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Ravens Fans Show Purple Power At Preseason Tailgate

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- The Ravens open their home schedule with a preseason contest against the Kansas City Chiefs Friday night.

Meghan McCorkell talked with some fans who look like they're already in regular season form.

It's already a sea of purple. Just over an hour before kick-off and everybody is ready for Friday night's game.

The sausages are simmering, the peppers prepared, the beef is seasoned just right. It's Ravens tailgate time.

"Today is opening day, you know, home game for us, so we're looking forward to having a good time, and seeing the old people coming back and maybe the new ones," said Baltimore firefighter Shawn Little.

At the Baltimore Firefighters Union Hall, the party is for a purpose. All the money goes to the Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund, and everyone is a volunteer.

"I've been involved with this actually for about 20 years," said Tim Timanus, a retired firefighter.

But for the perfect tailgate, you're got to have the perfect purple outfit.

"Every year, it gets bigger and bigger," said Mark Szpara of the sports store DJ Liquidators. "It's crazy."

DJ Liquidators has everything a real Ravens fan needs.

"You have the gloves, the coasters, the watch, and you have stuff for your little dog-- a little sweater," Szpara said.

Ravens fans can see the purple power up close. Tickets are still available for Friday night's game. Just make sure you're rooting for the right team.

"One time, there was this young kid," Bernie Ortiz, a Ravens fan, said. "Unfortunately, he was rooting for another team. He wound up being taped to a pole under the bar."

The firefighters union makes several thousand dollars each game for the Widows and Orphans Fund.

The Firefighters Union hosts the tailgate for every Ravens home game.

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