Jamison Hensley:Will Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium turn into Heinz Field East on Sunday?

[polamalubeast]

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- In a season where nothing has seemed to go right, the Baltimore Ravens' final home game might not even be a true home game.

Thousands of Pittsburgh Steelers fans are expected to crash Baltimore for Sunday's game between the AFC North rivals, which could turn M&T Bank Stadium into Heinz Field East.

This has the makings of an imperfect storm for the struggling Ravens (4-10), who are in the midst of one of the most disappointing seasons in team history. There have been an increasing number of opposing teams' fans at Ravens home games this month, and Steelers Nation prides itself for being one of the most well-traveled fan bases in the league.

How concerned are the Ravens about this? Coach John Harbaugh addressed the potential black-and-gold invasion in his opening statement at Monday's news conference.

"I'm sure a lot of their fans are going to be trying to get in the stadium," Harbaugh said. "But I'm sure our fans will be up to the challenge as well."

Traditionally, Steelers fans have made the four-hour drive from western Pennsylvania to buy between 3,000 and 5,000 tickets at Baltimore's 71,008-seat stadium.

But the combination of the Ravens' downward spiral and the Steelers' hot streak could translate to the best showing by Pittsburgh fans since 2007, which was the last time Baltimore played host to Pittsburgh after being eliminated from the postseason. Nearly half of the announced crowd of 71,353 waved bright yellow Terrible Towels that night eight years ago.

It will be a similar setting for Sunday's game, which was moved out of prime time because it was no longer considered a marquee matchup. The Ravens have lost their last two games by a total of 49 points, and their injury-depleted lineup resembles a preseason one. The Steelers (9-5) have won five of their six games and have a chance to clinch a playoff berth Sunday.



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http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-ra...east-on-sunday

[tube517]

Awww, where's all the bandwagon Ratbird fans now?

[cheezheadsteeler]

The ticket prices are not too bad, but then I would have factor in money for body armor and and armed escort.

[salamander]

Hmm....Baltimore is only a 3 hour drive from me.

[Hawkman]

Great stadium, I have a good friend who has four season tickets to Ravens games. Always nice enough to offer me two tickets to the Steelers game. I will be there!!! No need for body armor. Fans are ok as long as you don't act like an ass. If you have a chance go. A lot of good bars downtown. If you like crabs, wherever you go, try the Maryland crab soup.

[dduc996]

Just like it was in San Diego , Rivers false start on home field....lol. !!!!☺