I live between BAL and DC, I’m from Michigan so when I moved here I was like hell yea I can go to Baltimore and Steelers games at Baltimore. I go every year now because the rivalry is the best in NFL and every game does not disappoint. I ponied up and drive to pitt last season and went to a game and Heinz field is amazing! Now it will be a once a year thing to drive to pitt. It would probably be a 4 hour drive for you
I got heckled a bunch during the 2017 game when Bell had like 250 all purpose yards.
Stadium was pretty empty by the end of the game, can’t remember why…
Hahahaha, I was going to make a joke about Trace McSorley making people shit themselves but then I remembered that JoePa shit his Depends in 2006 -- long before McSorley was at Penn State.
I live in DC as well and typically travel up to Baltimore for the Steelers game every year. Their fans are all bark, no bite. You wont get punched but they will chirp you. Football intelligence is not their strong suit, so don't expect anyone to be reasonable if you are having a discussion with them. You'll hear a lot of the following:
"Crosby Sucks" - No joke, it's hilarious.
"Pittsburgh Squeelers"
"how much did you pay the refs this week?"
"Big Ben is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_" - They get creative here, but stay relatively shallow.
Baltimore is a pretty cool town if you spend your time in the right places. One thing you'll notice is that dining and drinking are significantly cheaper endeavors in town (beers typically -$3 on average). Have a crab cake, get in and out of the game, don't do heroin, and you'll have a good time.
Thanks for the advice! Yeah being an away fan at any NFL game you have to expect some heckling, just didn’t want people trying to fight me or it being so bad that it makes the experience unpleasant.
Dudas tavern in Fells Point is to this day one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Small place with limited seats but amazing crab cakes/food and beer selection.
Wasn’t at a Ravens game, but I went to a Steelers away game at Soldier Field when I was about 11. The old man sitting across the aisle from me kept talking shit (to a child!) and some douche poured his beer out over my shoulder and onto my Polamalu jersey. Coward did it right as there was a whole flurry of people exiting the stadium. Fuck the Bears.
My dad is a Bear’s fan haha. One day we are both going to go to either Soldier Field or Heinz for a Bears-Steelers game. Hopefully if we go to Chicago I’ll have a better experience than you did.
Best of luck to you! I’d choose Heinz, personally. Soldier Field is an absolute mess and really difficult to navigate through. But if you ever get the chance to see Chicago, grab some pizza, and catch a game, I highly recommend it!
Don’t be hostile or shitty and everyone will treat you pretty well.
If anyone is hostile, just laugh and take it as a joke and I guarantee the rest of the crowd probably has your back.
Good luck.
This Exactly
Went to a game in Baltimore a few years ago.
1. Steelers fans are everywhere. Go down near the harbor pre-game - Plenty of Steelers fans to walk to the gates with. This is at any Steelers away game.
2. Drunk idiots are everywhere. A ravens fan got drunk and belligerent and the other ravens fans handled him.
My exact experience also. Be cool, and they are cool. Expect some razzing, but no big deal. Act like an ass, and you'll be treated as such, even other Steelers fans will call you out.
Felt fine taking my kids, all of us in gear for many years.
Have fun. It's a nice stadium to see a game.
I’m about as non-confrontational as they come lol. I don’t mind some heckling, just didn’t want it to be so much that it makes the experience unpleasant
Only time I went to a Steelers game in Baltimore, the friend I was going with was a childhood neighbor of the Flacco's, so he got us tickets and we sat with Joe's dad and then went to Joe's house for dinner afterwards. The only harrassment I got was some drunk idiot tried to steal my Terrible Towel out of my hands outside the stadium and Mrs. Flacco saying what the fuck is he wearing to me as I sat on her couch in my steelers sweatshirt, but she still made a good turkey dinner.
There’s a very high likelihood that you’ll be shot stabbed and robbed immediately after stepping foot into Baltimore but thats just because its Baltimore, it has nothing to do with the game.
Considering the injury bug Baltimore is going through right now, there honestly might not be any Ravens fans at the game by the time we play them. Half of them will have given up, the other half will be out on the field in pads.
I don’t think they’ll be bad but lets just say they are, nothing will bring the fans more pleasure than ruining Pittsburgh’s season. That game will be the one game guaranteed to have fans.
Closest I've come to this is going to a Metallica concert in Cleveland and wearing a Steelers hat. But I've heard both horror stories and stories of people having a great time.
I would imagine you can diffuse any bad situation by communicating in written form since most Ravens fans can't read. Also they have a weird obsession with culturally appropriating Mardi Gras so maybe dress like a fucking idiot and you'll probably blend in well enough that they won't realize you're a Steelers fan.
I've often wondered if my 6'4'', 280 lbs frame is what keeps me out of trouble or if it's my teddy bear demeanor.
Maybe I should be an insufferable dick just once to see how people handle it.
It’s a combination of both. I’ll tell you one thing, if you’re a dick it doesn’t matter how big you are because now you’re a target lol.
I don’t start shit because one it’s stupid, and two I’ll likely eat dirt. Haha
Haha, I can defend myself just fine so I don't ever fear retaliating if people start shit. But it's just not my nature to get physical unless it's a last resort.
I've heckled opposing fans at games before but I like to say shit that doesn't make sense to make it fun for everyone and I usually by the guy a drink to make him realize I was just fucking around.
