Sports

Local Ravens Roost Isn't Giving Up

Westminster prepares a rally for the Ravens in spite of the team's decision to hold training camp at its Owings Mills facility in 2012.

On Thursday, Dec. 2, members of the Ravens Roost #115 in Westminster met to plan a rally to encourage the Baltimore Ravens to keep training camp at McDaniel College.

The following day, all of Westminster was dealt a blow when the Ravens announced that they would not return to training camp at McDaniel College in 2012, but rather use their Owings Mills facility.

Westminster has hosted training camp for the Baltimore football franchise, first the Colts, then the Ravens, since the 1950s.

Find out what's happening in Westminsterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But Chad Tracey, Ravens Roost #115 board member, said that now it's more important than ever to hold a rally showing how badly the community wants the Ravens to return to McDaniel.

"We need to do this now more than ever because we need to let them know the implications of their decision," Tracey said.

Find out what's happening in Westminsterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Ravens Main Street America Rally & Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. 

Tracey said that he understands that there was a business decision to be made but that the team didn't consider the value of fan interaction.

"The Ravens have been coming to Westminster for as long as they have been a team," Tracey said. "It's kind of short-sighted to end such a longstanding tradition.

"Having training camp at Owings Mills might be a little less effort and a little less expensive but the interaction with the fans won't be the same," Tracey said.

Training Camp was moved to the team's Owings Mills facility in 2011 due to the NFL lockout. The Ravens contract with McDaniel also expired last year and the hesitation to sign a new contract left some wondering if the Ravens intended to return.

"We respect the decision of the Ravens organization, and are ready to welcome them back to McDaniel College if, and when, they  decide to return their training camp here," said McDaniel's Director of Media Relations Cheryl Knauer.

Knauer said that the McDaniel community learned of the decision Friday afternoon.

"We had been expecting the Ravens' return," she said.

Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz said that the city will miss the revenue generated from having the team in town for six weeks in July and August, but also the national exposure.

"What a sad day for Westminster," Utz said.

"The local economy will feel the effects," he said. "But after already going through them not being here last year, I think we'll survive. We'll come out of it ok."

Utz added, "As a city we'll miss that notoriety we got from being seen on the major sports channels."

The most difficult part for Ravens fans, according to Utz, will be losing the opportunity to feel connected to the players, to see the players in person.

"Many locals took their kids up to watch the practices and they went to watch the training camp themselves as kids," Utz said. "They want to see the players up close and personal, people will probably miss that the most."

According to Tracey, it wasn't uncommon to see Ravens at restaurants and stores in town during the weeks of training camp. 

"They were just regular people, hanging out," Tracey said. "And we were used to them being here, so they could hang out without being mobbed."

As upset as locals may be about the team's decision, the town was still painted purple as the Ravens traveled to Cleveland to take on the Browns Sunday.

"I don't think people will not be fans as a result of this," Utz said. "In fact I think people are excited about the Ravens season."

"I'm always going to be a Ravens fan, but I'm not happy," Tracey said.

Check the Ravens Roost #115 website for developing details about the Rally and Parade on Dec. 17.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here