As the Baltimore Ravens led the Atlanta Falcons 7-3 at halftime of their preseason opener on August 17, fans eagerly gravitated towards a fresh addition at M&T Bank Stadium—the Gatehouse. This new two-level social space, part of a massive $430 million renovation project, is designed to enhance the fan experience. Each floor of The Gatehouse spans over 5,000 square feet and features a sports bar atmosphere with restrooms on both levels and a capacity of about 400 people per floor, all offering great views of Baltimore.
Despite the excitement, The Gatehouse wasn’t completely finished in time for the game. Corey Sarver, a senior project executive at Gilbane Building Co., and his team had been working around the clock to prepare the space. Shortly after the game, Sarver returned to oversee the final touches, including custom artwork and TV screens. The temporary plastic laminate bar surface installed hurriedly for the game was soon replaced with durable concrete tops, ensuring everything would be set for the Ravens’ regular season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 15.
The renovation of The Gatehouse wasn’t without its challenges. A significant change order required reinforcing the concrete ground floor with fiberglass to handle the anticipated crowd and activities. This reinforcement was crucial for supporting the structure without adding unnecessary weight. To manage the installation in February and March, the team had to tent and heat the exterior loading dock to maintain the necessary temperature for proper curing of the material.
The upgrades are part of a broader effort to improve the stadium experience for fans. Besides The Gatehouse, Gilbane is completing work on The Blackwing, an exclusive area with ten suites and a private club offering high-end amenities and a retractable glass balcony. This area required reinforcing existing foundations and using BIM technology for precise adjustments, ensuring the new structures integrated seamlessly with the existing ones.
Looking ahead, the Maryland Stadium Authority plans further enhancements, including upgrades to the South Club, North Club, and West End Zone Club. These improvements aim to provide even better game-day experiences, such as premium lounges and social sports bars. All these renovations are scheduled for completion by 2026, with construction paused on game days to avoid disrupting fans.
As the Ravens’ season progresses, fans in the newly renovated areas will enjoy an upgraded experience, all while construction continues to refine and enhance the stadium’s offerings.
