The sounds of screaming students, honking cars and distant gunshots formed Baltimore's one-night anthem as the city celebrated the Ravens' narrow victory Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens finished the game 34-31, clinching the Super Bowl XLVII title.
Throughout the day, Baltimore City was covered in purple. There were crowds of people dressed in the home team jerseys, donning Ravens temporary tattoos, with hair dyed and faces painted to match the signature royal color.
Throughout the afternoon, students prepared to watch the Super Bowl in various ways. Some gathered in PJ’s, Maxie’s and Charles Village Pub in Charles Village. Others traveled to Fell’s Point and Federal Hill early in the afternoon to lay their claim.
Junior Tiffany Kim was pleased with the turnout at Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. She described the scene in few words.
“Beers, broads and a banging good time,” Kim said.
Both downtown and around campus, excitement continued over the course of the game.
Sophomore Eleni Padden was stunned by the halftime performance.
“I have to ask,” Padden said. “Does anyone else feel physical pain by how good Beyoncé was?”
Toward the end of the game, police cars began to park on the streets near bars and large crowds of people.
These safety precautions were not without reason. Sophomore Christian Wright described the scene in Federal Hill after the win as “wild.”
“When we walked out of the bar people were climbing on cars and there was a huge mosh pit forming. A big branch from a tree had been pulled down and orange traffic cones were being tossed around,” Wright said.
Mobs of people ran into the streets surrounded by cheers and noise and, in some cases, purple confetti.
Near campus, a figure was seen running up the temporarily empty St. Paul Street from 32nd street holding a Ravens banner on his back.
Around Charles Village, some students still contemplated going downtown.
“We’re thinking about going downtown, but I think we just heard gunshots,” a student said. “Or they may have been fireworks. Or both.”
Strangers gave each other high-fives, and cars flew down Baltimore streets honking their horns.
“It’s such a great night for Baltimore,” a local said.
In Fell’s Point, police on horseback made their way through the crowds to maintain some order. A small mosh pit of cheering students even formed outside of the Barnes & Noble. Fans celebrated together in a sea of purple.
“I’m so proud to live in Baltimore,” a student cheered. “Ravens Nation!”
This article was printed on page A1 of the February 7, 2013 edition.
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