NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2025
• Programs of Excellence Name: Virtual Tour of M&T Bank Stadium
• Hosting Organization: OPAL Center, Baltimore, Maryland
• Baltimore Population: 852,425
• 60+ Population: 159,403
• Senior Center Members: 16,463

About Virtual Tour of M&T Bank Stadium

This program involved a virtual tour of the Baltimore Ravens NFL team's facilities at M&T Bank stadium. A staff member went to the stadium in-person with a tour guide and streamed the private tour over Zoom to OPAL Center members. I knew that the stadium gave regular tours but wondered if it was capable of being done over Zoom. Many of OPAL Center's members are home-bound for various reasons, so staff set out on a mission to "help them experience the world beyond their front door." 

Key takeaways from Virtual Tour of M&T Bank Stadium:

• The center was able to help participants experience their local community and learn about a Baltimore landmark from the comfort of home.
• This program highlighted the capabilities of virtual programming and helped the Baltimore County Department of Aging and center connect with a local institution. They also gained new members at the OPAL Center.
• Having a specialized tour guide on hand made the experience very educational and fun.

About the OPAL Center

Based out of Baltimore County, Maryland, the Online Programs for Adult Learning (OPAL) Center is a virtual senior center. OPAL combines all the wonderful hybrid classes and online programs offered by our senior centers along with a variety of upcoming programs provided by partners. Membership in OPAL is open to those 50 years and older.