distance.  Fans were already streaming off, even hours before the game.)

On my way back to the Warehouse I heard the familiar staccato of the drum line coming from behind the sycamores at Oriole Park.  The Marching Ravens were going through their own pre-season drills.  They weren't in uniform yet, but they were marching to the stadium in formation when I snapped this shot in Maryland Plaza.

It's just pre season, but the familiar routine beckons.  Like the two tailgaters enjoying their brewskis in the shade, folks can't wait to reconnect with the friends and the rituals that make football season their favorite time of year.

It all begins tonight . . .