Ravens To Start Season With No Fans At M&T Bank Stadium

BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore Ravens announced Monday that the season will begin without fans at M&T Bank Stadium. Officials said the decision was made in the interest of public safety after determining the stadium could not safely host fans.

After the Ravens said the franchise submitted proposals to the mayor and governor outlining how it would host 7,500 fans with protocols in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, public health experts helped drive the decision to hold games without fans, at least initially.

"Based on the recommendations of public health experts we have determined that, for the time being, it is in the best interest of the general public and our organization that fans not attend games," the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement Monday, Aug. 24.

"Our organization will continue to closely monitor and adjust accordingly to all developments surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic," the Ravens reported. "We will remain in communication with local and state officials, working carefully to create appropriate measures that might eventually permit a limited number of fans at home games this season."

The Baltimore Ravens will kick off the season at M&T Bank Stadium against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Currently, Baltimore City has a prohibition on gatherings greater than 25 people, by executive order of Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young.

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