The View OF Bin 400

While I sometimes write about the view from Bin 400, Warehouse B,  (which is much quieter and more pleasant since the jackhammers moved on) this is the first time you get to see a view of  Bin 400. 

The 3 x 5 foot tribute went up last night during the snow storm.  It glows in the dark, thanks to a black light and custom mixed Day Glo paint.  (I didn't go through the 60's for nothing.)

This exercise was more fun than painting psychodelic designs on my dorm room walls.  (and I don't have to forfeit a security deposit, either)

You'll see signs of appreciation for our field general and his troops all around the Baltimore area this week.  The fans are psyched, and supremely proud of the home team.  Purple passion is everywhere.  And hopefully it will keep us in the game all the way to Dallas.

In Pursuit of Purple Passion

Other than Anne Boleyn, I don't know anyone who dreaded a trip to the tower more than this acrophobe. But with the Ravens in the playoff hunt, Camden Yards needs to put on our brightest purple face.  Or faces.

That's right -- when the sun goes down tonight, the clock tower of Camden Station will be beaming purple in all four directions.

This is the third straight year we've made the trip to the tower, armed with violet gels, and this is the highest I've ever made it.  Admittedly, the hatch on the roof is a sissy place to stop, but it did give me a good vantage point to snap our electricians as they made their way to the clock tower. 

(Special thanks to Ray Winfrey, on the left, and Donendo Bryant on the right. John Waters, who led the mission, is already scaling up the inside.)



Yesterday was Paint the Town Purple Day, and the most visible sign is this Ravens logo on War Memorial Plaza at City Hall.  This year, Ravens fans went on a stealth recon mission, hitting the streets of Baltimore under the cover of darkness to spray washable lavender chalk paint onto Raven head stencils with WIN  -- What's Important Now -- in black under them.

(Lest you think we are encouraging tagging, fear not. This graffiti is legit because the chalk washes off in the rain.)

So join in the fun and mark your territory for the home team.

These stencils and supplies are available for $10 through the Ravens Store at the Sports Legends Museum, where you can get Ravens gear and other spirit merchandise.

You won't have any trouble finding Sports Legends Museum here at Camden Yards.  Just look for the clock tower with the four purple faces as your beacon.

 

No Reindeer Required

You never know what you're going to see on Ravens Walk.  As the band filed through the festive crowd yesterday, one of the Saints fans said it reminded him of Mardi Gras.

But this little trinket, wrapped nicely with a Christmas bow, didn't look like anything you'd see on Bourbon Street.  More than a few onlookers said they'd like to find it under their tree.

While that probably isn't possible, there is always the next best thing --- tickets to the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix.  Which is just what this vendor was encouraging fans to do.

After so many weeks of behind the scenes activity, the Labor Day event is all over the airwaves now that tickets are available.  Folks streaming across the construction on Lee Street could see how the work is incorporated into the race by studying the exhibit on display with the car.

With these visuals, the layout is easier to understand.  Instead of a mere concept, the event is a reality -- and coming soon to Camden Yards.

It was only a few months ago we were gathered at the Convention Center for the official announcement of the race.  Now, you can hear the buzz all over town (not to mention the din under Bin 400)  If you haven't reserved your tickets, now is a good time to do so.   The good seats are going fast.

As our friends on Ravens Walk reminded us -- tickets make a great gift idea.  And they're easy to wrap (or stuff in a stocking.)

Protect This Kingdom!!!

Less than an hour before game time, the Ravens I am most concerned about are the ones guarding Joe Flacco.  But it does bring to mind these fellows, who are responsible for protecting the British empire. 

You can see they take their duties seriously as they patrol the ramparts at the Tower of London.  Not like anyone is going to pinch the Crown Jewels on their watch.

Even though the Broncos and 49ers were on most everyone's mind the weekend I was in London, my "must see" was not the game at Wembley, but the guardians of the Tower.  They were making their appointed rounds, just as they have been for hundred of years, when I arrived on a Saturday morning.

The ravens, you see, have special status at this fortress, which is one of the most popular attractions in London.  They enjoy this privilege/responsibility by royal decree.  They also seem to delight in being a favorite of the tourists and friendly antagonists to the Yoemen of the Guard (whom they torment with their bickering.)

Their mandated presence dates back to the Restoration, when the monarchy was brought back to England after their brief flirtation with a republic.  King Charles II returned from exile in France and took stock of his realm.  One complaint he heard was from the Royal Observatory, which was housed in the centuries-old Tower.  It seemed the telescopes were plagued by the ravens who populated the tower and relieved themselves on the equipment.  Wanting to be rid of this nuisance, the astronomers appealed to the king to give the ravens the ax (a fate suffered by Charles' late father.)  The king was inclined to agree, until reminded of an ancient prophecy that the Tower of London would fall and the kingdom destroyed if the ravens ever left.

