Print

Baltimore Ravens Football

The Ravens, Baltimore's NFL football team, are in the North Division of the AFC. Bringing pro football back to Baltimore in 1996, after a 13-year void, the excitement of the Baltimore Ravens has invigorated the city and captivated football fans in Baltimore and the surrounding region.

Sporting purple, black, gold and white, the Ravens' name was selected from the results of a Baltimore Sun poll. Chosen to honor the famous poet, it's believed that Edgar Allan Poe wrote his famous poem, "The Raven," while living in Baltimore in the 1830s. The Baltimore Ravens Mascot’s are Edgar, Allan and Poe!

The Baltimore Raven's current roster includes fan favorite Ray Lewis, legendary kicker Matt Stover, tight end Todd Heap, safety Ed Reed and wide receiver Mark Clayton.

Baltimore Ravens Tickets

Come see the Baltimore Ravens play in the new state-of-the-art M&T Bank Stadium located at the south point of Camden Yards. Easily accessible from I-95, it has a splendid view of the Baltimore skyline, features the latest in video big screens in both end zones and is within walking distance of Baltimore's famous Inner Harbor.

Group seating, stadium tours and ticket information can be obtained from the Baltimore Ravens' ticket office at 410-261-RAVE. Don't miss out on an opportunity to get in on the purple and black tradition during your next visit to Baltimore.

From the Baltimore Browns to the Baltimore Ravens!

In 1996, when Art Modell moved the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore, the city embraced NFL football once again and the Baltimore Ravens were born. Although the Browns' name remained in Cleveland, the players moved to Baltimore to become the Baltimore Ravens. The 1996 Ravens touted talented players such as Earnest Byner and Vinny Testaverde as well as Coach Ted Marchibroda from the Baltimore Colts days. After struggling through two seasons, the Baltimore Ravens hired a new head coach, Brian Billick from the Minnesota Vikings offensive coaching staff.

In 2001 the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants, 34-7 to win Super Bowl XXXV, with the Ravens' linebacker Ray Lewis named the Super Bowl MVP.

Coaching duties were taken over by John Harbaugh following the 2007-2008 season.

The History of Football in Baltimore

Although the Baltimore Ravens are a young football team, Baltimore has had a long love-affair with the game. From local high school football to the University of Maryland Terps Baltimore fans have historically supported and embraced the game.

The Baltimore Colts

Baltimore's first pro-football team was the Baltimore Colts. The name was chosen as a result of a fan contest, honoring the tradition of horse racing and breeding in Baltimore’s horse country. The blue and white Baltimore Colts played at Memorial Stadium from 1953 to 1983, with famous coaches such as two-time winner of the Coach of the Year award Don Shula (1963-1969) and 1975 Coach of the Year Ted Marchibroda (1975-1979). Johnny Unitas, one of the most famous quarterbacks in the history of football, played for the Colts from 1956 to 1972. Other members of the Hall of Fame from the Baltimore Colts include Raymond Berry, Artie Donovan, Ted Hendricks, John Mackey, Gino Marchetti, Lenny Moore, Jim Parker, and Joe Perry, as well as coaches Weeb Ewbank and Don Shula.

The Baltimore Colts made two Super Bowl appearances. In 1968, the Colts lost Super Bowl III to the New York Jets, but in 1970, won Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys.

On December 18, 1983, the Colts played their last game in Baltimore. The team has become so connected to the city that fans were upset when the Irsay family would not relinquish rights to the Colts’ name to Baltimore. In 1984, the Baltimore Colts moves to become the Indianapolis Colts.

When you’re visiting Baltimore, be sure to visit the Colts Football Baltimore History exhibit at the Sports Legends at Camden Yards museum, located right at the gateway to Oriole Park at Camden Yards at 301 West Camden Street.

The Horse with No Name

Before getting its own NFL team, Baltimore entered the Canadian Football League. Continuing to use the name the Baltimore Colts, Baltimore was eventually sued by the NFL over the name and were known, for a short time, as the Baltimore CFLs before becoming the Baltimore Stallions. The Stallions were short lived in Baltimore. However, the Cleveland Browns NFL expansion team soon moved to Baltimore and the Stallions moved to Canada to become the Montreal Alouettes.

Pro Football - America's Most Popular Spectator Sport

Pro football was once again chosen as America's favorite sport in a poll conducted by Harris Interactive. What is it about football that keeps it at the top of the list? Maybe it's the offensive and defensive strategies vying against one another in the most aggressive struggle between opposing teams. Maybe it's the heroes of the sport that attract fans, with their sheer power, speed and emotion. Or maybe it's a matter of fond memories and a love of the game that awakens the emotions of every fan at the beginning of every football season.

Need More Baltimore Ravens Excitement?

For Baltimore Ravens tickets online, game day information, a new playbook media center, news and much more, visit the Official NFL Ravens website.

You can even watch, share, send and vote on fans' videos and even upload your own video at VisitMyBaltimore.com's Baltimore Ravens Videos page.

Get in on it!

Come for a visit, catch a Baltimore Ravens football game and then enjoy the exciting nightlife and cultural diversity that Charm City has to offer!