9/24/02- The View from On High...

A Report from the Michigan Stadium Press Box

Recently I had an opportunity to visit the Michigan Press Box.  If you're like me- you may have wondered what goes on up there.  I'll try to give you an idea of what occurs during a Michigan football game.

What's up there?

The press box is bigger than I imagined. There are multiple floors for coaches, the various kinds of media, and a Regent's level that looks pretty posh.

The press level has three rows of counters for people to sit down and work.  Each chair is numbered and each space is assigned.  The food is free (hot dogs, popcorn, soda, apples, pretzels, etc.) and the bathrooms were clean. The view was good and every seat was full. I'm sure that for big games it gets pretty packed. There is a pecking order with the first row being reserved for big time everyday media- Detroit News, Associated Press, Ann Arbor News, etc. I was in the 3rd row but near the 50 yard line.  I had to kick Jim Cnockaert from the Ann Arbor News out of my seat (everyone has assigned seating) but he seemed like a nice guy.

The View from on high

Who's up there?

The press level is mainly occupied by the working press.  Representatives from all over the country are there.  It's kind of amazing how many outlets cover Michigan football.  In addition to the working press there a number of athletic department personnel, security officers, VIP's, and other guests on the press level.

What does game look like from the press box?

Once the game started it was football geek heaven. Every play is announced with a running total of stats. People distribute stats sheets at the end of every quarter and you get a nice bundle of materials about each team including a foldout card that includes rosters and depth charts. All of the staff were really nice and were very professional.

What the game looks like
 

It's a working press box which means that there is no cheering allowed (a point that you're reminded of) which makes the game a pretty sterile experience. Kind of joyless- I had to catch myself a few times from cheering.

The press box was a decidedly low tech affair. The equipment was patched together and I SWEAR I heard a dot matrix printer somewhere in the mix...I was surprised that they didn't have some way of letting the people know what was happening in the other games that were going on.

Conclusion

It was awesome experience to see a game from the press box.  While few people from the general public get an opportunity to see a game from the press box if you ever get the chance I highly recommend it.  The athletic department does occasionally auction off packages that include press box passes.  If you can afford it you'd definitely have a game experience that you'd never forget...

Go Blue!

Phil Callihan
UMGoBlue.COM- By Fans...For Fans
phil@umgoblue.com

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