‘Electric’ environment expected for the first Ravens-Steelers playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Ravens and Steelers have faced off 62 times in their history, including four playoff games. However, they have never played a playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium.
It is not merely the beginning of the playoffs. It’s a historic clash in the Ravens-Steelers rivalry.
For those and other reasons, Ravens players anticipate an unforgettable atmosphere in Baltimore for Saturday night’s Wild-Card Playoff game.
“It’s going to be a different environment,” defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike explained. “We’re hosting Pittsburgh in Baltimore for the first time in a playoff game, so there will be a lot of excitement.
“Everybody needs to come out and bring whatever you’ve got to be as boisterous as possible, because the energy is going to be electric, and we’re going to feed off of it, and we’re going to play to the best standard we can, which we know we can. So, it will be exciting.”
The Ravens have already scored primetime wins at M&T Bank Stadium versus the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Steelers during the regular season. All three of those games had unreal moments, and the playoff rematch will surely have the same.
Asked about what he loves about primetime games at “The Bank,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said, “the noise, the fans, the whole Flock Nation in the building, feeling like they’re on the field with on us, the lights, how they do the lights in certain parts of the game. Just everything about it.”
“The weather may also drive the atmosphere,” Harbaugh explained. “It’ll be a terrific environment. I expect our fans to be themselves; they’ll be into it, heated up; it’ll be a night game, cold, dark, and our team will attempt to play lights out.”
Derrick Henry, a Ravens running back, participated in a primetime playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium for the Tennessee Titans five years ago. Even as an opponent, he said he “got chills” in that stadium and can’t wait to see it as a Raven.
“The fans are just as locked in as we are, and we’re definitely going to need that on Saturday,” Henry told the crowd. “Bring your coats, blankets, hot chocolate, coffee, or anything you need to be loud, because we’ll need it in that stadium. We’ll need that energy. We’ll definitely need the fans to be intense on Saturday.”
In addition to what promises to be a great game, the Ravens have a slew of intriguing pregame and in-game activities scheduled.
Former Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, a known Steelers hater, will be named Legend of the Game. Former Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who once smashed Ben Roethlisberger’s nose, will serve as Captain of the Game.
Samantha Pollino, a Broadway singer, Baltimore native, and Baltimore School of the Arts alum, will sing the national anthem. Pollino is currently performing in her fifth Broadway production, The Great Gatsby.
Multi-Platinum recording artists. All Time Low, a popular rock band from Towson, Maryland, and avid Ravens supporters, will perform live from the Bud Light Touchdown Club during halftime.
Lindsey Stirling, a multi-award-winning artist noted for her genre-bending skill on electronic violin, will perform during the quarter-hour break. She has sold out renowned venues around the world and garnered over 20 billion streams for her amazing presentations, which combine her extraordinary talents as a violinist and dancer.
All fans will be given an LED bracelet that syncs to stadium light shows and music throughout the night, starting with pre-game rituals around 20 minutes before kickoff. Fans are asked to arrive at their seats by 7:40 p.m.
The Steelers have witnessed what M&T Bank Stadium looks like at night. However, they have never experienced what it can be like in the playoffs. It’s Baltimore’s chance to impress them, both on the field and in the stands.
“The mentality is real simple: win or go home,” linebacker Roquan Smith explained. “We’re at ‘The Bank,’ and we must protect it by any means necessary, even if it means fighting for our lives. Everyone knows that, so get your popcorn ready. “We’re ready.”