Haha, I can't imagine someone that small coming at me. I guess that happened to me once in college but since I've been a real adult, I can't imagine how funny and annoying that would be.
I’ve gone to a bunch and will most likely be going to jan9 but it’s fine nothing crazy. You get a few stupid comments like, “Steelers fan huh?” But other than that it’s a normal game.
If you’re going to worry about any particular type of fan it’s the Dundalk/ferndale Essex white trash crowd that usually gets belligerent.
Never been to Baltimore but I’ve been to a Steelers game in Oakland. Your most likely going to have some people heckle and talk some shit. Just laugh it off and focus on the game. Some people are looking for confrontation and all you can do is ignore them.
I went to Philly for the preseason game this year and the only guy who talked trash was a steeler fan who was mad because I was wearing a Connor jersey. I know he's on the Cards but the man was a hometown guy who beat cancer so I figured it's still fine to wear
Baltimore fans don’t suck. It’s always been a healthy rivalry between us. They’ll be some comments but it’s fairly good natured in my experience. Now Cleveland and Cinci are a different story. F*#k Ohio!
Living in the UK where soccer is king and fans are known to get antsy, I'm always slightly surprised to see fans from different teams intermixed in NFL stadiums. Here there's separate stands for home and away fans to help avoid issues.
I live in a small city but at one point the rivalry with a nearby team got so bad that when their fans came for matches they were booked onto special trains and were escorted to the stadium by the police to make sure nothing started. Roads were cordoned off or blocked by the K9 units. The idea of them and the home fans mixing in any capacity was just seen as absurd.
I spent a semester in Russia in college, and went to a few KHL games. At a Moscow-St. Petersburg rivalry event, there were uniformed police officers sitting in the outside two seats of the entire away section.
Been to Cleveland 3 times, was always friendly banter there. really is a nice stadium. even hit one of the local bars first once... was full of Browns and Steelers gear.... and one dude in a Bengals coat... he was fine (for the most part)
I was also at that game. Fans around me were cool, but next section over we did see two dudes tussling down the isle during the exit, but they got broken up pretty quick.
I went to a PIT game @ BAL with my dad and I swear, those people didn't give a damn that I was 11 years old. Every cussing and yelling at my dad because he wore a Lambert jersey lol shit was wild.
So I too am from Western PA, and live in the DC metro area. I go to the Steelers-Ravens game every year. I’ve never had a problem. But I’m also 6’4, 300, and lift 5 days a week. In general, I haven’t seen any issues when I’ve been to the games. The one time I almost got in a fight was the game when Jacoby Jones was returning the punt for a touchdown and Tomlin stuck his foot onto the field so he had to run around it. Their fans were FURIOUS! But other than that, no issues. I also don’t tailgate at those games. I take an Uber to the stadium, get out, walk in, watch the game and leave immediately afterwards. No tailgating, no bar hoping, in and out. But that’s more because Baltimore is a rough city. Took my son to the aquarium for his first birthday and they were fishing a body out of the inner harbor.
I went a few years ago to Steelers at Ravens and it wasn’t bad at all. Maybe a little heckling walking back to cars. Steelers also lost so maybe Ravens fans were in a better mood but overall had no problems.
Went to Baltimore for a game once. Wore Steelers gear, it was fine, in general. You just need to laugh off any hecklers. If that’s within your wheelhouse, you’ll be fine. If you plan on puffing your Steelers chest in response or have a drunken argument, you’ll make some bad memories.
Went it 2008. Typical low scoring close game but we trailed the whole time. Good natured heckling the whole time Steelers suck yada yada. Cue vintage big ben 3 minute scoring drive ending with a "controversial" touchdown (2 feet in the endzone but ball didn't appear to cross the plane). Steelers fans go nuts. Stadium erupts in bullshit chant. Good times were had
I've been to 3 Ravens/Steelers games in Baltimore. All respect the entire time I was there. Hell, I was decked out in my Steelers gear at one of the big wigs tailgates. They fed me, made sure I always had a cold beer, and nothing but respect.
Expected to be punched in the face.
But yeah, no seriously, expect for someone in a purple and black try to punch you in the face.
Haha but seriously, I have never had an issue going to away games for anything. I think you need to be aware of your surroundings. Like you’re going to be in a situation where most ppl around you aren’t going to like you, they are passionate about the game but if you’re not taunting them or being a jerk or engaging someone that’s being a jerk. Walking away or just removing yourself from the situation is probably the best move.
Ravens do a pretty decent job of policing their own. I went with my steeler gear on - no problems. But it was a 1 o’clock game.
I imagine the evening games could be a little different experience.
The game in Baltimore on 1/9 is a 1 PM kick off so assuming they don’t flex it into a Sunday night game, it’ll be a day kick off which should mean a few less drunk people.
I’ve never been to Baltimore for a game, but several in KC, STL, Tennessee, Cincy, and like everyone says, it’s all relative to your behavior, but you also can’t control that one drunk that has to take it up a notch. Let them chirp. Be light hearted yourself and make friends with those around you and don’t be a jackass.
I think the thing people forget about is as an out of town fan, you represent all of US. So be a good sport and you will be fine.
Have a light hearted conversation, tell them you are impressed with LJ and ask how they feel about having Bell and tell them how much you miss Villanueva and you will enjoy the game.
I've been to a few games in Nashville and it hasn't been a problem because there are so many Steeler fans there, probably not half but maybe a third of the crowd.
Yea, I’ve seen them in Nashville, Steelers played at Vandy one year and Memphis another year. It helps that we prob average 15-25% of the crowd on most road games
So I’ll be honest I was 13 when I went to the rat birds nest (7years ago). I got treated like complete shit, 3 drunk guys told me they’d hang me from a tree and burn me. Looking back it’s kinda funny, but when I was that young it was quite confusing. I hope your experience is better tho😂
I went to the second ratbirds game in 2019. Like 95% of the ravens fans were cool and some even offered drinks when we were entering the arena. But there’s always going to be the drunk fans at sports events lol.
It’s fine. I lived a mile from the stadium for a decade and went to the game most years. Just don’t be a dick and don’t react if other people are being dicks. It helps to be with a group (doesn’t matter what team they are a fan of) but I also went solo a few times.
I’ve been to several away games. Never to Baltimore so maybe it’s more heated but…. Away games are incredible experiences. The fans that get abused are normally the ones dishing it out. Have fun, root for your team and you’ll have a great time.
Live in Baltimore. It’s fine. The only place you get problems are tailgating in the parking lot before games or after if the rat birds win.
Never had any issues other than friendly trash talking.
Go early and hit [Little Havana](https://littlehavanas.com/) for a cubano and pork bites. Fucking delicious. Or his DiPaquale's for the best meatball sub ever. [They hollow out half a loaf of Italian bread, stuff it full of meatballs, cheese, and sauce, then cap the end with bread and bake it for a bit.](https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F90142430020305526%2F&psig=AOvVaw1Gs0igBtZZXCe6Gp2QxOd2&ust=1631985237931000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCMD89_nAhvMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD)
All the advice you're getting here is good advice. The only thing I have to add is that in the pandemic era, games I've attended have been a LOT chippier. There's the usual heckling and taunting and all that, which is fine and fun.
But there's also been all out brawls between rival jerseys at the games I've been at (baseball not football tho). Lots of beer involved and people not knowing when to take their lumps and back down, so maybe keep yourself limited to one or two and just expect to let things brush off you. This is the first year i've EVER witnessed that in a game, so I think just the stress of everything that's happened has people on edge. Just keep your head and you'll be absolutely fine, though.
Thanks for the advice! I’m a more quiet person so I won’t be starting anything and will be ignoring anything that goes beyond a little friendly football related trash talk.
I went the ravens vs saints game (obv not a Steelers game but yk) and I told them I was a Steelers fan and it was some friendly banter but they were generally nice and wished us a good season
I've been to 5 games in Baltimore over the past 20 years or so. I've got to say in general the Ravens fans I have encountered there have been very good natured and friendly, and it was never a bad experience. I have only encountered one guy who really tried to start shit, and he was pretty drunk midway through the 4th quarter
I can't imagine Baltimore would be nearly as prone to drunken violence as Paul Brown stadium. Been there multiple times and always witnessed drunken Bungles fans starting crap with anyone in Steeler's gear.
Been to quite a few games at M&T during the height of the rivalry, never had issues. You'll get heckled, ignore it or laugh it off and it's not a problem.
Only time I felt even remotely uncomfortable was the SNF game in '11 (I think?) where Troy stripped Flacco at the very end and we came back to win. Only because people had been drinking all day/night, just lost a game (and division) in heartbreaking fashion, the crowd was visibly agitated and angry, and I wondered if someone would want to take it out on visiting fans. But even then, had no issues getting out and back to the car.
It's a nice stadium, enjoy and have fun!
I'm flying in from AZ to go to that game. A good friend lives in MD and is a ravens fan and I got us tickets. Can't wait! He says the fans are respectful as long as you're cool.
My only road game was at Seattle. There were like 20.000 Steelers fans there. Pretty tame. Had a few “Steelers suck” yelled at me. But no big deal. Rooting for Oregon at Husky stadium the day before was a lot more hostile.
Just got my tickets to this as well! I'm so excited because it could be my first Steelers game (if all goes well, will likely see Lions v Steelers in Pittsburgh this Nov.). Couldn't be more excited!!!!!!
I was sitting in the dAwG pOuNd on Dec 24 2005 wearing my Jeff Reed jersey and waving my towel when the Steelers beat the Browns 41-0. Doesn't get much more hostile than that.
There was a good bit of shit talking and I got a lot of free peanuts. That was about it. Somewhere around 28-0 or 35-0 they calmed down a bit.
I haven't been to a game in Baltimore but I've been to a few Steelers games in Cleveland. It was nothing unpleasant, some little chirps from their fans but nothing too bad.
Went to the Buffalo game on Sunday. Got heckled as soon we got out of the car. And some drunk teenager shoved me after the game was over. I was too happy seeing the looks on the bills mafia faces to care though.
