The worst NFL team.

[Mista T]

Also not lost on me is that awful, terrible, gulag of a stadium (I have been there two times). I'd rather spend my time at an airport than that vast flat blacktop surrounded by a wasteland that I didn't even know existed in Maryland. Place creeps me out, worst tailgating and parking situation imaginable. I thought if I went there one more time, I might suffer male sterility and become clinically depressed. Also it quite frankly truly depressed me for Skins fans, felt sorry for em. Never imagined such a droll place outside of the Eastern Block post WWII.

I know that others share your sentiments, but I don't see FedEx Field as bad as you portray it. It even has a few features which I wish we had: escalators to the upper deck, see-through plexiglass instead of obstrcted view seating behind our metal rails, and a huge club lounge with ample supply of sofas and HDTVs. It lacks direct public transportation, but (notwithstanding the horror stories from Ravens fans stuck in Capital Beltway traffic jams) it is as easy, even easier, to exit than our stadium - if you know your way around to avoid the jammed interstates.

As to the sea of asphalt: I agree, but that characterizes almost every other NFL stadium, including our own lots A, B, C, G, H. For instance: KC has a well-deserved tailgating reputation, as the smell of charcoal broiled steaks permeates through the tailgate lots; but there is no tree in sight. We have the protection of the freeway overpass and Ravens Walk, and now the Casino plaza, so I would give our tailgating facilities a slight plus, but our tailgating facilities pale in contrast to the palm trees, nearby parks, and running water in restrooms of the Florida stadiums' tailgating lots.

For comparison purposes, I've been to Fed Ex about 20 times, and to our stadium about 200 times, for various Ravens, Terp, and Navy events at each place.

The fans didn't even protect their house after I mildly harassed them when watching Ravens games there. They were almost apologetic

Agree completely. The factoid that Snyder had to remove 14,000 seats to avert TV blackouts says it all about the once-mighty Landover fan support. At the Redskins-Steelers MNF game a few years ago, Steelers fans comprised half or more of the crowd. I attended the Landover home opener last week on freebies from a Redskin fan friend, to witness literally thousands of Jags fans in attendance.

The franchise has been among the NFL's worst in the past 21 seasons, driving fans away.

[alienstar]

I know that others share your sentiments, but I don't see FedEx Field as bad as you portray it. It even has a few features which I wish we had: escalators to the upper deck, see-through plexiglass instead of obstrcted view seating behind our metal rails, and a huge club lounge with ample supply of sofas and HDTVs. It lacks direct public transportation, but (notwithstanding the horror stories from Ravens fans stuck in Capital Beltway traffic jams) it is as easy, even easier, to exit than our stadium - if you know your way around to avoid the jammed interstates.

As to the sea of asphalt: I agree, but that characterizes almost every other NFL stadium, including our own lots A, B, C, G, H. For instance: KC has a well-deserved tailgating reputation, as the smell of charcoal broiled steaks permeates through the tailgate lots; but there is no tree in sight. We have the protection of the freeway overpass and Ravens Walk, and now the Casino plaza, so I would give our tailgating facilities a slight plus, but our tailgating facilities pale in contrast to the palm trees, nearby parks, and running water in restrooms of the Florida stadiums' tailgating lots.

I should have detailed that statement about FedEx. Baltimore has some great neighborhoods within walking distance of the field. Cross street is hopping at 10:30 am. Other places to. The field is connected to the city in a physical way (as well as being Ravens faithful), gives me a tribal like feeling. I feel connected to my city by way of the Ravens and its great neighborhoods. If you stroll outside of FedEx, Im not sure what happens to you. It looked dark out there as I surveyed the area outside of FedEx (we were pretty high up). I have lived in West Virginia the past 15 years, but I like to get my 'Purple Tribe' on when I can. You can define FedEx by an endless blacktop. Sure, M&T has some parking lots around, but a 10 minute walk puts you in game day party central, multiple choices, numerous directions. I'm afraid a ten minute walk in any direction from fedex puts you in a storm drain with a sprained ankle and no one around. Also the walk that connects M&T to Camden yards is a happy place even though there are parking lots around (Ravens Walk). One side of M&T has warehouses, but I have nice memories of bands playing on the loading docks of the warehouses before a game. Another direction to go, would be head south down light street, different neighborhood, still upbeat party scene, a more bohemian feel. M&T is the Best. It is my purple church and FedEx depressed me in comparison. And I think you mentioned the Underpass, I parked there for a few years. It has its own scene and feel, just yet another option at this wonderful stadium.

Lastly, the way out of the stadium is the best I have ever experienced in sports. When I lived in Catonsville MD, we bided our time to let the first run of people get out (just took our time, didn't rush, finished our drinks), I remember getting home in just under 25 minutes most times using the 'Stroll' back to the car philosophy.