M&T Bank Stadium already has a reputation of being one of the toughest, loudest places in the NFL for opposing teams to visit.
That excitement was even more visible for Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, as fans packed the stadium to see legendary linebacker Ray Lewis take the field in Baltimore for one last time.
On Monday, Head Coach John Harbaugh thanked the fans for their energy during the 24-9 victory.
"The crowd was incredible," Harbaugh said. "It was one of those historic moments that all of us in here, and anybody that was there, is never, ever going to forget."
The crowd arrived early to watch pregame warm-ups, and the stadium was about three-quarters of the way full almost an hour before kickoff. By the time the Ravens came out for pregame introductions, there didn't appear to be an open seat in the stadium as Lewis did has iconic dance one last time.
"I came out for pregame and the place was almost packed – I'm talking about way early, an hour before the game," Harbaugh said. "And then obviously we came back out 10 minutes before the game for introductions, and the place was just stuffed. It was as loud then as it would be during most games."
Lewis' dance – both during introductions and in the victory formation at the end of the game – and his victory lap around the field after the game will be remembered by Ravens fans for a long time to come. And count Harbaugh among those relishing the moment.
"It was one of those great moments," Harbaugh said. "I was so proud of our fans, so pleased that we will all have something that we will be able to talk to our kids and grandkids about – a Baltimore football moment.
"That's kind of why you do this. That's kind of why you're a fan – to be a part of moments like this."
