NFL Experience

By Luke Szews, Jay Mulieri and Zach Hands

The experience of going to a NFL game is something that is extremely special. The noise and energy of the crowd mixed with the excitement of the game itself makes for an unforgettable experience. Everyone always remembers their first game and that is no exception for the two people who attended their first games this week in Green Bay and in Baltimore.

This past weekend, two people had the opportunity to experience their very first football game. Catherine Lawrence attended the Ravens versus Bengals game in Baltimore, where the game came down to the final seconds and the Ravens prevailed 31-24 , while Sean Bur traveled to Lambeau Field in Green Bay to watch the Packers play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who defeated the Bucs 35-26.

These two people both had wonderful experiences, however their experiences were somewhat different. Green Bay had a very typical frigid day, while weather was not even a factor at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Also, Lambeau Field is located on the outskirts of a residential neighborhood in Green Bay, which is relatively secluded as it is, whereas the Ravens stadium is directly in downtown Baltimore, which was definitely a contrast in atmospheres. Both teams have excellent fans that help make the feel in the stadiums so exciting.

Lawrence, a 17-year-old junior in high school greatly enjoyed her first experience at the Ravens game. "The stadium has a great energy and buzz about it, before and after the game. I feel like no matter the outcome, going to the game would always have a certain ambiance to it,” she said. The noise and atmosphere were also something she enjoyed. "This is one of the loudest things I have ever been too, it's just so rare and unusual for 70,000 people to gather together like that, and it's really just a great time. I would go back again whenever I get the chance."

Bur, a 21-year-old biology major at University of Maryland also enjoyed his first game in Green Bay. "Lambeau is the coolest place I've ever been, the atmosphere is nothing like I've seen before,” said Bur. He enjoyed the tailgating before the game and was really happy with the energy at the game. "This is crazy. This place is in the middle of a neighborhood. What would these people do without the Packers?”

Overall, both people enjoyed their respective games and agree that it was something they would never forget.