This is going to be a different kind of post. Less about food, more about being brave. I did something this week that I never would imagine I'd ever do.
I went to A Purple Evening, a women's event at M&T Bank Stadium, and I did it alone. Yep. I went to a huge girl's night out event all by myself. I was scared. I was nervous. I never do things by myself.
I'm a people person. I prefer the company of others when going out to do neat things than going alone, but I was bold, brazen and just jumped in.
When I found the event on Facebook while checking out all of the fun things to do in the city, I knew I wanted to go. It sounded so much fun! Games WITH members of the Ravens, getting to hang out on the field, a chance for autographs, meeting cheerleaders, locker room tours, food and wine tastings, fun games and other awesome stuff... YES! And it was all for female fans. Basically, it's the ultimate girls' night out.
But being new in the city, I have yet to make friends for these kinds of evenings, but Michael encouraged me to not let that get in the way of going to the stadium, which is pretty much in my backyard, and having fun. I don't need anyone for that. I just need me. So I did it. I got brave, and I went.
I'm so glad I did too. There was such an amazing energy at the stadium, before I even entered the gates. Women were everywhere, smiling, laughing, wearing purple and just having fun. Once through security, we were treated with a nice Ravens bag, and then were left to our own exploring.
I headed straight for the field, where I was able to watch a round of Ravens Jeopardy, starring defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore, center guard John Urschel, and a fan. It was awesome to see how they fared in football and Ravens trivia. On either side of the field, there were women playing football, taking lessons and "practicing" with coaches, and in the middle, people were taking their pictures with the 50 yard line, the Ravens logo, and so much more.
It was on the field that I first met a cheerleader named Kat, and she was AWESOME.
Not only was she beautiful, but she was super nice, and super cool. I also met a couple of the male cheerleaders.
Did you know that the Baltimore Ravens are the only professional team with a co-ed squad/stunt team? These cheerleaders are LEGIT, you guys. Tumbles, flips, and the whole nine-yards.
Anyway, after I spent some time on the field, I decided to go see what was up in the locker rooms.
Do you ever go somewhere, and feel like you're just not supposed to be there? Like it's just not allowed? That's kind of how I felt walking through the bowels of M&T Bank Stadium. I was seriously behind the scenes, and it was really cool. Plus, I got to meet two more Cheerleaders, Katie and Jonique down in the depths. Once again, these women were nice as can be, and genuinely wonderful.
As for the locker room? I have to say, it was clean, neat and tidy. It was staged, but still awesome to see where they get ready and amped for their games.
After I emerged back on the field, I decided to grab some grub. I was STARVING!
Once I ate, I was ready to check out what else was going on. I found my way to the club suite level. There was SO much going on! Food tastings, a marketplace of samples, games, a live broadcast of 98 Rock, autograph stations, and more.
I was able to meet Jarrett Johnson (linebacker) and former Raven and Super Bowl winner, Qadry "The Missile" Ismail, and took pictures with them both. They were SO nice and patient. I really was impressed.
After one more lap around the field, more player spottings, and another awesome chat with a cheerleader named Taylor, I figured it was about time to call it a night, and head home.
The reason I'm taking time to talk about this amazing event and incredible experience is two-fold. One, I just want to share the cool things going on here in my neck of the woods in Baltimore.
Two, I want to share that even though you may be scared to go do something alone, whether it be eating out, going to the park, or going to an event that sounds super fun, do it! Don't let being afraid of what may or may not happen keep you back.