Stadium Upgrades Coming To M&T Bank Stadium
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Change is on the way for the Ravens, but it's not what you think.
Christie Ileto has more on the $35 million worth of improvements coming to M&T Bank Stadium.
The stadium opened up in 1998, and officials say that their goal is to bring your living room right there, to M&T Bank Stadium.
Next time Ravens fans come to M&T Bank Stadium, it might look a little different.
"The project we're undertaking now is a continuing effort to improve the game-day experience for our fans," said Ravens President Dick Cass.
Ravens team and stadium staff laid out the groundwork for the stadium's major facelift Thursday--a two-phase $35 million project that includes concession stands, new video boards and expanding Ravens' stores inside the stadium.
"This is probably something that needs to be done," said fan Luther Taylor.
And Ravens Nation couldn't be more excited.
"Always! It's Ravens Country, you know?" Taylor said.
"I'm really excited. I live in the neighborhood so I think it will be a whole new experience," said fan Megan Wolfe.
Staff say even at the concession stands, fans will be able to see their food being prepared as they order it. And the lines will move quicker.
"It should induce revenue. But equally importantly is really it should improve the fan experience," Cass said.
The stadium is only 15 years old, but staff say the upgrades are long overdue. It comes at a price. It was just announced that ticket costs will go up about 10 percent to put a small fraction of the multi-million dollar renovation cost.
"I don't think it's going to matter for Baltimore fans because of the united support we have for the Baltimore Ravens," Taylor said.
Some fans say if the Ravens keep winning games and Super Bowl championships, they'll keep paying to watch. As for the work, Ravens fans will see the first of two phases completed before this year's preseason kickoff.
View Slideshow: Before & After: M&T Bank Stadium Upgrades
Phase one is expected to start in the next 7-10 days.
And ticket holders on the upper-deck don't worry: renovations in your sections will start next year when phase two begins.