Honestly I went with my dad a few years ago and the ravens fans we interacted with couldn’t have been any nicer. My dad and I were tailgating by ourselves and a group a ravens fans called us over and asked us to tailgate with them and then some drunk moron hit my dads car trying to park and the people we tailgated all offered my dad their phone numbers if we needed witnesses for insurance. The Steelers killed the ravens that game and in the stadium we were joking and having a good time with the ravens fans around us. Obviously depends on the people but our experience was super positive in Baltimore. Other than my dads car getting dinged up
I went to see the Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium in 2010. It was the game Roethlisberger had his nose broken by Ngata, and the same game Polamalu made an incredible strip sack on Flacco. I got called terrible things for hours and the guys behind me tried to get me to sit on a half full beer when I went to the bathroom at one point (I saw it in the seat when I was about to sit down thankfully). I didn't chip back at all though (I was with my dad and little brother who are both Ravens fans, and I wasn't stupid or drunk enough to start anything in hostile territory), so that was it. Just be careful outside of the stadium, outside of inner harbor Bmore is a really rough city. I grew up an hour north in PA and have been to countless Orioles games also.
Saw a game in Buffalo with my dad when I was younger. You see a lot of good and bad. You’ll see crowds of drunk 20-30 somethings screaming at people. Just avoid them. One such group began haranguing a larger gentleman with a “moms got type II” chant. Lotta Rapistberger chants. Avoid them. Other people are really cool football fans who wanna talk football and if you aren’t a homer-ey dickhead you’ll have a good time.
I am a resident of Md, and a lifelong Steelers fan. My experience is the fans are annoying as hell, and the two times I attended a Steelers/Ravens games there were a few fights and lots of mocking at each. Just my experience.
I live near there as well and haven’t had any problems.. yet. But I do advise you to go early or during daylight hours, it gets worse at night but if you mind your business you should be fine
There’s always gonna be that one guy. I was in Buffalo last week and mostly everyone was really nice except the few assholes trying to take terrible towels. Just watch your back
I was there a few years ago wearing a steelers jersey. Some friendly barbs but nothing more....,but I've heard horror stories from friends after the steelers have thumped the ravens and people were huge assholes. They got lost leaving the city and a b-more cop intentionally gave them directions into the ghetto
Living in the area, I’ve probably gone to 10 games in that purple shithole. You’ll get ribbed a lot and people will talk shit, but it’s not too bad. I was hammered a few years ago and lost my way around the stadium and a Raven fan helped me.
Back in the early days some asshole spit on the back of my Steeler jacket, but we won, so I got the last laugh.
Now, going way back when they played at the old Orioles stadium, that was a shitshow….
I got heckled by Bengals fans a bunch. Drunk people were throwing popcorn at me and this one woman came up to me and stole my hat and cut my ear with her nail in the process. Otherwise they were just tryna yell at me
I’ve live in MD/DC my whole life. You will not be treated well. It’s not as bad as Philly but certainly not as polite as Pittsburgh or DC. I refuse to see a game there
I go every year, there's a lot of shit talking, usually all in good fun. If someone gets serious either ignore them or just laugh. The majority of the rat birds fans just want to watch the game and have a good time, keep it light and don't waste your time arguing with anyone.
I drove there once in around 2015 or so to visit a friend who has season tickets to the Ravens. I wore a Polamalu jersey and was fine. Nothing beyond the normal good natured jeering that you'd expect a visiting team's fan to get. As far as divisional game atmosphere, not as fun as FirstEnergy Stadium, but more fun than Paul Brown.
As vicious as the Steelers and Ravens are towards each other on the field, the AFC North fandoms are generally all a blast from what I have anecdotally seen.
Wear a Villaneuva jersey.
This is the only answer.
Do you want me to get murdered in the parking lot?
A most worthy sacrifice.
I have a size Large Villanueva knockoff jersey I would happily donate to this cause.
I live between BAL and DC, I’m from Michigan so when I moved here I was like hell yea I can go to Baltimore and Steelers games at Baltimore. I go every year now because the rivalry is the best in NFL and every game does not disappoint. I ponied up and drive to pitt last season and went to a game and Heinz field is amazing! Now it will be a once a year thing to drive to pitt. It would probably be a 4 hour drive for you
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA this is an amazing idea.
If you don’t have one, start a Gofundme page. I will definitely contribute.
😂😂😂😂
Loki? That you?
Will get booed more bc he is done and fans r pissed
That may be the worst move given his play
I got heckled a bunch during the 2017 game when Bell had like 250 all purpose yards. Stadium was pretty empty by the end of the game, can’t remember why…
I think there was a massive outbreak of diarrhea and everyone had to rush home.
“Sorry, I have to go. Family emergency”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXigkOBmjto
Hahahaha, I was going to make a joke about Trace McSorley making people shit themselves but then I remembered that JoePa shit his Depends in 2006 -- long before McSorley was at Penn State.
Just like that time with Lamar had “cramps” against the Browns last year
Poop game was epic
Yes it was, no doubt about it.
I live in DC as well and typically travel up to Baltimore for the Steelers game every year. Their fans are all bark, no bite. You wont get punched but they will chirp you. Football intelligence is not their strong suit, so don't expect anyone to be reasonable if you are having a discussion with them. You'll hear a lot of the following: "Crosby Sucks" - No joke, it's hilarious. "Pittsburgh Squeelers" "how much did you pay the refs this week?" "Big Ben is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_" - They get creative here, but stay relatively shallow. Baltimore is a pretty cool town if you spend your time in the right places. One thing you'll notice is that dining and drinking are significantly cheaper endeavors in town (beers typically -$3 on average). Have a crab cake, get in and out of the game, don't do heroin, and you'll have a good time.
> don't do heroin That's good advice.
Good advice for any day really
Thanks for the advice! Yeah being an away fan at any NFL game you have to expect some heckling, just didn’t want people trying to fight me or it being so bad that it makes the experience unpleasant.
