The Baltimore Ravens will hold their annual Military Appreciation Day on Monday, Aug. 3, coinciding with the team's 7 p.m. open training camp practice at M&T Bank Stadium.
Approximately 3,500 special seats will be reserved for active service members and veterans who present valid military identification upon check-in at the stadium. Immediate family members of the servicemen and servicewomen are also welcome to join, with all preferred seating coming on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additionally, those who show a valid military I.D. will be given a special edition Ravens camouflage hat, while their children will receive a unique, military-themed Ravens wristband. (Gift quantities are limited.)
Though not required, members of the Armed Forces are encouraged to attend in uniform.
This marks the Ravens' eighth-annual Military Appreciation Day, an event head coach John Harbaugh instituted during his first season with the team in 2008. Harbaugh has been an advocate of the U.S. Military, with the NFL awarding him its 2013 Salute to Service Award, acknowledging exceptional efforts by those in the league who honor and support military members. (Harbaugh was also a finalist for the award in 2011.) In 2012, Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno presented him with the Outstanding Civilian Service Award. Harbaugh took part in the annual NFL-USO coaches' tour of the Middle East in 2009, has visited numerous military bases in the U.S. and abroad (including a 2014 February trip to the Middle East), has purchased school supplies for children whose parents are serving in the military and has sent care packages to troops overseas.
Since the establishment of Military Appreciation Day, an estimated 8,500 service members have enjoyed preferred seating and opportunities to meet with players and coaches each summer. Once the season begins, Harbaugh then invites wounded warriors to be his guests at every Ravens home game. A self-proclaimed history buff, during offseason team activities, Harbaugh has also taken the Ravens to Gettysburg, Pa., to learn about the Civil War.
Who: Active Military Members and Veterans and Immediate Family
What: Ravens Military Appreciation Day
Where:M&T Bank Stadium Training Camp Practice
When: Monday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
Details: Service members should enter the stadium at Gate B. Valid military I.D. must be presented to obtain special gifts and preferred seating in reserved sections.
FIREWORKS NIGHT
As a reminder, the Aug. 3 M&T Bank Stadium practice, which is free and open to the public, will also showcase the Ravens' Fireworks Night, presented by Verizon, an event highlighted by post-practice autographs for children and a fireworks/laser show. (Please note that the fireworks/laser show is contingent on suitable weather conditions.)
Stadium gates open at 5:30 p.m., while parking will be available in Lots A, B, C, G, H and O. (All lots open at 4 p.m. and are available for cold tailgating.) The parking fee is $10.
For more information, please visit: http://www.baltimoreravens.com/ravenstown/training-camp/index.html
HOMETOWN HERO
This season, Dietz & Watson and the Ravens are continuing their joint efforts to honor active and veteran service members at every 2015 home game. If fans have a friend or family member who is currently serving or has served, people are encouraged to submit that person's name, contact information, service number and a brief description about why the service member is being nominated.
During each home week throughout the season, one submission will be chosen as that game's Hometown Hero, with the recipient winning tickets to the game, pre-game sideline passes and an opportunity to personally deliver a game ball to the NFL referee before the game.
For more information, please click on the following link: http://www.baltimoreravens.com/ravenstown/contests/hometown-hero.html
