No NFL team has thrived on intimidation quite like the Baltimore Ravens. Fans who hit M&T Bank Stadium parking and head into the field expect a punishing performance by their defense. It’s the backbone of the team, and a huge reason why the Ravens already have two Super Bowls since the birth of the Baltimore franchise in 1996.

The heart and soul of that defense since the get-go was Ray Lewis, a middle linebacker and lifetime Raven. Lewis set the tone for home games before kick-off with his emphatic, over-the-top intro dance to the tune of 80,000 screaming people. Lewis had the substance to back up his style, leading his team in tackles for 12 seasons and earning 13 Pro Bowls and 2 AP Defensive Player of the Year awards. A leader by voice and example, Lewis was an indispensable piece of the two Super Bowl teams.

Now things are different. Fans who get Ravens parking early to get into the stadium to catch Lewis’ trademark pre-game celebration are out of luck, as Lewis has retired. After fans get over their Super Bowl hangover, they’ll wonder if M&T Bank Stadium will remain the defensive fortress it was with Lewis, or if the venue will lose some of that menacing flair.

It may now be quarterback Joe Flacco’s time to shine. Flacco silenced his disparagers with an outstanding postseason to win that Super Bowl in Lewis’ final hoorah. The stadium that once fed off its terrorizing defense now turns to a more soft-spoken figurehead in Flacco.

Before stepping inside to find out, fans need to lock up Ravens parking. ParkWhiz has them covered, with plenty of garages serving M&T Bank Stadium. Booking in advance can make those NFL game days a little easier with a guaranteed rate and space.

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Photo by NT1952 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons