Ravens Roost #41 - Local News Coverage

Fans flock to Ravens Roost

York always considered Baltimore country, but a winning team makes big difference

January 26, 2001

When the NFL season started in August, the York chapter of the Baltimore fan club, Ravens Roost No. 41, boasted about 60 members.

Demonstrating the ancient adage that nothing succeeds like success, now that the Ravens have the league's best record and a place in Super Bowl XXXV against the New York Giants, the York Roost's membership is approaching 100.

And the president, Mike McGuigan, is ready to induct seven new members.

"The best reason (to join) I would say is the camaraderie, and like the feeling of family," said McGuigan, a 36-year-old computer analyst from Mount Wolf. "It's always better to enjoy things as a group than by yourself."

Just an hour north of the Ravens' home field at PSINet Stadium in downtown Baltimore, York County has been actively courted for fans since the franchise relocated to Maryland from Cleveland.

Baltimore country: Despite a geographic split that causes fans to divide their loyalties between Baltimore and Philadelphia, and even Pittsburgh and Washington, the Orioles have always had a strong following in York County, and so did the Colts.

"For a lot of us, it was being an old Colts fan, being a Baltimore fan," McGuigan said. "Then you had other people who were (drawn in) because of the proximity and being able to get season tickets and support their team."

Tailgating in the PSINet stadium parking lot and getting together to watch away games on television at the Cove restaurant in York Township are its major order of business, but the Ravens Roost also conducts other events.

Members raise money, including a pizza sale, the proceeds going to Access-York, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their families. They hold non-football social events, including a summer picnic and a Christmas party for children.

And they participate in a variety of activities related to the greater organization, the Council of Ravens Roosts, with chapters across Maryland and in Hanover. (Roost 534 is at the Jessup House of Corrections, and No. 954 is located in the Maryland State Penitentiary.) Dues are $15 a year.

As they do all season, the York Roost will be cheering the Ravens on at the Cove this Sunday, starting at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited, but the $10 special Super Bowl buffet is for Roost members and guests only.