CUP OF JOE: Selling The Bank

I have found the level of ticket marketing that the Ravens have engaged in lately to be both interesting and sad at the same time. And I wonder what is going through the mind of Steve Bisciotti when he sees it…

There was a time when the need for additional marketing to sell the Ravens v. Steelers would have been laughed at. But that’s exactly what was happening last week. I once asked Bisciotti five or so years ago, if he or his colleagues have ever thought to build smaller NFL stadiums. I rationalized that making the seating more intimate with added creature comforts that one could only experience by attending live games, might be so enticing that sellouts, even at slightly higher prices, were a certainty.

Steve responded with a cheshire cat grin and a question: “Tony, have you taken a look at NFL stadiums lately?”

I get that it’s hard for Bisciotti to see things through the eyes of a fan. He doesn’t need to worry about the swelling expenses of tickets, parking and concessions. Bathroom and concession lines? No issue for Steve.

But because of these expenses and the inconveniences, I prefer watching from home. From 1996 through 2009 I attended every game. After that for a few years, I’d go to three or four games. Then it dropped to one or two. Now? The next game I go to will be my first of the season. And I’m not going next Sunday night, so there’s that!

I do wonder if Steve would flash that same cheshire cat grin if I asked the question today. Surely, he’s noticed the many fans dressed as purple seats. And judging from observations made while watching other NFL games, The Bank isn’t the only stadium at less than capacity.

They say winning cures most ills when it comes to fan interest, but if the Ravens lose out (which is a possibility) or finish below .500 and they roll out the same coaching staff in 2026, the city might not respond well. A team that needs an offensive line rebuild; a team that needs to seriously invest in edge rushers; a team that is at the mercy of Lamar Jackson and his willingness to sign a contract extension; a team that has disappointed for the past three seasons (yes, 2023 was a bitter disappointment in the end) – how do they sell it? How do they sell their product after a losing season at The Bank (currently 3-5), particularly with ticket prices that are going up again in 2026?

Yeah, I think I’ll be watching from my living room again in 2026 or maybe I’ll just park in Fed Hill, walk over to The TailGOAT and then back to Fed Hill to watch the games.

Those purple seats can wait.

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