36 years ago I went to this stadium to watch the bert jones led Baltimore Colts defeat San Diego 37-21. Back then I thought the stadium was horrendous and now it stands testimony to how an antiquated stadium can ruin a football franchise. I am not exaggerating that the lines to the men’s rooms were 100 people deep, the food concessions were not the best, and there was probably about 35-40000 Chargers fans there. I actually bought my tickets on ticketmaster on Friday and they were on the 50—— 21 rows up.
But the ravens fans were in full force. The West Wing in LA probably had 500-600 fans there. the O in the anthem was deafening and this was 3000 miles from home.
The audio system was so bad you could not hear the explanation of the pivotal ball spot. Everyone in the house thought the game was over –thousands left including Zach and myself but fortunately there was a TV outside the stadium and it was obvious the Ravens had the first down.
Back inside we went and just grabbed some empty seats near where the Ravens were driving. The Charger fans were going nuts–sort of like we feel the Yankees always get the calls. Some guy about my age was screaming “What part of Bmore were the refs from” I asked him if he really believed there was a full fledged conspiracy against San Diego. His response was that I was just a crab eater from Baltimore. Then he continued to ask me about What part of Baltimore the refs were from”. My response in the best late Brian Herman (Weasel) impression I could muster was “Your house” That shut him up and we figured we better move back to a Ravens section.
On 4th and 29 I figure we better prepare to leave quickly to avoid a 4 hr trip back to LA. I watch the typical Raven dump off pass to 27 and tell Zach let’s go. then the miracle happened. Then the 20 minute wait occurred. Then for some reason the Ravens barely try to win the game in regulation. The rest is history. I have witnessed 1000s of games — the last 5 minutes and OT turned the game into the most improbable Baltimore win we have ever witnessed. I am glad I was there.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Chargers move to LA. The new team will certainly allow San Diego fans to keep season tickets as they will probably have trouble drawing 100,000.
Fast forward to this morning. I am awaiting the airport shuttle for the trip home and am sitting with 5 guys who appear to be computer guys with the way they are discussing Ram and K and whatever. I join in and we all compare the IPhone 5 with the Razr M. So just before we get off the shuttle bus, a young lady sks them where they are playing next. I have no clue who they are and ask what the name of their group was. One of the guys replies the Counting Crows.
Road wins are the best.
Brian
Turns out the San Diego fans were correct and it was clearly a very favorable spot but that’s what they get for giving up 28 yards on a 4th and 29 play.
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/11/25/3690572/ravens-vs-chargers-ray-rice-awarded-a-first-down-somehow
· 11/12/2019