Whether this was a great PR ploy by the birds' advocates or Charles II didn't want to take any chances given his family history, it worked -- the ravens were commanded to stay.  And just to make sure they didn't have a change of heart or try to negotiate better terms, their wings were clipped to keep them inside the moat.  The astronomers, on the other hand, were shipped off to Greenwich where they remain to this day.

Even during the Blitz in World War II, when they were battled and shell-shocked, the ravens maintained a presence in the tower -- giving credence to the belief they would protect the kingdom.

So hopefully our O line will show the same tenacity today.  (At least their wings aren't clipped. )  When they return to Baltimore, they should have plenty to crow about.

GO RAVENS !!!

Fans Afloat

I checked into one of my favorite designated Ravens watering holes before leaving on a Bermuda vacation.  Happy to see they appreciate Joe as much as I.  This Raven scarecrow blended in perfectly with the season (and the sentiment)

Although the boat would be somewhere in the Atlantic when the ball was snapped Sunday, I still packed my gear, determined to figure out a way to tune in, despite the lack of an international signal.

Silly me.  I should have realized the hard core had taken care of the problem before we had even passed Fort McHenry.  I heard a fellow passenger say to another "I'll see you in the Bolaro tomorrow."  It only took a moment to learn this ringleader had already negotiated for the satellite signal to be repositioned to accommodate the boatload of Raven fans on Sunday at sea.

So it was with pride and a sense of camaraderie that I decked out in full Flacco before hitting the buffet Sunday morning.   I hadn't made it any further than the omelette station when a realization hit me:  there were Steeler fans aboard.  In fact, there were more of them than there were of us.

Who would have thought?  I know they're as ubiquitous as Red Sox Nation, but on a boat from Baltimore, for heavens sakes?

Yes, and making no apologies.  There were as many Hines and Polarmos as Flaccos and Heaps.  And we had to share a lounge transformed into a sports bar for the occasion.

"Don't worry," said the ringleader I met earlier -- now decked out in a vintage Unitas jersey.  "We can take these guys."

I can't really do justice to the mayhem that ensued for those few hours.  The ship was rocking and rolling even before the game, but it was really tossing during the action.  Even the few stray Redskin and Giants fans (also in uniform) got into the act.

Despite the threats to make the losers swim home, everyone really got along great.  An informal and bipartisan tailgate broke out with food smuggled from the buffet and everyone partook (no need for designated drivers, either.)

It might have been more exhilarating to be in Heinz Field for the thrilling victory, but sharing a floating sports bar with a great bunch of homies and some good sports from the north was something this Ravens fan won't forget.

Go Ravens!  Beat Denver!

Purple Friday

We have a seasonal ritual here in Baltimore.  It's called "Purple Friday" and it is ardently observed in the Warehouse.

As a faithful communicant of Purple Friday, I was decked out in my Flacco jersey (with amethyst accessories) when hoofing to work this morning.  It gave me a new perspective on how committed this town is to their team, and how supportive they are of their young quarterback.

I was startled when I got the first thumbs up from the garbageman on Cathedral.  But when I got the "way to go, Joe" from the newsboy, I realized the sentiments were not for me, but my jersey.

I was in front of the Basillica when someone emerging from morning mass gave me a shoulder punch and said "you'll get it on this weekend."  And there were numerous "Go Ravens" shouts from the commuters at the red lights.  (One even cawwed.)

I guess this is what it must be like to be an avatar.  Last Sunday night I stopped by a watering hole in my neighborhood to watch the Manning Bowl.  I was still wearing my game day jersey and was surprised to see other versions (one black, one white) of #5 in the sports bar.  Had never met either guy, but suddenly we were kindrid spirits.  "Needs to get out of the pocket faster," said one.   "Has to do something about those feet," said the other.  "Did you see how he had those feet placed?  That's the problem."

"Maybe it's just that time of the month," I offered.  (Admittedly, the guys don't think of things like that.)  "He'll get past it and be just fine."

The point is, Joe needs to know he has a lot of fans between Chase and Camden.  I'd be willing to bet that although folks all over town are concerned about his well-being, they still believe in Joe Cool.  And they definitely love their Ravens.

Just look around you on Purple Friday.

Yes, It Matters. Big Time!

I used to be one of those who poo-pooed pre-season games.  They don't count in the standings, reasoned I.  Statistics don't apply.  So who really cares other than the depth chart junkies?

Now that I work here (and assist with sports marketing) I have a far keener appreciation for pre-season games and those to whom they matter.  Because in the game of economic impact, pre-season games are valuable performers.

