The Ravens All Community Team Foundation, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, CB Chris McAlister and the NFL Youth Football Fund have joined forces to renovate the football stadium at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School (Mervo). There will be a dedication for the refurbished stadium this Thursday (8/21) at 3 p.m.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti will be joined by Art Modell, in addition to McAlister and Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon in celebrating the opening of the new stadium.
The high school stadium (3500 Hillen Road, Baltimore) will be named 'Art Modell Field at Mervo' in honor of the Ravens' longtime owner. The $1 million project includes installation of a Sportexe turf field (like that at M&T Bank Stadium), additional bleachers on the home/away sides, a ticket booth and upgrades to the restrooms and concession stand.
Serving as the primary home to the Mervo High School football team, the stadium will also host the Northwood Youth Football league.
"This project is a result of our donors' generosity and their commitment to supporting youth football," Ravens president Dick Cass stated. "This state-of-the-art field provides an opportunity for young players to perform at a high level in front of their families and friends."
As part of the celebration, Mervo and Northwood players will be on hand to participate in skills challenges. Additionally, the event will feature Ravens cheerleaders, team mascot Poe and the Morgan State University Band, which will supply entertainment throughout the afternoon.
The renovation continues the Ravens' commitment to youth football. In addition to programs that support high school coaches and players, and the recent Plan in Motion grant program, the team foundation, NFL Youth Football Fund and Baltimore-area donors funded a $1.26 million overhaul renovation of Lumsden-Scott Stadium at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Western High School in 2006.
