When Do Baltimore Ravens Games Start?

Baltimore Ravens games typically start at 1 p.m. Eastern on Sundays during the regular season, though kickoff times vary by week based on CBS and Fox television schedules. Prime-time games on Sunday, Monday, or Thursday may start at 8:20 p.m. or later. Check the Ravens' official schedule on their website or your ticket confirmation for the exact kickoff time of a specific game, as times can shift up to six days before the contest.

Game Schedule and Kickoff Times

The NFL schedules Ravens games across multiple time slots to distribute television coverage. Most home games at M&T Bank Stadium fall into one of three windows: early games at 1 p.m., afternoon games at 4:25 p.m., and evening games beginning at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football. Occasional Thursday Night Football games add a fourth option.

The Ravens' official website publishes the full schedule with confirmed kickoff times. Times are not finalized until six days before each game, which means early-season schedules often show "TBD" for kickoff. This flexibility lets the NFL adjust prime-time slots based on playoff implications and matchup appeal closer to game day. Signing up for Ravens email alerts or checking the schedule weekly helps you avoid arriving at M&T Bank Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff when your game actually starts at 4:25 p.m.

Sunday games at 1 p.m. are the most common configuration, so assume that timing unless you've confirmed otherwise. Preseason games follow different schedules entirely, typically starting at 7:30 p.m. and concentrated in August. If you're attending your first Ravens game, confirm the exact time through your ticket email or the official Ravens app rather than relying on an older schedule.

Getting to M&T Bank Stadium on Time

M&T Bank Stadium sits in downtown Baltimore along the Inner Harbor at 1101 Russell Street. Stadium gates open two hours before kickoff, and arriving early gives you time for parking, entry security, and food purchases without rushing. Parking in the immediate area costs between $25 and $40 depending on lot location and demand; lots fill quickly on popular game days, so arriving 2.5 to 3 hours before kickoff improves your chances of premium spots.

Public transit via the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) commuter rail or the Light Rail offers an alternative to driving. The Light Rail's Camden Station stop sits one block from the stadium's main gates. Trains increase frequency on game days, and the fare is $2 for a one-way trip. This option eliminates parking stress and tailgating complications, though you'll navigate crowds with thousands of other fans using transit simultaneously.

Broadcast Information and Watching at Home

If you're watching from home rather than attending in person, your local CBS or Fox affiliate broadcasts most regular-season games. Sunday early games (1 p.m. start) air on CBS across Maryland, Delaware, and parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Afternoon games at 4:25 p.m. typically air on Fox in those same regions, though Fox's Saturday afternoon college football schedule occasionally shifts Ravens coverage. NBC carries Sunday Night Football, and ESPN handles Monday Night Football games.

If the Ravens are playing a division rival like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Cincinnati Bengals, your local station is highly likely to carry the game even during the early 1 p.m. slot due to regional interest. Out-of-market viewers can access games through the NFL+ subscription service or NFL Game Pass, though local blackout rules apply in some circumstances. NFL+ costs roughly $7 per month during the season and includes live game streams on phones and tablets.

Preseason and Playoff Timing

Preseason games in August typically start at 7:30 p.m. to avoid afternoon heat at M&T Bank Stadium, and these matchups are less competitive than regular-season contests. Playoff games in January follow NFL-assigned kickoff times determined by seeding and broadcast partner assignments. Wild Card playoff games often start at 1 p.m. or 4:30 p.m., while Divisional and Conference Championship games may be scheduled for evening slots on CBS, Fox, or NBC to maximize viewership.

Related Questions

How far in advance are Ravens kickoff times announced? The NFL confirms kickoff times for all games up to six days before the contest. Initial schedules released in May show most times as "TBD" and are finalized weekly during the season.

Can I bring outside food into M&T Bank Stadium? Outside food and beverages are prohibited, but you can bring an empty water bottle and refill it at fountains inside the stadium at no charge.

Does the Ravens schedule change if they make the playoffs? Yes, playoff games are scheduled by the NFL and may occur on different days and times than regular-season games, with dates and times announced immediately after the regular season ends.