DC bars, restaurants gearing up for big Commanders, Ravens matchup Sunday

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — It’s known by fans as the Battle of the Beltway: the Washington Commanders are heading up to Baltimore this weekend to take on the Ravens.

The Commanders are off to their best start in more than 15 years, sitting at 4-1 on the season.

Even though the game is in Baltimore, here in D.C., businesses are gearing up for what’s sure to be a wild football Sunday.

Walter’s Sports Bar in Navy Yard said it has seen a big increase in the number of Commanders fans coming out to watch games.

“It hasn’t even been close this year with the amount of Commanders fans coming out. The energy, it’s a whole new level this year,” said Jake Papp, a bartender at Walter’s.

He said a good home team is also good for business.

“We have people showing up right away. If you don’t have a seat at the bar at 11:30 a.m., you probably won’t get one until at least 4 p.m.,” Papp said. “There are a lot of reasons to be excited if you’re a Commanders fan.”

Whether fans are watching from the bar or the comfort of their couch, both Baltimoreans and Washingtonians told DC News Now they’re ready to see a real matchup.

“We’re in for a tough challenge. The Ravens have the best-rushing defense, Washington has been rushing the ball very well, but against bad defenses,” said Commanders superfan ‘Tailgate Ted’ Abela.

“I think the Commanders have been a really nice surprise. But, I gotta go with the Ravens, I think it’s gonna be a good game,” Ravens fan Logan Pretty said.

Kickoff in Baltimore is set for 1 p.m. Sunday.

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