Open For Business

If Ravens fans wanted to get their hands on the team's certified Purple Friday gear, the only options used to be exclusive to online orders or going to M&T Bank Stadium on gameday. Now, anyone can pick up their favorite jerseys, hats or even dress shirts any day of the year with this week's grand opening of the Official Ravens' Team Store at the Baltimore's Sports Legends Museum.

Located at Camden Yards in downtown Charm City, the event featured appearances from the Ravens' cheerleaders, mascot and the Marching Ravens' Pep Band.

But, the real draw was the chance to obtain an autograph from tight end Todd Heap and kicker Matt Stover, in addition to members of the Baltimore Football Alumni, such as former Colts Bruce Laird and Lydell Mitchell, and former Ravens Bennie Thompson and Kyle Richardson.

A ticket for the right to Heap and Stover's signature went to the first 200 customers that purchased Ravens merchandise at the store, which opened at 10:00 a.m.

"We had people lined up outside before I even unlocked the doors" said Lee Insinga, the Sports Legends Museum's director of retail operations. "I was impressed at the amount of people that were so excited to get in."

The offerings at the store used to be much more skewed to the orange and black of the Baltimore Orioles, but now it is about half and half. As the headquarters for Purple Friday, which encourages all Ravens fans to wear the color purple on Fridays during the season, there is a prominent display devoted to items other than the traditional jerseys and T-shirts.

The collection includes office-friendly items, such as a blazer with purple lining, tie and dress shirts emblazoned with the Ravens' logo.

"We wanted to have a place where fans can get anything they want that has to do with the team," said Ravens senior director of ticket sales and operations Baker Koppelman. "The stadium store is only open 10 days a year, really. Now, you don't necessarily have to wait until Sunday."

It was another part of the Ravens' Countdown to Kickoff week, and the celebration will culminate in the inaugural Purple Friday for "Purple Power Hour" where the bars and restaurants in Canton, Fells Poiint, Towson and near the stadium will feature Ravens and Miller Lite giveaways.

If fans don't have their purple yet, the opening of the official team store made stocking up much easier.