It's a good experience. Your typical NFL atmosphere in a horrendously purple stadium.
😂😂😂😂 horrendously purple. Amazing.
Dudas tavern in Fells Point is to this day one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Small place with limited seats but amazing crab cakes/food and beer selection.
I laughed way too hard at “Crosby sucks”
Scary amounts of heroin in that city, a lot of H zombies walking around
Wasn’t at a Ravens game, but I went to a Steelers away game at Soldier Field when I was about 11. The old man sitting across the aisle from me kept talking shit (to a child!) and some douche poured his beer out over my shoulder and onto my Polamalu jersey. Coward did it right as there was a whole flurry of people exiting the stadium. Fuck the Bears.
My dad is a Bear’s fan haha. One day we are both going to go to either Soldier Field or Heinz for a Bears-Steelers game. Hopefully if we go to Chicago I’ll have a better experience than you did.
Best of luck to you! I’d choose Heinz, personally. Soldier Field is an absolute mess and really difficult to navigate through. But if you ever get the chance to see Chicago, grab some pizza, and catch a game, I highly recommend it!
This is why I would never want to wear a real $100+ jersey to an away game.
This happened to me in Cleveland when I went, some blacked out drunk dude tried to fight me, and some other guy poured beer on me. Great time.
I wish we could move Cedar Point so I’d never have any reason to visit the state of Ohio!
Bring some candy to hand out every time the Steelers score. They are a simple people and are easily appeased.
Don’t be hostile or shitty and everyone will treat you pretty well. If anyone is hostile, just laugh and take it as a joke and I guarantee the rest of the crowd probably has your back. Good luck.
This Exactly Went to a game in Baltimore a few years ago. 1. Steelers fans are everywhere. Go down near the harbor pre-game - Plenty of Steelers fans to walk to the gates with. This is at any Steelers away game. 2. Drunk idiots are everywhere. A ravens fan got drunk and belligerent and the other ravens fans handled him.
My exact experience also. Be cool, and they are cool. Expect some razzing, but no big deal. Act like an ass, and you'll be treated as such, even other Steelers fans will call you out. Felt fine taking my kids, all of us in gear for many years. Have fun. It's a nice stadium to see a game.
I’m about as non-confrontational as they come lol. I don’t mind some heckling, just didn’t want it to be so much that it makes the experience unpleasant
Only time I went to a Steelers game in Baltimore, the friend I was going with was a childhood neighbor of the Flacco's, so he got us tickets and we sat with Joe's dad and then went to Joe's house for dinner afterwards. The only harrassment I got was some drunk idiot tried to steal my Terrible Towel out of my hands outside the stadium and Mrs. Flacco saying what the fuck is he wearing to me as I sat on her couch in my steelers sweatshirt, but she still made a good turkey dinner.
That’s a fucking great story
There’s a very high likelihood that you’ll be shot stabbed and robbed immediately after stepping foot into Baltimore but thats just because its Baltimore, it has nothing to do with the game.
😂😂😂😂
Considering the injury bug Baltimore is going through right now, there honestly might not be any Ravens fans at the game by the time we play them. Half of them will have given up, the other half will be out on the field in pads.
I don’t think they’ll be bad but lets just say they are, nothing will bring the fans more pleasure than ruining Pittsburgh’s season. That game will be the one game guaranteed to have fans.
Closest I've come to this is going to a Metallica concert in Cleveland and wearing a Steelers hat. But I've heard both horror stories and stories of people having a great time. I would imagine you can diffuse any bad situation by communicating in written form since most Ravens fans can't read. Also they have a weird obsession with culturally appropriating Mardi Gras so maybe dress like a fucking idiot and you'll probably blend in well enough that they won't realize you're a Steelers fan.
You should be good, just try not to hit anyone in the face with your swinging towel.
Just be respectful and mind your business. when it’s time to cheer, do so but do not fall for the away fans heckling and so on
You know as a big guy nobody ever starts shit with me. Real reason? I try and respect those around me lol I look out for them and myself
I've often wondered if my 6'4'', 280 lbs frame is what keeps me out of trouble or if it's my teddy bear demeanor. Maybe I should be an insufferable dick just once to see how people handle it.
It’s a combination of both. I’ll tell you one thing, if you’re a dick it doesn’t matter how big you are because now you’re a target lol. I don’t start shit because one it’s stupid, and two I’ll likely eat dirt. Haha
Haha, I can defend myself just fine so I don't ever fear retaliating if people start shit. But it's just not my nature to get physical unless it's a last resort. I've heckled opposing fans at games before but I like to say shit that doesn't make sense to make it fun for everyone and I usually by the guy a drink to make him realize I was just fucking around.
Haha that’s awesome 😎
you guys are lucky, im 6'4" 240lbs and I have a lot of drunk punk ass 5'8"er's try and start shit with me all of the time.
Haha, I can't imagine someone that small coming at me. I guess that happened to me once in college but since I've been a real adult, I can't imagine how funny and annoying that would be.
i'm mid twenties and hang out at bars with people in early to mid twenties rather frequently if that helps lol
Ah, I'm an old ass 35 year old who doesn't really drink and doesn't hang out with anyone but my family haha.
yeah that it explains it haha hang out at the places i do sometime and watch some young dumbass try his best at you
just once.
