Post by djh0722 on Feb 4, 2009 8:44:08 GMT -5
As NFL Season Wraps Up, Baltimore Prepares for More Football
(Baltimore, MD) When the Baltimore Ravens' season ended in Pittsburgh at the conclusion of the AFC Championship game, the most dreaded of realizations set in. NFL football season has officially ended in Baltimore. While there is plenty of off-season discussion fodder, such as “What will the Ravens do in the draft”, and “Will Ray Lewis be a Raven next season”, the most integral component of professional football is ominously missing: weekly games. Baltimore is a football town. It always has been. When you remove that ingredient from the city's DNA, for even as temporary as it is, the side affect is a deep chasm of depression. Grown men have been known to openly weep while driving past M&T Bank Stadium during the off-season. The looming behemoth, just recently filled with 71,000 screaming, raving fans is gut-wrenchingly silent.
Among the hardest hit are those that comprise the groups of Baltimore's most dedicated NFL fan-base; the members of the local chapters of Ravens Roosts and their governing body, Council of Ravens Roosts. The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts began long before the inception of Baltimore Ravens football. The group was formed in 1957 as the official fan club of the Baltimore Colts and named the Colts Corral, and the group's legacy continues to live and thrive to this very day. Though the name has changed, the ideals of passion and support for the city's professional football team and the city itself, anchors the chapters of Ravens Roosts firmly in the very communities they represent.
The 2009 Baltimore Mariners professional indoor football team of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) hope to align themselves with these historic, prestigious, and tradition-rich Roosts. Jim Hopkins, the Director of Gameday Operations for the Baltimore Mariners has made it his personal goal to gain the support of the Ravens Roosts. “In order to be successful, we are going to need the support of Baltimore's most dedicated football fans” said Hopkins. And so far, Hopkins has put together an impressive grass-roots marketing campaign. Jim has been visiting numerous Ravens Roost chapters across the state of Maryland, where he was welcomed with genuine interest and excitement for the indoor team.
Hopkins begins every visit with what has become his signature greeting. “How many of you here knew Baltimore has a professional indoor football team?” he asks. While a few hands hesitantly raise, as if the knowledge of the team is a dirty secret, and the raising of their hands is a form of confession, that is when Hopkins kicks it into high gear. “How many of you have actually been to a game?” Hopkins watches as a few of the raised hands quickly fall. “That is why I am here tonight.” he adds. Hopkins quickly assures each person in the Roost that he is not a salesman, and he is not there to hock tickets. He is there to talk about the exciting brand of football that the Baltimore Mariners has to offer. It is up to the Roosts to decide if they like Jim Hopkins enough to support the game of indoor football. For the most part, Jim is the first exposure to the Mariners franchise for many in attendance at the Roost meetings. Jim brings with him, an everyman quality that the members of the Roosts relate to. Hopkins is warm and friendly and eager to answer every question asked. At the conclusion, it is not uncommon for Hopkins to receive a standing ovation from his hosts, as well as a pledge from the Roost members to attend the 2009 season home-opener.
“I am not a salesman. I can not sell water to a man in the desert” said Hopkins. He adds, “I am just passionate about this game. It is a great family atmosphere and exciting football. I hope that I my passion and excitement rubs off on those around me.” If the number of ticket commitments coming in from Ravens Roosts are an indication, then Hopkins' work is paying off. Team owner Alan Taylor is pleased with the results of Jim's dedication. “We have had great feedback from the Roosts.” said Taylor. “We have over 3,000 commitments for ticket purchases from the Roosts we have visited.”
During several of the visits to the Ravens Roosts, verbal commitments were given on-site. Many Roosts will be showing up to the home opener by the bus-loads, literally. Roosts will be chartering buses to 1st Mariner Arena in Downtown Baltimore to show their support for the city's youngest professional football franchise. As the Baltimore Mariners prepare to launch their second season, they will be doing it with the backing of Baltimore's most faithful football fans. The Roosts, as stated earlier have embraced this city's proud and rich football history, from the Baltimore Colts, the CFL Baltimore Stallions, the USFL Baltimore Stars, and the Baltimore Ravens. The Baltimore Mariners hope to find a place in the hearts and under the wings of the Ravens Roosts.
