BALTIMORE – On a Purple Friday, the Ravens Flock returned home to M&T Bank Stadium for their first football game since the winter: a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The fans streamed through the gates and one thing was clear: the bad weather at the end of the working week would not stop the crowds. Just before the game, the sun returned.

As Debby’s remains flew out, the Ravens flew in.

“It feels great,” said Tanya Smith, a Ravens fan, right in front of the Ray Lewis statue.

“We would be here whether it rained, sleet or hail!” Smith added.

Thousands of Ravens fans share the same opinion; this season they return the league’s MVP (No. 2 for No. 8) and a revamped running game led by former Offensive Player of the Year Derrick Henry.

The team is seeking revenge for the disappointing result six months ago in the same stadium, when they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, who later won the Super Bowl.

“We need to get Lamar and Zay Flowers their first rings,” said Dezmond Washington, a young Ravens fan.

Speaking of M&T Bank, there is still a lot more to see after a summer of renovations.

READ MORE: Phase one of renovations at M&T Bank Stadium completed in time for Ravens season

“Very excited. We’re testing the new Blackwing,” said Beth Henderson, a Ravens fan.

“I think they have some good young guys on the roster, it’s going to be a great season,” Kim Ford, a Ravens fan, told WMAR.

The Ravens are back in the dugout next Saturday for more preseason games against the Atlanta Falcons.