The Ravens and Steelers have played 62 times before, including four times in the postseason. But they've never squared off for a playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium.
It's not just the start of the playoffs. It's a historic matchup in the Ravens-Steelers rivalry.
For those reasons and more, Ravens players expect an unforgettable atmosphere in Baltimore for Saturday night's Wild-Card Playoff matchup.
"It's going to be a different environment," defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike said. "This is the first time we're hosting Pittsburgh in Baltimore in a playoff game, so it's going to be high energy.
"Everybody needs to come out and bring whatever you've got to bring to be as rowdy as possible, because the energy's going to be electric, and we're going to feed off that, and we're going to play to that standard that we can, and we know we can. So, it's going to be exciting."
The Ravens have already scored primetime wins at M&T Bank Stadium versus the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Steelers during the regular season. All three of those games had unreal moments, and the playoff rematch will surely have the same.
Asked about what he loves about primetime games at "The Bank," quarterback Lamar Jackson said, "the noise, the fans, the whole Flock Nation in the building, feeling like they're on the field with on us, the lights, how they do the lights in certain parts of the game. Just everything about it."
With temperatures forecasted at 28 degrees at kickoff, it's going to feel like a January playoff game, which Head Coach John Harbaugh expects will only add to the mystique.
"The weather may drive the atmosphere, too," Harbaugh said. "It's going to be a great environment. I expect our fans to be how they are; they'll be into it, they'll be fired up, it's going to be a night game, it's going to be cold, it's going to be dark, and our team is going to try to play lights out."
Five years ago, Ravens running back Derrick Henry played in a M&T Bank Stadium primetime playoff game as a member of the Tennessee Titans. Even as an opponent, he said he "got chills" in that stadium, and he can't wait to experience it as a Raven.
"The fans are just as locked in as we are, and we're definitely going to need that on Saturday," Henry said. "Bring your coats, your blankets, your hot chocolate, coffee – whatever you need to be loud – and we're going to need it loud in that stadium. We're going to need that energy. We're need the fans to [be] intense, for sure, on Saturday."
In addition to what's sure to be a thrilling game, the Ravens have a long list of exciting pregame and in-game entertainment planned.
Former Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, a renowned Steelers hater, will be the Legend of the Game. Former Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who once broke Ben Roethlisberger's nose, will be the Captain of the Game.
Broadway performer, Baltimore native and Baltimore School for the Arts alum Samantha Pollino will sing the national anthem. Pollino is currently in her fifth Broadway show, The Great Gatsby.
Multi-Platinum recording artists All Time Low, the popular rock band that hails from Towson, Md., and are huge Ravens fans, will perform live from the Bud Light Touchdown Club during halftime.
Multi-award-winning musician Lindsey Stirling, known for her genre-bending virtuosity on electronic violin, will perform during a quarter break. Combining extraordinary talents as a violinist and dancer into her spectacular shows, she has sold out iconic venues around the world and amassed over 20 billion streams worldwide.
All fans will receive an LED wristband that syncs to stadium light shows and music throughout the night, beginning with pre-game ceremonies approximately 20 minutes before kickoff. Fans are encouraged to arrive at their seats no later than 7:40 p.m.
The Steelers have seen what M&T Bank Stadium is like at night. But they've never seen what it can be like in the playoffs. It's Baltimore turn to show them, both on the field and in the stands.
"The mentality is real simple: win or go home," linebacker Roquan Smith said. "We're at 'The Bank,' and we've got to protect it by any means necessary, so we'll be fighting for our lives. Everybody knows that, and hey, get your popcorn ready. We're ready."