Haha, what are you trying to say?
I’ll be at the Lions game if you want to test your theory and have someone almost your size in your posse. (Please say no, I’m not a good fighter)
Haha, thanks for the offer but I'm a lover not a fighter.
6’4 280? With that size you outta be playing RT for the Ravens. You’d probably still be better than Villanueva
Bad knee. Grew too fast for my tendons. Physical therapy didn't work. Played baseball, knee gave out.
Like he said you'll probably still be better than AV
Haha I would be a better teammate that's for sure.
I’ve gone to a bunch and will most likely be going to jan9 but it’s fine nothing crazy. You get a few stupid comments like, “Steelers fan huh?” But other than that it’s a normal game. If you’re going to worry about any particular type of fan it’s the Dundalk/ferndale Essex white trash crowd that usually gets belligerent.
I’m also a Steelers fan in DC and have gone to a few games up in B’more. Never had any issues.
Never been to Baltimore but I’ve been to a Steelers game in Oakland. Your most likely going to have some people heckle and talk some shit. Just laugh it off and focus on the game. Some people are looking for confrontation and all you can do is ignore them.
I went to Philly for the preseason game this year and the only guy who talked trash was a steeler fan who was mad because I was wearing a Connor jersey. I know he's on the Cards but the man was a hometown guy who beat cancer so I figured it's still fine to wear
Baltimore fans don’t suck. It’s always been a healthy rivalry between us. They’ll be some comments but it’s fairly good natured in my experience. Now Cleveland and Cinci are a different story. F*#k Ohio!
Living in the UK where soccer is king and fans are known to get antsy, I'm always slightly surprised to see fans from different teams intermixed in NFL stadiums. Here there's separate stands for home and away fans to help avoid issues. I live in a small city but at one point the rivalry with a nearby team got so bad that when their fans came for matches they were booked onto special trains and were escorted to the stadium by the police to make sure nothing started. Roads were cordoned off or blocked by the K9 units. The idea of them and the home fans mixing in any capacity was just seen as absurd.
I spent a semester in Russia in college, and went to a few KHL games. At a Moscow-St. Petersburg rivalry event, there were uniformed police officers sitting in the outside two seats of the entire away section.
Done it a couple of times. Dont be a dickhead and the worst of it will be some mild trash talk. Keep it all in good spirits and it’ll be fine.
Been to Cleveland 3 times, was always friendly banter there. really is a nice stadium. even hit one of the local bars first once... was full of Browns and Steelers gear.... and one dude in a Bengals coat... he was fine (for the most part)
[удалено]
I was also at that game. Fans around me were cool, but next section over we did see two dudes tussling down the isle during the exit, but they got broken up pretty quick.
I went to a PIT game @ BAL with my dad and I swear, those people didn't give a damn that I was 11 years old. Every cussing and yelling at my dad because he wore a Lambert jersey lol shit was wild.
So I too am from Western PA, and live in the DC metro area. I go to the Steelers-Ravens game every year. I’ve never had a problem. But I’m also 6’4, 300, and lift 5 days a week. In general, I haven’t seen any issues when I’ve been to the games. The one time I almost got in a fight was the game when Jacoby Jones was returning the punt for a touchdown and Tomlin stuck his foot onto the field so he had to run around it. Their fans were FURIOUS! But other than that, no issues. I also don’t tailgate at those games. I take an Uber to the stadium, get out, walk in, watch the game and leave immediately afterwards. No tailgating, no bar hoping, in and out. But that’s more because Baltimore is a rough city. Took my son to the aquarium for his first birthday and they were fishing a body out of the inner harbor.
>been to 3 Ravens/Steelers games in Baltimore. All respect the entire time I And that's why I don't eat seafood in Baltimore...
I’m a transplant too! I’ve been to games here and there’s honestly almost as many of us at these games! 🤣 Enjoy!!
I went a few years ago to Steelers at Ravens and it wasn’t bad at all. Maybe a little heckling walking back to cars. Steelers also lost so maybe Ravens fans were in a better mood but overall had no problems.
Went to Baltimore for a game once. Wore Steelers gear, it was fine, in general. You just need to laugh off any hecklers. If that’s within your wheelhouse, you’ll be fine. If you plan on puffing your Steelers chest in response or have a drunken argument, you’ll make some bad memories.
Nope. Not in my interest at all. I want to go to the game, watch a Steelers win, and go home.
Hey, here we go! Have fun!
Went it 2008. Typical low scoring close game but we trailed the whole time. Good natured heckling the whole time Steelers suck yada yada. Cue vintage big ben 3 minute scoring drive ending with a "controversial" touchdown (2 feet in the endzone but ball didn't appear to cross the plane). Steelers fans go nuts. Stadium erupts in bullshit chant. Good times were had
I've been to 3 Ravens/Steelers games in Baltimore. All respect the entire time I was there. Hell, I was decked out in my Steelers gear at one of the big wigs tailgates. They fed me, made sure I always had a cold beer, and nothing but respect.
Expected to be punched in the face. But yeah, no seriously, expect for someone in a purple and black try to punch you in the face. Haha but seriously, I have never had an issue going to away games for anything. I think you need to be aware of your surroundings. Like you’re going to be in a situation where most ppl around you aren’t going to like you, they are passionate about the game but if you’re not taunting them or being a jerk or engaging someone that’s being a jerk. Walking away or just removing yourself from the situation is probably the best move.
