Our History: More Than a Firehouse
Over a Century of Service. A Legacy That Lives On.
The story of Gameday Firehouse began in 1908, when the City of Baltimore purchased the property for just $3,625. Construction began the following year, and by 1910, the building officially became home to Baltimore Fire Department's Engine Company 37.
In its early days, firefighters responded to emergencies using horse-drawn steam pumpers until 1918, when the company transitioned into a new era of firefighting.
For 78 years, Engine Company 37 proudly served the Baltimore community. During that time, the company received only two brand-new fire trucks. The rest were passed down, rebuilt, and repurposed from other fire companies throughout the city. But no matter the equipment, the dedication never changed.
In 1988, city budget cuts forced the firehouse to close its doors. But its story was far from over. Just three years later, the firefighters' union took over the building, giving this historic firehouse a new purpose while honoring the men and women who once served within its walls.
That same spirit of service lives on through the Baltimore Fire Fighters Local 734 Widows & Orphans Fund. In 1990, following the passing of retired firefighter Joseph Robb, his family requested donations to the fund in lieu of flowers, helping carry forward a mission dedicated to supporting the families of fallen firefighters.
SCROLL DOWN TO GET AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT GAMEDAY’S TIMELINE.
BUILT TO SERVE. MADE TO LAST.
1918–1988 | Nearly 80 Years of Service
For nearly eight decades, Engine Company 37 answered the call, protecting Baltimore through changing times, growing neighborhoods, and generations of firefighters.
Throughout its history, the company operated with everything from horse-drawn steam engines to modern diesel-powered fire trucks. In fact, during its years of service, Engine 37 received only two brand-new motorized fire engines. The rest were rebuilt or passed down from other companies across the city.
The building even holds a few mysteries. In 1934, a worker digging beneath the firehouse discovered remains of an old coffin, sparking rumors that the property may have once been a Civil War-era burial ground.
On September 5, 1988, budget cuts officially brought Engine Company 37's service to an end. But while the fire trucks moved out, the building's connection to Baltimore's firefighters was far from over.
A NEW CHAPTER. THE SAME MISSION.
1991–Today | From Firehouse to Gameday Tradition
In 1991, the Baltimore Fire Fighters Local 734 transformed the former Engine Company 37 into a union hall, giving the historic building a new purpose while preserving its connection to the firefighting community.
Over the years, the firehouse became a gathering place for firefighters, friends, and Baltimore sports fans. It even made an appearance in Season 2 of HBO's The Wire.
Today, Gameday Firehouse is known as one of Baltimore's favorite gameday destinations, located just steps from M&T Bank Stadium. What was once home to horse-drawn fire engines is now filled with Ravens fans, live DJs, great food, cold drinks, and an unbeatable tailgate atmosphere.
But behind the celebration is a mission that matters. Gameday Firehouse continues to support the Baltimore Fire Fighters Local 734 Widows & Orphans Fund, which helps the families of firefighters.
Over 100 years of history. One mission that has never changed.
From serving the city to bringing Baltimore together, the spirit of Engine Company 37 lives on every gameday.
