While many searched for a way to cure their “Ravens bye week blues,” football fans of all ages gathered on Sunday afternoon for the Sixth Annual “Biggest Little Tailgate Party” at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
The fun-filled event, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake, M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens and Under Armour, featured something for everyone.
On the club level of the stadium tailgaters were treated to a plethora of fantastic food from more than 50 of Baltimore’s top local restaurants. Celebrity chefs were on hand serving food to patrons, who included well-known author Wes Moore.
“The food is just incredible,” said attendee Anthony Jacobs, who has made his way to the tailgate party with his family every year since its inception. “There is pretty much something here everyone will like.”
While the field at M&T Bank Stadium was without Joe Flacco and Terrell Suggs on Sunday there was still plenty of football going on. Kids and parents were able to take part in various football drills put on by coaches from throughout the area.
“I have a newfound respect for all that our Ravens go through doing these drills,” remarked Kate Stevenson after doing a “ladder drill.” “They aren’t as easy as they appear that’s for sure. You have to be coordinated!”
Guests were treated to a Flag football and “Cornhole” tournament, which pitted several business from the Baltimore area against each other. “It was a great time and all for an awesome cause,” stated Team Pandora, who won the First Big Little Flag Football Bowl.
The day concluded with a tour of the Ravens locker room where smiles filled the air as fans checked out where some of their favorite players prepare on game day.
“What a wild experience to be in the same place where the Super Bowl Champions get ready to do battle,” one fan loudly said when he walked into the locker room.
Although the Ravens had off on Sunday, the Biggest Little Tailgate Party had everyone in a festive spirit. There was sort of a “homecoming” feel to the atmosphere and I for one hope they continue this great event during every Ravens bye week.
For more than 60 years, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As Maryland’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, BBBS make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in the community. The organization develops positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
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