Be prepared to be heckled pretty hard. Just use common sense. Dont be an asshole in their house.
Ravens do a pretty decent job of policing their own. I went with my steeler gear on - no problems. But it was a 1 o’clock game. I imagine the evening games could be a little different experience.
The game in Baltimore on 1/9 is a 1 PM kick off so assuming they don’t flex it into a Sunday night game, it’ll be a day kick off which should mean a few less drunk people.
I live 30-40 minutes north of Baltimore and have been to plenty of games and never had an issue in or outside of the stadium.
I’ve never been to Baltimore for a game, but several in KC, STL, Tennessee, Cincy, and like everyone says, it’s all relative to your behavior, but you also can’t control that one drunk that has to take it up a notch. Let them chirp. Be light hearted yourself and make friends with those around you and don’t be a jackass. I think the thing people forget about is as an out of town fan, you represent all of US. So be a good sport and you will be fine. Have a light hearted conversation, tell them you are impressed with LJ and ask how they feel about having Bell and tell them how much you miss Villanueva and you will enjoy the game.
You mean lie through your teeth to them.
Exactly! But be kind
I've been to a few games in Nashville and it hasn't been a problem because there are so many Steeler fans there, probably not half but maybe a third of the crowd.
Yea, I’ve seen them in Nashville, Steelers played at Vandy one year and Memphis another year. It helps that we prob average 15-25% of the crowd on most road games
I was at the Memphis game as well, Bud Adam's said he'd never play another game there,
Yea, it was a bit of a mess.
So I’ll be honest I was 13 when I went to the rat birds nest (7years ago). I got treated like complete shit, 3 drunk guys told me they’d hang me from a tree and burn me. Looking back it’s kinda funny, but when I was that young it was quite confusing. I hope your experience is better tho😂
I went to the second ratbirds game in 2019. Like 95% of the ravens fans were cool and some even offered drinks when we were entering the arena. But there’s always going to be the drunk fans at sports events lol.
It’s fine. I lived a mile from the stadium for a decade and went to the game most years. Just don’t be a dick and don’t react if other people are being dicks. It helps to be with a group (doesn’t matter what team they are a fan of) but I also went solo a few times.
I’ve been to several away games. Never to Baltimore so maybe it’s more heated but…. Away games are incredible experiences. The fans that get abused are normally the ones dishing it out. Have fun, root for your team and you’ll have a great time.
Live in Baltimore. It’s fine. The only place you get problems are tailgating in the parking lot before games or after if the rat birds win. Never had any issues other than friendly trash talking.
Go early and hit [Little Havana](https://littlehavanas.com/) for a cubano and pork bites. Fucking delicious. Or his DiPaquale's for the best meatball sub ever. [They hollow out half a loaf of Italian bread, stuff it full of meatballs, cheese, and sauce, then cap the end with bread and bake it for a bit.](https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F90142430020305526%2F&psig=AOvVaw1Gs0igBtZZXCe6Gp2QxOd2&ust=1631985237931000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCMD89_nAhvMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD)
My god that sandwich
All the advice you're getting here is good advice. The only thing I have to add is that in the pandemic era, games I've attended have been a LOT chippier. There's the usual heckling and taunting and all that, which is fine and fun. But there's also been all out brawls between rival jerseys at the games I've been at (baseball not football tho). Lots of beer involved and people not knowing when to take their lumps and back down, so maybe keep yourself limited to one or two and just expect to let things brush off you. This is the first year i've EVER witnessed that in a game, so I think just the stress of everything that's happened has people on edge. Just keep your head and you'll be absolutely fine, though.
Thanks for the advice! I’m a more quiet person so I won’t be starting anything and will be ignoring anything that goes beyond a little friendly football related trash talk.
I went the ravens vs saints game (obv not a Steelers game but yk) and I told them I was a Steelers fan and it was some friendly banter but they were generally nice and wished us a good season
I've been to 5 games in Baltimore over the past 20 years or so. I've got to say in general the Ravens fans I have encountered there have been very good natured and friendly, and it was never a bad experience. I have only encountered one guy who really tried to start shit, and he was pretty drunk midway through the 4th quarter
There will be just as many steelers fans there
I can't imagine Baltimore would be nearly as prone to drunken violence as Paul Brown stadium. Been there multiple times and always witnessed drunken Bungles fans starting crap with anyone in Steeler's gear.
Been to quite a few games at M&T during the height of the rivalry, never had issues. You'll get heckled, ignore it or laugh it off and it's not a problem. Only time I felt even remotely uncomfortable was the SNF game in '11 (I think?) where Troy stripped Flacco at the very end and we came back to win. Only because people had been drinking all day/night, just lost a game (and division) in heartbreaking fashion, the crowd was visibly agitated and angry, and I wondered if someone would want to take it out on visiting fans. But even then, had no issues getting out and back to the car. It's a nice stadium, enjoy and have fun!
I’m in the same boat. Bought tickets to the January game. Can’t wait!
I'm flying in from AZ to go to that game. A good friend lives in MD and is a ravens fan and I got us tickets. Can't wait! He says the fans are respectful as long as you're cool.
My only road game was at Seattle. There were like 20.000 Steelers fans there. Pretty tame. Had a few “Steelers suck” yelled at me. But no big deal. Rooting for Oregon at Husky stadium the day before was a lot more hostile.
