M&T Bank Stadium guide: What to know about the Baltimore Ravens’ home field (2024)

Editor’s note: This article is part of theStadium Guidesseries, a comprehensive guide to your NFL team’s stadium experience.

Buy tickets on StubHub to Baltimore Ravens games at M&T Bank Stadium here.

For more than 15 years, the official start of a home NFL Sunday in Baltimore was marked by middle linebacker Ray Lewis strutting out of the tunnel at M&T Bank Stadium and breaking out in his patented dance as pyrotechnics went off around him and the crowd roared its approval.

Ravens officials like to say their games at M&T Bank Stadium, their downtown Baltimore home since 1998, are events. From Lewis’ punishing hits to Lamar Jackson’s explosive runs, there’s been no shortage of entertainment.

The two-time Super Bowl champion Ravens have enjoyed one of the best home-field advantages in the sport, where statues of Johnny Unitas and Lewis greet fans at the north entrance, and a cacophony of noise challenges opposing offenses.

Touchdowns are celebrated by Real Fan Dan, often shirtless, using his arms and legs to spell out Ravens as fans shout out each letter, and the crowd rises to its feet on third downs to urge defensive stops. The atmosphere goes up a notch during night games when the Ravens give out LED wristbands that are synched with stadium light shows.

The Athletic has compiled 32 stadium guides, one for each NFL team, to give fans vital information about the game day experience. We’ve also asked readers to weigh in on the best food, beer and tailgate options at each stadium, among other things, to help football fans enjoy their visit.

Insider tips

2024 must-watch game at stadium: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Nov. 7

The Ravens and Bengals have developed one of the most heated rivalries in football. The teams, which have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations and feature two of the top quarterbacks in the game in Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, will meet on a Thursday night in Baltimore in early November. It wouldn’t be a surprise if first place in the AFC North is on the line.

Fan tradition to know

If it isn’t Real Fan Dan’s spelling out Ravens after touchdowns, it’s the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” song, which picked up steam during Baltimore’s Super Bowl run in 2012 and remains a constant during home games.

Jeff Zrebiec’s favorite thing

It’s just the energy. Every regular-season game at M&T Bank Stadium, even a matchup against a non-conference foe in September, feels like a big-time event. The crowd can get nasty if things aren’t going well for the home team, but it’s always loud and into the game.

The Athletic’s stadium rankings: 11

Jon Machota ranked all 30 NFL stadiums in August 2023, and M&T Bank Stadium finished 11th. A $430 million renovation project, which is nearing phase two and is expected to be complete by 2026, will add amenities, upgrade food and concession options, improve views in some areas and enhance the game day experience.

Fans’ game day advice

The Athletic surveyed NFL fans for their feedback on the following questions:

What is the ‘best bang for your buck’ seating section?

I had PSLs in both the 500s and 100s. I prefer the 100s. Great view, feels like you’re in the action, the audio is natural and the players interact with you. 500s are also great. — Josh L.

The best seats are 500 level on the Ravens’ sideline, between the 40-yard lines. — Zach F.

What’s the can’t-miss food?

Wings at Delia Foley’s Pub at Fort & Charles. — Scott P.

What is the best beer option?

The best beer (and best bang for your buck) in the stadium is Snake Dog from Flying Dog. It’s about 7 percent alcohol by volume, so you don’t need to buy too many. — Stephen J.

Where is the best spot to take a photo?

Aside from the statues outside Gate D, another great picture location for night games is the sideline concourse overlooking Baltimore. Awesome view of city. — Daniel C.

What are the kid-friendly activities/options at the stadium?

If you have kids, take them down Ravens Walk pregame. They have different activities each week and possibly former Ravens players making speeches or interacting with fans. Then take a picture with Ray Lewis’ and Johnny Unitas’ statues outside the stadium. — Nathan E.

Where is the best place to tailgate?

H lot is good tailgating. For a visiting fan, the stadium walk is cool, grab a few drinks and watch the band. — Gerald B.

What to know if you go

Address: 1101 Russell St., Baltimore, Md. 21230.

Year opened: 1998.

Roof? No.

Stadium capacity: 71,008.

2023 average attendance per game (per Pro Football Reference): 70,598.

Tickets: $236 is the average StubHub ticket cost at M&T Bank Stadium for a 2024 NFL game, according to StubHub. The Ravens also offer a Permanent Seat License (PSL), which is a one-time purchase that guarantees the right to buy season tickets for a specific seat each year. PSL holders can also sell their license to others if they no longer want to purchase season tickets.

Bag policy: Bags made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC that are no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed. Non-clear bags that are no larger than 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches and are about the size of a hand are permitted. These bags can be carried with or without a strap or by hand. Other bags that are allowed include one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, binocular cases and camera cases. Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are also permitted. Exceptions may be made for medically necessary items after inspection.

Outside food policy: Fans can bring outside food into the stadium as long as it is in a clear plastic bag. No outside beverages allowed, including water.

ADA: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires at least 1 percent of stadium seats to be wheelchair accessible. For more information on all accessibility services at M&T Bank Stadium, click here.

Tailgating policy: Tailgating activities on stadium-controlled parking lots end at kickoff. Fans must have a valid game ticket to tailgate on stadium property. Tailgating is permitted for 90 minutes postgame.

Transportation options: Driving, Uber, subway and bus.

Learn more: https://www.baltimoreravens.com/stadium/fan-guide

The Stadium Guides series is part of a partnership with StubHub.

The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos: Scott Taetsch and Kirby Lee / Getty Images)