If you tuned in for the Baltimore Ravens game today, you might have noticed something a bit different about the atmosphere. It wasn’t just the damp weather or the playoff-adjacent intensity in the air. Honestly, the pre-game ceremony felt personal. Everyone always wants to know who sang national anthem at ravens game today, and the answer usually points to a local legend or a rising star with deep Maryland roots.
Today was no exception. Baltimore has this weird, beautiful way of keeping things in the family. Whether it’s a Broadway powerhouse who grew up in Hampstead or a soulful gospel singer from West Baltimore, the Ravens front office almost always picks someone who understands the "O!" in the middle of the Star-Spangled Banner.
The Voice Behind the Mic: Who Sang National Anthem at Ravens Game Today
So, let's get right to it. The person who took the field to belt out those high notes was none other than a local favorite. Historically, the Ravens have a "greatest hits" list of performers, including the likes of Samantha Pollino, a Baltimore School for the Arts alum who recently wowed crowds during the postseason.
Pollino isn't just some random singer they found; she’s a legitimate Broadway star from Hamilton and The Great Gatsby. When she steps onto the grass at M&T Bank Stadium, she brings that theatrical gravity that most pop singers just can’t replicate.
But why do we care so much? Basically, the anthem at a Ravens game is a litmus test for the crowd’s energy. If the singer can hold their own against 70,000 people screaming "O!" at the top of their lungs, you know the game is going to be a physical one. It’s kinda the unofficial start of the battle.
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Why the National Anthem Hits Different in Baltimore
You can't talk about who sang national anthem at ravens game today without mentioning the "O" factor. For those who aren't from around here, it sounds like a bunch of rowdy fans being disrespectful. It’s actually the opposite. It’s a tribute to the Baltimore Orioles and a quirk of local culture that has persisted for decades.
Most singers who perform here are warned ahead of time. Some handle it with a smile; others get visibly startled if they aren't prepared for that wall of sound hitting them halfway through.
Maryland native Jimmy Charles is another name that frequently pops up. He was the 2024 Country Artist of the Year for the Maryland Music Awards, and he’s been a staple for the team. He’s got that gritty, blue-collar vibe that fits the Ravens' "Play Like a Raven" mantra perfectly.
A Look Back at Recent Ravens Anthem Performers
The team hasn't always had a revolving door of singers. For years, Joey Odoms was the guy. He was a combat veteran with a voice that could stop a freight train. When he resigned back in 2017, it left a massive hole in the pre-game ritual. Since then, the Ravens have leaned heavily into Broadway talent and local singer-songwriters.
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- Renée Elise Goldsberry: The Tony-winning Hamilton star gave a masterclass during the Bengals matchup earlier this season.
- Lindsey Stirling: While she usually plays the violin, her performances during quarter breaks have become legendary for their high-energy choreography.
- The Baltimore Marching Ravens: Sometimes, the team skips the soloists and lets the largest marching band in the NFL do the heavy lifting.
Honestly, it’s a tough gig. You’re standing on a cold field, often in the wind, trying to stay in key while a literal flock of ravens (the mascot variety) and thousands of purple-clad fans watch your every move.
How the Ravens Choose Their Performers
The selection process isn't just about who is famous. The Ravens' marketing and game-day entertainment teams look for a "Baltimore connection." They want someone who understands the city’s grit. If you’re a Broadway star who graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts, you’re basically at the top of the list.
They also tend to coordinate the performer with the theme of the game. If it’s Military Appreciation Day, you’re likely to see a member of the armed forces or a veteran like the aforementioned Joey Odoms. If it’s a high-profile primetime game, expect a bigger name like All Time Low (who handled a recent halftime show) or a national recording artist.
What to Expect Next at M&T Bank Stadium
With the season winding down and the coaching staff changes—goodbye John Harbaugh, hello new era—the atmosphere at the stadium is shifting. The entertainment is likely to follow suit. We might see more experimental acts or a return to a permanent anthem singer to provide some stability during this transition.
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If you’re planning on attending a game soon, keep an eye on the Ravens' official social media channels about two hours before kickoff. They usually drop a "Gameday Guide" that lists exactly who is performing the anthem, who the honorary captain is, and which local legend is "Leading the Charge" out of the tunnel.
Tips for Catching the Anthem Live
- Get to your seat 20 minutes early. The anthem usually happens about 8 to 10 minutes before the actual kickoff.
- Watch the big screens. If you’re in the "nosebleed" sections, the acoustics can be weird. The Jumbotron audio is usually synced better.
- Prepare for the "O!" Seriously. If you’re sensitive to loud noises, that specific moment is the loudest the stadium gets until a touchdown happens.
Baltimore fans are loyal to a fault. They don't just cheer for the players; they cheer for the traditions. Knowing who sang national anthem at ravens game today is just another way for the "Flock" to stay connected to the team they love.
Moving forward, keep an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft announcements. Since the draft is being held in Pittsburgh this year, expect some rivalry-fueled performances at the remaining home games as the Ravens try to reclaim their dominance in the AFC North.
For the most up-to-date gameday information, check the Ravens' official app or the "Gameday" section of their website on the morning of the match. You'll find the full rundown of musical guests, including halftime shows and special guest appearances.