Baltimore is the home of Under Armor clothing. It was founded by two chaps while attending University of MD.
During the Ravens home games, usually on a 3rd down situation for the visiting team, there is a ‘pump up the crowd’ video shown on the big screens along with Ray Lewis yelling “Will you protect this house” It is about 10-15 seconds long, very loud and ends with the Under Armor logo - probably because otherwise, such video/audio crowd pumping ‘propaganda’ would not be allowed by the NFL. But, it is a commercial you see.
So, do other stadiums use their own version of this Under Armor commercial or is it only used for Under Armor’s home team - the Ravens. The Ravens started using it in 2006 and I did not attend an away game last year so I do not know if there is a version using players of other teams. I assume the Ray version wouldn’t go down too well in Cleveland or Pittsburgh lol.
Surely the NFL wouldn’t have a rule against the generic “make some noise” announcements/videos that have been in NBA, MLB, NCAA, NHL stadiums for years?
I’m a Redskins season ticket holder. I don’t usually pay too much attention to the stadium screens, unless it’s a replay. I’ll try and remember to pay special attention this Sunday and see if anything similiar is played down the road. I have been to a couple games at M&T as well but I don’t remember the ad you mentioned. I don’t however doubt they played it. Under Armor is all over Ravens stuff.
Chicago Bears, second in line to a season ticket holder (which means I go 3 or 4 times a season when he’s busy). I’ve seen this commercial used on television, but I can’t recall ever seeing it at Soldier Field.
My understanding is that the NFL does not allow such things where a play is iminent. During time outs or at half time or during replays, I believe the video team can show generic crowd pumping stuff, but if there is a play about to roll on the field, the home team is not allowed to ‘encourage’ the crowd in any way.
Case in point. The Ravens stadium announcer is a fellow named Bruce Cunningham. He is also the Sports Director for the local Fox affiliate. His ‘signature’ if you will, was the way that he would announce 3rd downs. He would say " It’s …3rd down" with a huge emphasis on the word ‘It’s’.
During the Redskins Ravens game a few years ago, the Redskins staff objected to the NFL, complaining that the announcement incited the crowd to the detriment of the visiting Redskins.
Cunningham was fined by the NFL (the team paid it) and he is no longer permitted to emphasise the word ‘It’s’.
A remarkable story but I assure you it is true. The NFL is definitly the No Fun League.
Also ironic since the Deadskins have been suspected of piping in crowd noise through their PA system for years.