I've been here a few hours now, and I've watched how our corner of the city -- not just the stadium complex -- has come to life.  There were a few Giant-clad fans wandering around Washington Boulevard at noon, so I'm guessing they probably came to town for the game and will stay in a local hotel.  The outdoor seating at my favorite watering hole beyond center field is already filling up on what would otherwise be a relatively quiet Saturday.

A Nostalgic Refrain

A funny thing happened last October when the Barry Levinson ESPN documentary "The Band That Wouldn't Die" was screened at the stadium for old timers and long time football fans.

At the conclusion of the inspiring story of how the Baltimore Colts Band stayed together through the dark days after the Mayflower flight, the Marching Ravens played the old Colts fight song (one of the few things that didn't leave town with the team.)  To the surprise of many, the crowd sang the still-remembered words along with them.   Like the band, it seems the iconic anthem so associated with the glory days on 33rd didn't die, either.

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.

Rave On!

At 8:00 AM on a Saturday morning, I thought I'd have the place pretty much to myself while planting some Russian sage on the hill above the light rail at M&T. 

Wrong.  Even though the Ravens open practice wouldn't begin until noon, there was a steady stream of jersey-clad fans making their way to the gates at that hour.  (I later learned our operations staff found them camped on the steps at 6:30 AM.)

By 10:00 AM the lots were nearly full, the light rail was packed and folks were --- yes --- tailgating in the shade of the overpasses.

By 11:00 AM, the band was playing in Unitas Plaza, cheerleaders were flying through the air, traffic was crawling on Russell Street and vendors were hawking their wares.   I rolled up the garden hose and fell in with the parade.  This was clearly a happening I couldn't miss.

It's hard to explain the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd.  It's August, 85 degrees and there isn't an opponent in sight (unless you count the White Sox, and they stashed away in the Hilton.)  But these folks acted like they were on their way to the Super Bowl.   In a way, maybe they are.  For those fans, today was the first step in the journey.

That time of year again . . .

It's still awfully hot here at the Warehouse, so I was surprised to see someone decked out in full Todd Heap regalia wandering outside M&T stadium.  Until I got closer and noticed . . .

 .. . . it really IS Todd Heap!!

Seems he was shooting some kind of promo, with the stadium in the background.  Naturally, the producers had no time for groupies or paparazzi, so they shooed me away.  But not before I got this shot of Todd rehydrating.

Yes, even MSA employees get giddy and star struck at the sight of our heroes.  Particularly when we're all counting the days until we welcome them back to the Yards.

Training camp begins today in Westminster, but only the rookies have to report.  So I guess Todd can afford a few retakes before he heads for the hills.

Protect this House!

Securing our premises and ensuring the comfort and safety of those millions of fans who visit Camden Yards every year is paramount to the Maryland Stadium Authority.  Our security team is vigilant and resourceful in their efforts to address all threats.

Therefore, it was not surprising to see they've picked up an additional sentry to guard M&T Bank Stadium.  This candid shot was caught on the security camera his first day on duty.

Our red tail hawk is the newest recruit in the ongoing battle against bomb dropping pigeons.  Oriole Park has been outfitted with netting to discourage roosting in the rafters, so we'll have to see which system works better.

While the Tower of London has been protected by ravens for more than 400 years, we don't think Rise and Conquor are quite ready for that assignment in our fortress.  But if this feathered fan is successful in keeping M&T pigeon free, we may offer him a contract to train R & C to patrol the upper deck.

After all, if ravens have protected the Crown Jewels all these years,  a plague of pigeons should pose no problem.

Sound Check!

One of my favorite Pickleodeons was regaling me at lunch about his whirlwind trip to New England.  It was a classic guy thing.  Bunch of friends, sitting around debating where to watch The Game, and someone shouts "Foxboro!"  Quicker than you could say "StubHub," they had tickets and were northbound on 95.

Not only was the Baltimore presence very visable, he told me, but they unnerved the locals (and probably the soloist) with our tradition of shouting "O!!" during the national anthem.  He said it was impressive because you knew where -- and what -- the Ravens fans were even before kickoff.  Everywhere, and very loud.

So tonight, I'm hoping they air the playing of the national anthem so those of us on stools with flatscreens can hear our partisans.  Peyton won't be the only one relying on audibles to rally his team.

Pit Beef in Pigtown

(Part of Game Day Vignettes, an occasional look at experiences off the field)

I won't be around for the next Ravens home game. While I can follow the action on a flat screen in a roomful of fans, there will be a major part of my Game Day Experience lacking. It's not the kind of thing you can replicate in a sports bar because it requires the sights, smells, and industrial grit of 19th Century Baltimore. It's the pre-game hoedown at the Ridgely Street Fire (pronounced "farr") Hall, on the edge of Pigtown. I'm not ashamed to admit -- it's my favorite part of the day.

