Lamar Jackson and his Baltimore Ravens teammates in action as they take on the Redskins at the M&T Stadium in a  battle won by the Ravens. Photo: Keith Allison via wikimedia.

BY KAZAD

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND-The amazing performance of the Baltimore Ravens led by Lamar Jackson has sent Baltimoreans into a frenzy. Wherever one turns, there is a celebration of the exceptional performance of Lamar Jackson and his teammates, who have conquered the best of foes on the football field.

Baltimore Ravens: Seeing Purple

 The qualification of the Baltimore Ravens for the playoffs is expected to bring many visitors and football tourists to Baltimore. While some fans are coming from as far as the United Kingdom, others are visiting from around the country.  However, no matter where they are coming from or who they are supporting, fans will see purple. Purple is Baltimore Raven’s signature colure and it is everywhere. In addition to fans wearing purple jerseys of their favorite player, buildings are also lit in purple lights. Some fans are even praying for purple rain to add to their celebrations.

There is purple everywhere. Baltimoreans are relentless in showing love for their home team. There is art about the Baltimore Ravens everyone. From t-shirts to posters, street art, and flags on cars, Baltimore Ravens art is everywhere.  People have even stenciled the Ravens logo on their cars, while others have sprayed their car purple.

Lamar Jackson Factor

Lamar Jackson who has been described as the Houdini of football is a major factor in many Baltimore Ravens wins. At just 23, this Baltimore Ravens quarterback has broken many records, and he is expected to take Baltimore to the Super Bowl this year. Not surprising, his jerseys have been flying off the shelf. Many people are already clamoring for him to be crowned the MVP.  There is hope that he would make the Big Truss.

Baltimore Ravens: Beyond Football

Beyond the display of love for the Baltimore Ravens, many of the football tourists visiting Baltimore to watch the Baltimore Ravens play or support their teams in the playoff games can visit many of the museums across Baltimore to see exceptional work of art on display. Below are some of the museums football tourists can visit:

Baltimore Museum of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art has several important exhibitions celebrating the contribution of women to art through the ages. Some of the shows include Mickalene Thomas: A Moment’s Pleasure, Generations: A History of Black Abstract Art, Adorned: African Women & the Art of Identity, Free Form: 20th-Century Studio Craft, By Their Creative Force: American Women Modernists, Melvin Edwards: Crossroads, Henry Moore and The Pre-Columbian Past, and Spencer Finch: Moon Dust.

The Walters Art Museum

The Walters Art Museum is another place football tourists can visit while waiting for the football games to happen. On display at the Walter Art Museum are exhibitions like Excursions through the Collection: Portraiture, Adornment, and the Natural World, From Mucha To Morris: Books of the Art Nouveau, Arts of Asia, Time and Place, Ceramics: Materials and Techniques

American Visionary Art Museum

This is one of the Baltimore museums with unique artworks by artists from across the globe. Presently on display at the museum are The Secret Life of Earth: Alive! Awake! (and Possibly Really Angry!), and Esther and The Dream of One Loving Human Family, and Reverend Albert Lee Wagner: Miracle At Midnight.

 Reginald F. Lewis Museum

The  Reginald Lewis Museum has focused on highlighting the experiences of African Americans through art and photography. Presently on display are EMPOWERED! Black Action Figures, Superheroes & Collectibles and Elizabeth Catlett: Artist as Activist. 

In addition to the many museums across Baltimore, there are also galleries showing works by local artists and artists from the surrounding communities.

Food: Restaurants, Food Truck, Craft Beer

The restaurants across Baltimore are ready for the football tourists thronging Baltimore for the Baltimore Ravens games. Since many are coming during the Baltimore Restaurant Week, they will get the opportunity to eat to their delight. To entice customers, many of the restaurants have created incentives for tourists coming to town. In addition to all the delicious food, there are price cuts and discounts.

Baltimore Food Trucks

The restaurants are not alone in their preparations for the Baltimore Ravens games. The food trucks are also ready for visitors.  For football tourists who are not interested in going to restaurants, the food trucks provide an important alternative. Across Charles Street, Pratt Street and the Inner Harbor, there are food trucks ready to serve people.

Baltimore Craft Beer

For the past five years, Baltimore has been growing in the area of craft beer. Across Baltimore, there are many people designing craft beers that have captivated beer lovers. So important is craft beer in Baltimore that there is an annual Craft Beer Festival. Held every summer, the festival brings together thousands of craft beer lovers from across Baltimore and the country.  Guests can enjoy craft beer in many of the bars located across Baltimore or go to bars specifically designed to serve craft beer.  Many of these bars will be showing the games and provide guests the opportunity to support their teams in what can be described stadium worthy experience.

Farmers Market Baltimore 

Although many may not consider Baltimore’s farmers market a major tourist attraction, it is a great place to visit not just for all the fruits and vegetables, but also because of the cultural experience. Besides all the beautiful fruits, the farmers market is the place to enjoy some creative cooking and food unique to Baltimore like crab cakes. There are also arts and crafts, and music. Farmers market is not just where you buy fruits and vegetables; it is also a cultural experience. 

Music, Theatre and Celebrations

There is so much to enjoy in Baltimore. For those interested in music theatre and films, there are many places to have a good time. The list is endless but here are some: Hippodrome Theatre, Bach in Baltimore, Baltimore Blues Society, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore Choral Arts Society, Baltimore Improv Group, Baltimore Philharmonia Orchestra, Baltimore Soundstage, Baltimore Shakespeare Factory and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra among others.
      

Other tourist attractions      

• National Aquarium
• Oriole Park at Camden Yards
• Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
• Baltimore Inner Harbor
• Fell’s Point
• M&T Stadium
• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

The amazing performance of the Baltimore Ravens is attracting many football tourists to Baltimore, making it a major tourist destination. Are you one of the football tourists? Share your experience with us.