The Ravens officially opened training camp with their first practice July 21, and once again this year, fan passes to watch the workouts were snatched up within minutes of becoming available earlier this month. (A waiting list is available on the team web site.)
Twenty workouts at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills are open to fans, with the last open practice scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15. Players and coaches alike talk about the buzz when fans are in attendance, and the screams and shrieks from kids lining the ropes let everyone know when Lamar Jackson is taking the field each day.
Note that because of stadium renovations, as well as a soccer match between AC Milan and FC Barcelona scheduled for Aug. 6, there is no open practice at M&T Bank Stadium this summer as there has been in past years.
The Ravens open the three-game preseason on Friday, Aug. 9, against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. They open the regular season on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of last season’s AFC championship game.
If you were lucky enough to score a camp pass — good for as many people as you can legally fit in your vehicle — here is a quick guide to watching practice at the Ravens complex:
What happens at practice each day?
Each workout generally lasts 2-2.5 hours, broken into about a dozen periods with players at times scattered across three fields. Practice begins with stretching and then moves to individual and position-group work.
During offensive and defensive “install” periods, the team works on playbook specifics, which are then applied in 7-on-7 and full-team periods. Some sessions emphasize specific situations such as goal-line or two-minute offense (and defense).
Special teams drills should be especially interesting this year as the team adapts to the NFL’s new kickoff rules.
If you’re lucky, you will be there on a day the team holds 1-on-1 battles between pass catchers and defenders. That is always one of the most entertaining periods of training camp, and coaches and players alike love the way the competitive juices ramp up. Mark Andrews vs. Kyle Hamilton or Zay Flowers vs. Nate Wiggins will be must-see action.
Sounds awesome! Can I take video of that?
No. Once practice begins, all phones must be put away. Use of phones/cameras is allowed only before practice begins and after it ends.
Where’s the best place to watch?
That depends on what you want to see. In general, for individual drills by position group, the offense will use one field, the defense will use another and the specialists will use the third. The groups then come together for 7-on-7 or full-team periods.
Lamar Jackson throwing to his receivers certainly will draw a lot of the attention, but if you have a carload of budding linebackers or defensive linemen, they can get a great view of Roquan Smith, Justin Madubuike and others attacking the tackling dummies and sleds just a few feet away. Moving from one field to another is possible by following the path set out by ushers.
One tip: As you arrive, look for the end-zone cameras that look like streetlights between the goalposts. That indicates which field will hold full-team, 11-on-11 periods that day, and that’s usually where the most notable plays occur.
It’s going to be 95 degrees. What can we do about that?
For starters, you can be glad you aren’t wearing all the gear that the players are. Bleacher areas are shaded, and free water will be available for fans. Staff on site can assist with any heat-related or other medical concerns.
Can we get autographs?
Yes, if you are between the ages of 6 and 14. Toward the end of each practice, staff will direct children to line up behind a rope heading toward the Ravens locker room. Parents/guardians can sit in the bleacher section behind them. Many players will walk by the autograph line after practice ends, and they will have markers with them.
Can I bring in food? Can we buy it there?
Yes, you can bring in food and snacks, but all bags must be 12 x 12 inches or smaller. All bags will be searched, and no backpacks or duffel bags are allowed. The Ravens Fan Zone will feature food trucks, interactive games and a team store for merchandise and souvenirs.
How does parking work?
Your parking pass will be scanned as you enter the facility, and staff will direct you to the proper parking lot. If you need ADA assistance or special parking accommodations, contact TrainingCamp@ravens.nfl.net.
How early can we get there? Can we stay as long as we want?
The facility parking lots open one hour before practice starts. Fans must depart the facility within 45 minutes after practice ends. No fans are permitted inside the building.
What happens if it rains?
In the event of inclement weather, practice might be moved inside to the team fieldhouse. If that happens, fans will not be admitted, as there is only one field and no seating in the fieldhouse. If practice is canceled or moved indoors, there will be no makeup date for passes. For the most up-to-date practice information, you can call 410-261-RAVE (7283) and press option No. 3.
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox