Providence, Rhode Island-based Gilbane Building Co. won a contract from the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens to perform upgrades and renovations on its home field, M&T Bank Stadium, over the next three years, the contractor confirmed in a press release.
The Ravens received $600 million in total funding from the state of Maryland, but will only use $430 million on current work while saving the rest for future projects, per the Sports Business Journal.
The stadium, which was built in 1998 for $220 million, will undergo a significant overhaul throughout the course of the project, the Ravens organization said in its release. In addition to substantial developments on the exterior plaza areas, every level of the venue on the interior will undergo changes.
"Our team has designed exciting renovations that will elevate the gameday experience for every Ravens fan,” said Sashi Brown, president of the Ravens. “As part of these renovations, we are also making important infrastructure investments to secure the stadium's long-term viability.”
Some of the renovations and new work include:
- The North Plaza, which will include two large structures that flank the entrance gate. The west side portion will contain an open-air tailgate and concert venue with three levels of viewing, a main stage and an indoor sports bar on the main level. The east side structure will feature a 7,000-square-foot retail space with a second-floor hospitality area, the Ravens said.
- The Gatehouse, a new addition the organization likened to a sports bar. The main floor will feature video screens and allow fans to drink and socialize, while the top floor will offer city views of Baltimore. The floors will be 5,000 square feet, and can accommodate between 350-400 people on each level. It will be located on the stadium’s east side, outside Gate B.
- The Blackwing, a set of 10 private suites below the club level behind the Ravens' sideline, will provide the best game-action view in the building, the team said. The suites will connect to a private club that evokes the feeling of a speakeasy.
Other work will focus on a litany of club and suite construction and improvements, including 12,000 square feet in additional space added across three locations at the stadium’s Upper Concourse level, according to the organization.
The investment comes as the Ravens secured their long-term future at the facility earlier this year. In January, the organization signed a 15-year extension on its lease, keeping the team at M&T Bank Stadium for the foreseeable future.
Gilbane has partnered with the Maryland Stadium Authority for over 30 years on other projects throughout the state, according to the contractor. These jobs include the Baltimore Convention Center, the University of Maryland Xfinity Center, and the recent move of the left field wall at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
“We look forward to delivering the multi-phased renovation that will transform the fans’ experience at M&T Bank Stadium and make Maryland proud,” said Ted Holt, senior vice president and Maryland business leader for Gilbane.
The builder has history with the franchise. Between 2017-2019, Gilbane performed tenant improvements for the Ravens, including new corner suites, video displays, escalators and elevators, per the release. Stadium renovation is hot business — Boston-based Suffolk got in on the action when the builder completed a $250 million job in September for the New England Patriots stadium, Gillette Field, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Gilbane anticipates that all renovations will be complete by the start of the 2026 season, per the release.
