Due to the curfew in Baltimore, the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, and their fans, will not be holding their Draft Party this year.
The team announced the cancellation on their website Tuesday:
“Out of respect to the curfew in Baltimore, the Ravens have cancelled their Draft Party, which was scheduled for this Thursday (4/30) night (7-11 p.m.) at M&T Bank Stadium.
“For all fans who already purchased tickets, automatic refunds will be issued via the method of payment used for the purchase. Questions concerning refunds can be directed to the Ravens’ ticket office at 410-261-RAVE (7283). (Please note that the ticket office will close at 2 p.m. today.)
Additionally, the Ravens Team Store Outlet Sale scheduled for this Saturday (5/2) has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.”
The Ravens, which own the 26th overall pick, have a need at wide receiver and cornerback.
Though the team just signed cornerback Jimmy Smith to an extension, the position remains an area of need. Meanwhile the team has had a checkered history when it comes to drafting Pro Bowl receivers, going 0-for-21 in the team’s 19-year history—perhaps GM Ozzie Newsome’s only gaffe in resume full of great draft picks.
Newsome has used the first round to select All-Pros Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden, Chris McAlister, Jamal Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, and Haloti Ngata to fuel one of the more successful franchises in the NFL.
History may be on their side this year too.
The last time Baltimore held 26th pick they took future Hall-of-Fame linebacker Ray Lewis out of the University of Miami, back in 1996. Should the Ravens find another gem at such a late pick they'll surely be thrilled.
They just won’t be able to celebrate it with their fans.