Much of the appeal of the Camden Yards complex is its sense of place, its connection with history. This theory has been upheld in numerous conversations with visitors from all over the country (especially the Red Sox fans that many find so annoying.) Camden Yards isn't just Anywhere, USA. It was a major hub of the city's industrial and manufacturing past, with many of the old buildings remaining on the periphery. When you're at a game here, you know you're in Baltimore.

The trains running through the complex are a regular reminder. So are the old warehouses south of M&T Bank Stadium and abandoned factories along the Middle Branch that convert very nicely to tailgate venues on game day.

It is this sprawl of revelers that present a golden opportunity for aspiring entreprenuers and organizations. In Sharp-Leadenhall, the neighborhood association has a refreshment stand with cook-out fare and bottled drinks. The PTA sells parking spaces. But the most elaborate fringe operation I've encountered is run by the firefighters in their union hall in Pigtown.

The pit beef and firehouse chili are cooked in the back, where horses were once stabled. A rooftop deck is the stage for a local radio station's pre-game show. Picnic tables provide seating, but outside most folks just prefer to mingle.

The historic building (my favorite part) is wide open, with TVs and tables to watch pre-game commentary. Admittedly, I'm probably the only person more interested in the architectural details. The tin ceiling, tiled foyer, slate mantles and original firepole are vestiges of a bygone era. There are still hooks where harnesses for the horses were hung. This isn't a toney theme bar, it's a slice of life, a visit to long ago in a company town.

On game day, it's teeming with fans who make it a regular stop before the game. The drinks are cheap, the company spirited, and the atmosphere classic Baltimore -- a mixture of personalities (and accents) impossible to categorize.

This operation is run by volunteers, as a fund raiser for their organization. They prepare and serve the food, staff the bar, and clean up. They seem to be having as good a time as their patrons.

There is a formula to calculate the value of sports and recreation as revenue generators, which we release in economic impact studies. It tracks monies spent on tickets, concessions, hotels, restaurants, and merchandise. They shake up these figures with a few multipliers, and determine how much tax is produced and how many dollars are circulated in the region.
But it is difficult to quantify the true impact of a major sports event on the community it surrounds. Yes, some residents complain about noise and parking. But to others, it represents opportunity -- lemonade just waiting to be squeezed from the bitter fruit. For every neighbor who complains about traffic, there is an entreprenuer who opens up his driveway or yard for all day parking and pockets the proceeds. Instead of griping about the noise and congestion, the firefighters recruit sponsors, partner with a radio station, set up a lucrative concession, and join in the fun with a rollicking block party.

In Annapolis, the Boat Shows are one of the biggest boons and worst curses of downtown life -- depending on whether you live or do business there. But for the Fleet Reserve Club, also located on City Dock, the Boat Shows allow an operation similar to the Ridgely Fire Hall. For the better part of two weeks, they open their club to the public, inviting them to drink at their bar and partake of the pit beef they prepare on their waterside deck. Club members staff the operation, and I'm told (although I doubt if anyone knows for sure) what they generate during that time covers a big chunk of their expenses for the year.

I wish someone would do a study, albeit an anecdotal one, of the enterprises who operate on the fringe of sports and recreation activities. Maybe they don't make a living off of this element of the visitor industry, but they certainly reap benefits and join in the fun. More importantly, they contribute to the experience -- part of the tradition and heritage that make Maryland such an interesting place to visit.

The Celebration of Community

My son told me his dad just bought a 106 inch screen TV for the sports bar he owns. “Better than being there” is how Mike described the picture.

I’m the first to admit you probably can follow the action on the field through high definition and close camera angles, with instant replay and chalk talk to better understand the plays. Yes, it’s a lot of fun to be indoors, whooping with a group of instant friends and keeping track of everything else happening in the NFL in real time, while those in the stadium have paid handsomely to freeze or sneeze in intemperate conditions.

Still, none of that provides the intangibles of the Game Day Experience when the Ravens are at home. It’s a day long celebration, a festival which begins far from the stadium gates and provides a unique connectivity between the team and its fan base. It establishes a sense of place and distinct personality, giving our venue its unique appeal.

When you come to a Ravens game, you know you’re in Baltimore – from the trains rumbling by to the pit beef in Pigtown, to the parade of the Marching Ravens down Eutaw Street and all the purple passion in between.

It’s too much to write about in one blog entry, so from time to time I’ll include a few vignettes of Game Day that give it special flavor and make a trip to Baltimore (and Maryland) such a grand experience. The first is about some visitors I encountered while on a pregame exploration.