Coinbase, a company that powers cryptocurrency, put up an 11-foot ice wall at M&T Bank Stadium ahead of the Ravens/Jets game, hoping to "break the ice" on the conversations around crypto in Maryland.
Coinbase's Vice President of Litigation, Ryan VanGrack, talks about the motivation behind putting up the eye-catching sculpture up for Ravens fans to see on their way to the stadium.
"The whole point of the display with this large block of ice is [to show] the importance of unfreezing crypto, not nationally, but unfreezing crypto in Maryland," VanGrack said. "46 states allow you to use Coinbase's platform in order to earn rewards, and they have earned hundreds of millions of dollars in rewards."
Maryland is one of only four states in the U.S. in which Coinbase isn't allowed to offer a service called "staking," which is a way to participate in securing a digital system known as blockchain networks. Staking allows you to earn rewards for keeping blockchains safe and accurate.
The company is hoping by drawing people in to talking about crypto, it will strike up conversations that will make their way to state lawmakers.
WATCH: Coinbase sets up 11-foot ice wall at M&T Bank Stadium to promote crypto staking in Maryland
VanGrack, a third generation Marylander from Montgomery County, believes his family, neighbors and friends in his home state are missing out on the financial wave of the future.
"Crypto is all about economic freedom, VanGrack said. "We want to empower Marylanders to make [the best] decisions for themselves."
The company will need to prove to lawmakers, like Attorney General Anthony Brown, that their staking strategy is safe and secure for Marylanders to use. They'll bank on using events like "Let's Break the Ice" to flip the switch and change their minds from being skeptical to favorable and ultimately lead Maryland to pro-crypto legislation.
VanGrack makes his pitch on Coinbase's behalf.
"Not a single individual in Maryland, in the U.S. globally, has lost money using Coinbase's platforms for this service," he said.
The next legislative session, beginning January 14, 2026, could determine what's next for crypto in the state.