Fans Will Not Be At Baltimore Ravens Game Vs. Titans

BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore Ravens will not have fans at their game this weekend against the Tennessee Titans, according to the team. Officials cited the coronavirus in making the decision.

"In giving the matter careful consideration, and with the rise of Maryland's COVID-19 infection rate and increased hospitalizations, the Ravens believe this decision is the correct one in helping protect the well-being and safety of our community," the Ravens said in a statement Monday, Nov. 16.

Baltimore City has 21,010 confirmed cases of the coronavirus Monday, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

Maryland has 167,656 cases, including 1,726 reported Monday — an increase of more than 1,000 new cases for the 13th day in a row in the state.

Effective Nov. 12, Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young ordered Baltimore entities with fire marshal certificates outlining capacity to operate at no more than 25 percent capacity and for gatherings to be capped at 10 people.

The capacity of M&T Bank Stadium is 71,008, according to the Ravens. In mid-October, the state issued guidance allowing venues with a capacity of more than 2,500 people to be filled up to 10 percent of the permitted occupancy, meaning M&T Bank Stadium could host 7,100 fans.

Authorities said there were 4,300 fans at the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Nov. 1 game.

"The in-stadium energy and passion Ravens fans provide on gameday cannot be duplicated," according to the statement from the Ravens. "With the collective goal of restoring that excitement and re-gaining the ability to host fans once again, we strongly encourage Marylanders to follow the advice of public health experts by wearing face coverings, practicing proper social distancing and limiting social gatherings."

When the Ravens hosted the Steelers Nov. 1, the Maryland Department of Health reported 523 people were hospitalized with the virus; the positivity rate was 3.94 percent on a rolling, seven-day average; and the coronavirus case rate was 13.6 per 100,000.

As of Monday, Nov. 16, there were 985 people hospitalized with the virus; positivity had climbed to 6.45 percent on a seven-day rolling average; and the statewide coronavirus case rate more than doubled to 28.2 per 100,000, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

The Ravens said the decision to host a game without fans came after consulting with the offices of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Mayor Young as well as with public health officials, including MedStar Health, which coordinates the Ravens' medical team.

The Ravens will take on the Titans at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22. Fans can watch on CBS.

See the full statement from the Ravens about the Titans game, posted on the BaltimoreRavens.com.

Related:

• MD Adds Over 1K New Coronavirus Cases For 12th Day In A Row
• Ravens Vs. Chiefs: Some Fans Allowed, Team Tests Safety Protocols
• Ravens To Start Season With No Fans At M&T Bank Stadium
• Capacity At Outdoor Venues, Stadiums To Increase: Gov. Hogan
• Baltimore Ravens Player Tests Positive For Coronavirus