ExtremeRavens Posted Thursday at 06:07 PM Posted Thursday at 06:07 PM We asked readers if they’re pleased with the upcoming renovations to the Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium. Here are the results from our online poll: No — 59% (142 votes) Yes — 34% (83 votes) I haven’t noticed proposed changes — 7% (17 votes) Here’s what some fans have told us about the team (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar): Senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs’s exact quote from the Ravens’ press release on their website reads, “These renovations reflect what fans want. They want to get to the stadium earlier, have places to socialize before the game, during halftime, or afterward.” In his defense, he’s probably referencing a high-priced consultant’s survey, but the comment goes against the mantra “make the main thing the main thing” that has been established through three decades of on-field excellence. Wouldn’t you want to use the taxpayer money to improve the main thing? Like the game viewing experience for 98% of the stadium? Or something to boost home-field advantage? No, a 365-day retail store will do. — Brendan The days of watching an NFL game live as a family are gone. Today it’s all about the money. I’ve been a permanent seat license (PSL) holder since “The Bank” opened and this will probably be my last year. The NFL no longer cares about the average fan, as it changes start times for their benefit. How many families are adversely affected with games on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day? The Ravens are only following what every other team is doing so I can’t fault them for their business plan. The NFL experience, a favorite phrase for years has slowly become, the NFL’s once-in-a-lifetime experience! — Ed More of the cheap seats, and they’re not so cheap, are disappearing under this plan. — Mark Fisher Most of the upgrades are for the privileged attendees, leaving the average fan out. Taxpayer money being used for upscale improvements which the majority of Ravens fans — taxpayers — will never see. And the average fan’s ticket price always seems to go up, while the privileged can easily afford whatever the Ravens charge. Might as well just stay home and watch the game on television. — Robert They are making it too expensive for most fans. My son and I go to one or two games a year. We do not need our “game day experience” upgraded. A lot of money to benefit very few people. — Jim The concourse fans in the lower deck must walk around to get to their seats has been rendered dangerously impassible by the stealth interior additions to accommodate the uber wealthy. The taxpayers paid for it and bought the ruination of their own stadium in the process. Hopefully no one buys membership in these new lower deck “clubs” so the Ravens can eat some financial crow for once. For a team that says they care about the fans … what a crock! — Wray The new areas being added will likely enhance the fan experience until you have to use the restroom. The lack of attention to this basic need always puts a damper on an otherwise great experience. The restrooms get overrun at the main entrances and come game time you can end up missing a quarter of the game waiting in line. If the Ravens want to improve the experience, this is an improvement that needs to be made throughout the stadium, especially at the main entrances. — Drew Making it easier to stay at home and watch the games. Doesn’t do much for the average seat holder but it sure makes the wealthiest look even more important. — Dan Contesti The $489 million should have been used to keep the Washington Commanders in Maryland for 27 more years. Then we could see the Ravens and Commanders play in an all-Maryland Super Bowl with Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels, the two best NFL quarterbacks in the past 10 years! — Robin Ficker It’s all about the money. They pour money into the club levels and rip out seats for a closer fan experience, which no average fan will ever afford. They keep pushing the average fan out, and the rich will be the only ones to go to games. The same fans that just come to eat, drink and chat without caring about the game behind them. — Bryan I wouldn’t call ripping out seats of longtime PSL holders and making them move seats and locations with no say in the matter an upgrade for fans. — Chris The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To see results from previous sports polls, go to baltimoresun.com/sportspoll View the full article Quote
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