Ravens Countdown to Kickoff begins

BALTIMORE - As Fall approaches, we have two teams to cheer on. And even though the Ravens don't play until Monday,  tonight the celebrating will start.

The Ravens Countdown to Kickoff week starts at Power Plant Live Wednesday. Fans can get pumped up with the cheerleaders, Poe, and the Ravens marching band from 5 to 11 p.m. while watching a live broadcast of the NFL season opener between the Giant and Cowboys . There will also be a concert featuring Theory of a Deadman. Entrance to the concert is free, but space is limited to those who are 21 or older. In addition to the concert, organizers say there will be free giveaways and prizes.

Thursday, the Ravens cheerleaders will be at the Green Turtle at McHenry Rowe autographing their swimsuit calendar. That event starts at 5 p.m. and autographs will begin at 6 p.m.

Heading into the season's first official Purple Friday, the Ravens will take to the streets to spread kickoff spirit with a caravan that travels around Baltimore. The team invites fans to get decked-out in Ravens gear and join the all-day caravan as it stops by Cancun Cantina (Hanover), M&T Bank branches (White Marsh and Owings Mills), Verizon Wireless (Columbia and Harbor East), Giant Food (Parkville and Belair), the Southwest terminal at BWI Airport, Smyth Jewelers (Timonium) and Bill Bateman's Bistro (Glen Burnie), with a special stop to celebrate the War of 1812 Bicentennial at Fort McHenry.

The Purple Friday celebration lasts late into the night, as the traveling group of cheerleaders, team mascot and staff stop by the following local bars: Pappas Seafood Co., Emerald Tavern, Firehouse Tavern, Casey's Bar & Restaurant, The Greene Turtle (Hunt Valley), The Towne Tavern, Hightopps Backstage Grille, Charles Village Pub & Patio, Social Pub & Pie, The Abbey Burger Bistro, No Way Jose Café, Ryleigh's Oyster Bar, Stalking Horse, MaGerks Pub & Grill, Mad River Bar and Grille, Banditos Tacos & Tequila, Ropewalk Tavern, Cowboys & Rednecks Pub and Mother's Federal Hill Grille. Each stop will feature Miller Lite specials and giveaways, as well as custom Ravens shirts, among other prizes.

* Information from baltimoreravens.com