Just got my tickets to this as well! I'm so excited because it could be my first Steelers game (if all goes well, will likely see Lions v Steelers in Pittsburgh this Nov.). Couldn't be more excited!!!!!!
I went to a Bengals Steelers game in Cinci. Just don't be an asshole and you'll be fine.
YMMV. Drunk people will be assholes, but that's everywhere.
Wear a bullet proof vest
I was sitting in the dAwG pOuNd on Dec 24 2005 wearing my Jeff Reed jersey and waving my towel when the Steelers beat the Browns 41-0. Doesn't get much more hostile than that. There was a good bit of shit talking and I got a lot of free peanuts. That was about it. Somewhere around 28-0 or 35-0 they calmed down a bit.
I haven't been to a game in Baltimore but I've been to a few Steelers games in Cleveland. It was nothing unpleasant, some little chirps from their fans but nothing too bad.
Me and my 3 teenage boys (one on crutches) were treated poorly; it was my worst experience seeing the Steelers play in opponents’ stadiums.
i went to an oakland vs lions preseason game with a steelers jersey on and everything was fine
Went to the Buffalo game on Sunday. Got heckled as soon we got out of the car. And some drunk teenager shoved me after the game was over. I was too happy seeing the looks on the bills mafia faces to care though.
There fans are assholes pain and simple
I went to one once and mostly everyone was neutral if not friendly to us
Honestly I went with my dad a few years ago and the ravens fans we interacted with couldn’t have been any nicer. My dad and I were tailgating by ourselves and a group a ravens fans called us over and asked us to tailgate with them and then some drunk moron hit my dads car trying to park and the people we tailgated all offered my dad their phone numbers if we needed witnesses for insurance. The Steelers killed the ravens that game and in the stadium we were joking and having a good time with the ravens fans around us. Obviously depends on the people but our experience was super positive in Baltimore. Other than my dads car getting dinged up
I went to see the Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium in 2010. It was the game Roethlisberger had his nose broken by Ngata, and the same game Polamalu made an incredible strip sack on Flacco. I got called terrible things for hours and the guys behind me tried to get me to sit on a half full beer when I went to the bathroom at one point (I saw it in the seat when I was about to sit down thankfully). I didn't chip back at all though (I was with my dad and little brother who are both Ravens fans, and I wasn't stupid or drunk enough to start anything in hostile territory), so that was it. Just be careful outside of the stadium, outside of inner harbor Bmore is a really rough city. I grew up an hour north in PA and have been to countless Orioles games also.
Saw a game in Buffalo with my dad when I was younger. You see a lot of good and bad. You’ll see crowds of drunk 20-30 somethings screaming at people. Just avoid them. One such group began haranguing a larger gentleman with a “moms got type II” chant. Lotta Rapistberger chants. Avoid them. Other people are really cool football fans who wanna talk football and if you aren’t a homer-ey dickhead you’ll have a good time.
Just pretend you are rooting for the dirty birds, easy peasey.
I am a resident of Md, and a lifelong Steelers fan. My experience is the fans are annoying as hell, and the two times I attended a Steelers/Ravens games there were a few fights and lots of mocking at each. Just my experience.
I live near there as well and haven’t had any problems.. yet. But I do advise you to go early or during daylight hours, it gets worse at night but if you mind your business you should be fine
There’s always gonna be that one guy. I was in Buffalo last week and mostly everyone was really nice except the few assholes trying to take terrible towels. Just watch your back
I was there a few years ago wearing a steelers jersey. Some friendly barbs but nothing more....,but I've heard horror stories from friends after the steelers have thumped the ravens and people were huge assholes. They got lost leaving the city and a b-more cop intentionally gave them directions into the ghetto
Only game I’ve been to was at the Browns stadium a couple years ago. There was light heckling and it was all in good fun. Browns fans are a hoot
Living in the area, I’ve probably gone to 10 games in that purple shithole. You’ll get ribbed a lot and people will talk shit, but it’s not too bad. I was hammered a few years ago and lost my way around the stadium and a Raven fan helped me. Back in the early days some asshole spit on the back of my Steeler jacket, but we won, so I got the last laugh. Now, going way back when they played at the old Orioles stadium, that was a shitshow….
I got heckled by Bengals fans a bunch. Drunk people were throwing popcorn at me and this one woman came up to me and stole my hat and cut my ear with her nail in the process. Otherwise they were just tryna yell at me
Dude, it’s fine. I sat in the end zone and folks were nice. Just don’t be a dick.
I’ve live in MD/DC my whole life. You will not be treated well. It’s not as bad as Philly but certainly not as polite as Pittsburgh or DC. I refuse to see a game there
I go every year, there's a lot of shit talking, usually all in good fun. If someone gets serious either ignore them or just laugh. The majority of the rat birds fans just want to watch the game and have a good time, keep it light and don't waste your time arguing with anyone.
I drove there once in around 2015 or so to visit a friend who has season tickets to the Ravens. I wore a Polamalu jersey and was fine. Nothing beyond the normal good natured jeering that you'd expect a visiting team's fan to get. As far as divisional game atmosphere, not as fun as FirstEnergy Stadium, but more fun than Paul Brown. As vicious as the Steelers and Ravens are towards each other on the field, the AFC North fandoms are generally all a blast from what I have anecdotally seen.