When Did the Baltimore Ravens Start Playing in the NFL?
The Baltimore Ravens began play in the 1996 NFL season, making them one of the league's newer franchises. The team arrived after the city's original franchise, the Colts, relocated to Indianapolis in 1984. Twelve years later, Art Modell moved his Cleveland Browns to Baltimore, and the team was renamed the Ravens before their inaugural season.
How the Franchise Came to Baltimore
The Browns relocation was controversial. Cleveland had held an NFL team since 1946, and Modell's decision to move the franchise in 1995 angered fans and triggered negotiations with Baltimore, which had spent over a decade without professional football. The NFL awarded Baltimore the team with the condition that Cleveland would get an expansion franchise (which returned in 1999). Baltimore's return to the league was formalized in November 1995, and the Ravens took the field less than a year later.
The team's first home was Memorial Stadium, the same 65,000-seat facility where the Colts had played. The Ravens used Memorial Stadium from 1996 through 1997 before moving to M&T Bank Stadium (then called Oriole Park at Camden Yards stadium's neighbor facility) in 1998. M&T Bank Stadium remains the team's home today and is located in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor.
Why the Name "Ravens"
The Ravens name references Edgar Allan Poe, who lived in Baltimore in the 1830s and wrote "The Raven," the famous poem published in 1845. Poe died in Baltimore in 1849 and is buried at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground in the city. The team's connection to Poe resonates locally; the bird is woven into Baltimore's cultural identity, and you'll find Poe references throughout the city, including a museum dedicated to him.
Timeline of Ravens Success
The franchise's first era was marked by defensive strength. The 2000 Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV, defeating the New York Giants 34-7 on January 28, 2001. This championship came during the team's fifth season, which is relatively fast for an expansion franchise to reach the Super Bowl. The defense that season is remembered as one of the most dominant in NFL history.
A second Super Bowl victory came in the 2012 season, when the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 on February 3, 2013. This championship was led by quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice. The 2012 team was the franchise's last to reach a championship game, making those two titles (2000 and 2012) the main points of pride in the franchise's 28-year history.
Between these peaks, the team has made the playoffs regularly but has not returned to the Super Bowl. The Ravens have been competitive in the AFC North division, which includes the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns. The divisional rivalry with Pittsburgh is particularly intense and dates back to the teams' shared history in the AFC Central.
Where to Watch and Learn More
Regular-season tickets at M&T Bank Stadium vary widely based on seat location and opponent. Games against division rivals (particularly Pittsburgh) and marquee matchups against teams like the Dallas Cowboys or New England Patriots command higher prices than games against teams with smaller fan bases. Single-game tickets are sold through the Ravens' official website and through Ticketmaster; prices typically range from under $50 for upper-level seats to several hundred dollars for lower-bowl or club seating.
The team plays eight home games each regular season, plus potential playoff games if they advance. The stadium is located at 1101 Russell Street and is accessible via public transit through the Light Rail's Camden Station stop.
If you want to deepen your knowledge of Ravens history before attending a game, the team's official website includes a history section with archives of notable games and players. Local sports bars throughout Baltimore often have memorabilia from both Super Bowl seasons, and the city's sports culture frequently references the team's achievements.
Related Questions
Did Baltimore have an NFL team before the Ravens? Yes. The Baltimore Colts played in the city from 1953 to 1983 and won the Super Bowl in 1971. Owner Robert Irsay moved the team to Indianapolis in 1984, leaving Baltimore without an NFL franchise for 12 years until the Ravens arrived.
Where can I buy Ravens tickets for a specific game? The Ravens' official website (baltimoreravens.com) sells single-game and season tickets directly, and games are also listed on Ticketmaster. Prices and availability depend on the opponent and date.
