Section 544, Dover, NH
Ravens PSL owner Joe Romano shares the deep personal meaning behind being a season ticket holder and reflects on how his grandfather introduced him to Ravens football, the sacrifices he makes to attend every home game, along with the pride he feels representing the Ravens community. His story highlights the emotional bond, dedication, and lifelong memories that come with being part of the Ravens family.
What is your Ravens story?
Joe Romano's Ravens journey started long before the team even existed.
"You know, a long time ago, when I was a kid, my grandfather, Alfonzo Romano was a big Browns fan, and Baltimore [football] wasn't around at that point — the Colts had already moved to Indianapolis. I was, of course, not that old, but I wanted to stay loyal for him as much as I possibly could," he explained.
It wasn't until the Ravens arrived in Baltimore that everything changed.
"[That] got me into football when they moved. That was a different story — now we're into Baltimore," he told us with a smile. Joe and his grandfather were excited for the new change and a draft with Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden. "We really got into loving football because of the passion and the beginnings of that smashmouth kind of defense."
Football quickly became more than a pastime. It became a bond between Joe and his grandfather. "Next thing you know, we're going to games," he shared. Joe's grandfather was a conductor for Amtrak and, once he retired, they ended up spending more time together when he came to visit. They created memories through football that helped Joe develop a lifelong love for both the Ravens and the city of Baltimore.
Joe is not from Maryland and currently lives in New Hampshire. Despite the distance — and being surrounded by Patriots fans — Joe's loyalty has never wavered. "My license plates are Ravens. Everybody knows me as a Raven. I live and breathe purple," he said with pride. "I just developed a huge love [for the team]. And I love the city. Every time I've gone to Baltimore, it was one of those things — not only welcoming, but it felt like home."
It was family and timing that pulled Joe into the Ravens family. Even hundreds of miles away, his connection to Baltimore runs deep and Joe's dream of owning Permanent Seat Licenses (PSLs) grew over time. "I never had the financial means to be able to be a season ticket holder for a long period of time when I was younger — you're not really focused on that," he shared. After his grandfather passed away, he made a promise to himself to make it happen, despite living so far away.
"At that point, I'm like, well, there's never going to be another team," he told us. "I put my name out there and next thing you know, I received a phone call. It was like Christmas!" He was finally getting season tickets and made it to his first home opener.
What does your gameday look like?
Joe's gameday routine is a tradition of its own, starting with a stay at an Airbnb and a trip to the Inner Harbor to mingle with both Ravens fans and that weeks' opponent. He explained saying, "You meet a lot of people and they do some talking, so it's a lot of fun."
His schedule is well-rehearsed, leaving his house 6 a.m. on Saturday, making a stop at a casino along the way, while making sure to get some seafood for dinner, including his favorite Maryland crab cakes. On gameday mornings, it's all about soaking in the city. "I walk through downtown, go to Starbucks, come back, eat breakfast, shower, change, and then start putting on my gear. At the end of the day, I'm Baltimore'd out in purple!"
One prized possession always comes along is an autographed sweatshirt from TE Ed Dickson. "I met him at a casino once, and he signed it. Now it's something that I wear a lot — like a staple," he explained.
Joe loves the energy of the city leading up to kickoff and shared, "I personally love to see the Marching Ravens and the energy they bring. You forget about normal day life — it's just like, wow." Before heading into the stadium, there's one more must-have: crab egg rolls!
He makes sure he's settled in early, usually sitting in his seat in section 544 at least 45 minutes before the game. "I grab everything I need — I don't want to miss a beat. I don't want to miss a play. I stay till the very end, no matter what."
Favorite memories?
Reflecting on his years of loyal Ravens fandom, Joe shared countless moments that meant the world to him — but a few stand above the rest. "I'll never forget the first time I saw Ray Lewis come out of the tunnel and do his dance," he said, smiling. "I've never felt energy like that. Not even when I was a young kid playing sports. That passion — you can't teach that. You either have it or you don't."
Joe also recalled legendary plays that left lasting impressions, like Ed Reed's unforgettable 99-yard interception return and Jacoby Jones' iconic "Mile High Miracle" touchdown against Denver in 2012. "I've never seen anything like it. Plays like that inspire you to be better — not just in sports, but in life."
His fandom is woven into every part of his life. "I've got about 60 jerseys," Joe admitted. "I have a whole room at home — bobbleheads, rookie cards, signed footballs. Everything Baltimore." Some of his most prized possessions include a signed football from Ray Lewis after the Ravens' last Super Bowl and rookie cards of both Lewis and Ed Reed. "I bought that Ray Lewis ball from a guy who owned a storage unit — for 50 bucks," he said, laughing. "It's priceless to me." Through all the ups and downs, Joe's connection to the Ravens has remained a constant source of passion and pride. "I think about the players, the energy, and what this team stands for. Every game, every memory — it's all part of something bigger."
What does it mean to be a PSL Owner?
When asked what it means to be a PSL Owner, Joe Romano spoke from the heart. For him, it is about so much more than just having a guaranteed seat at every home game — it's deeply personal and rooted in family, tradition, and lifelong memories.
"My grandfather's favorite thing in the world was Ravens football," Joe shared. "He got me introduced to it — going to games, bringing me to my first game — still to this day, those are things you can never forget." Even though his grandfather has passed, feels that he's with him at every single game. Every time he walks into M&T Bank Stadium, it's a tribute to those memories, a way to honor his grandfather's legacy.
Financially and logistically, maintaining his PSLs is a major commitment, but one Joe embraces wholeheartedly. "If I had to work three jobs to keep my season tickets, I would," he said. Traveling for each home game typically costs him "no less than $1,000" per trip, but he prepares for it with careful planning and dedication. "I work and I save all year when football is not there to make sure I'm always going to be able to go to Baltimore, have a good time, and buy the jerseys and the things I want to do to help support."
For Joe, supporting the Ravens isn't just a hobby — it's a way of life. "I live and breathe purple," he said proudly. "Besides food, the roof over your head, your car, and your bills — this is the next thing for me." His passion for the team is fueled by both past and present players, primarily being inspired by Lewis and Reed. "And then you get people like Roquan [Smith], Lamar [Jackson] and [Kyle] Hamilton — they keep you driving. There's always that force that keeps you wanting more."
It's that relentless energy and pride that fills the stadium, sometimes pushing the noise level up to 125 decibels on game days. "That's why people love going to Baltimore," he said. "It's fun!"
Ultimately, Joe considers being a PSL owner one of his greatest personal achievements. "Being a good son for my mother was important," he said, "but I can tell you, this is right up there with it." For Joe Romano, owning a PSL isn't just about attending football games — it's about honoring family, embracing a community, and living with a passion that never fades.