(Baltimore, MD) When the Baltimore Ravens' season ended in Pittsburgh at the conclusion of the AFC Championship game, the most dreaded of realizations set in. NFL football season has officially ended in Baltimore. While there is plenty of off-season discussion fodder, such as “What will the Ravens do in the draft”, and “Will Ray Lewis be a Raven next season”, the most integral component of professional football is ominously missing: weekly games. Baltimore is a football town. It always has been. When you remove that ingredient from the city's DNA, for even as temporary as it is, the side affect is a deep chasm of depression. Grown men have been known to openly weep while driving past M&T Bank Stadium during the off-season. The looming behemoth, just recently filled with 71,000 screaming, raving fans is gut-wrenchingly silent.
Among the hardest hit are those that comprise the groups of Baltimore's most dedicated NFL fan-base; the members of the local chapters of Ravens Roosts and their governing body, Council of Ravens Roosts. The Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts began long before the inception of Baltimore Ravens football. The group was formed in 1957 as the official fan club of the Baltimore Colts and named the Colts Corral, and the group's legacy continues to live and thrive to this very day. Though the name has changed, the ideals of passion and support for the city's professional football team and the city itself, anchors the chapters of Ravens Roosts firmly in the very communities they represent.
The 2009 Baltimore Mariners professional indoor football team of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) hope to align themselves with these historic, prestigious, and tradition-rich Roosts. Jim Hopkins, the Director of Gameday Operations for the Baltimore Mariners has made it his personal goal to gain the support of the Ravens Roosts. “In order to be successful, we are going to need the support of Baltimore's most dedicated football fans” said Hopkins. And so far, Hopkins has put together an impressive grass-roots marketing campaign. Jim has been visiting numerous Ravens Roost chapters across the state of Maryland, where he was welcomed with genuine interest and excitement for the indoor team.
Hopkins begins every visit with what has become his signature greeting. “How many of you here knew Baltimore has a professional indoor football team?” he asks. While a few hands hesitantly raise, as if the knowledge of the team is a dirty secret, and the raising of their hands is a form of confession, that is when Hopkins kicks it into high gear. “How many of you have actually been to a game?” Hopkins watches as a few of the raised hands quickly fall. “That is why I am here tonight.” he adds. Hopkins quickly assures each person in the Roost that he is not a salesman, and he is not there to hock tickets. He is there to talk about the exciting brand of football that the Baltimore Mariners has to offer. It is up to the Roosts to decide if they like Jim Hopkins enough to support the game of indoor football. For the most part, Jim is the first exposure to the Mariners franchise for many in attendance at the Roost meetings. Jim brings with him, an everyman quality that the members of the Roosts relate to. Hopkins is warm and friendly and eager to answer every question asked. At the conclusion, it is not uncommon for Hopkins to receive a standing ovation from his hosts, as well as a pledge from the Roost members to attend the 2009 season home-opener.
“I am not a salesman. I can not sell water to a man in the desert” said Hopkins. He adds, “I am just passionate about this game. It is a great family atmosphere and exciting football. I hope that I my passion and excitement rubs off on those around me.” If the number of ticket commitments coming in from Ravens Roosts are an indication, then Hopkins' work is paying off. Team owner Alan Taylor is pleased with the results of Jim's dedication. “We have had great feedback from the Roosts.” said Taylor. “We have over 3,000 commitments for ticket purchases from the Roosts we have visited.”
During several of the visits to the Ravens Roosts, verbal commitments were given on-site. Many Roosts will be showing up to the home opener by the bus-loads, literally. Roosts will be chartering buses to 1st Mariner Arena in Downtown Baltimore to show their support for the city's youngest professional football franchise. As the Baltimore Mariners prepare to launch their second season, they will be doing it with the backing of Baltimore's most faithful football fans. The Roosts, as stated earlier have embraced this city's proud and rich football history, from the Baltimore Colts, the CFL Baltimore Stallions, the USFL Baltimore Stars, and the Baltimore Ravens. The Baltimore Mariners hope to find a place in the hearts and under the wings of the Ravens Roosts.
