Ravens Lower Concession Prices in Effort to Reconnect with Fan Base

The Baltimore Ravens will lower the prices of concessions at M&T Bank Stadium this upcoming season in an effort to "win back fans," according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. 

Per that report, "The Ravens are following the lead of the Atlanta Falcons, who dropped prices of concessions after moving into the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium and made more money. The Falcons lowered prices on food and beverage by 50 percent and fans spent 16 percent more."

As Hensley reported, the Ravens have sold out every game in 20 years at M&T Bank Stadium but had some empty seats last year, as some fans reportedly grew weary of the team's three-year playoff drought or the ongoing debate over players protesting racial inequality and police brutality during the playing of the national anthem.

In December, team president Dick Cass sent a letter to season-ticket holders and sponsors, citing a team protest in September during a game in London as a potential reason for lagging attendance.

"The numbers [of no-shows] are higher, and it is noticeable," he wrote, per Hensley. "There are a number of reasons for the no-shows, but surely the one-time protest in London has been a factor."

The letter added: "In light of recent events, we are also reminded that winning alone is not always enough to make the Ravens the unifying force we want to be. We don't take your support for granted, and we know that we must continue to earn your respect and investment in us."

The Ravens, who finished 9-7 on the season, weren't exactly a thrilling watch, either. The team finished 27th in yards (305.4 YPG) and 29th in passing offense (189 YPG) last season, while quarterback Joe Flacco (3,141 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) had a mediocre campaign.

The Ravens promptly emphasized bolstering the passing game this offseason, signing wide receivers Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead and John Brown while drafting quarterback Lamar Jackson and tight end Hayden Hurst. The team's passing attack was its most glaring weakness, and the changes should breathe some life into that aspect of the offense.

But if that isn't enough to attract back some fans, the Ravens are clearly hoping a price change in concessions will.