BETWEEN THE TACKLES

Phil Callihan, Editor-in-Chief

8/26/02- Football Visitor's Guide

This is the time of year when I get questions from people who are coming to Ann Arbor to see their first Michigan football game.  These are my personal recommendations.  Your mileage vary...

How do I get tickets?

Most people don't believe me when I tell them this but it's the truth.  It's easy to get tickets for most games.  The question is how much are you willing to pay?  For the bulk of the games against minor opponents you can usually find tickets around the stadium on the day of the game for below face value.  It's really just supply and demand.  There are 107,000 tickets available for every game.  There are literally thousands of tickets bought and sold in the hours before the game outside the stadium.  I've heard of tickets being sold for $5 or $10 for a minor opponent. 

This year the athletic department has made it more difficult for students to sell their tickets to non-students.   It remains to be seen what impact this will have on the availability of tickets.  Many people don't want student tickets anyway since you practically have to stand the entire game if you end up in any of the student sections.

Usually tickets are sold in pairs or singly getting more than two together is a lot harder.  For big name opponents (Washington, Notre Dame, Ohio State, etc.) get ready to pay.  Tickets are always floating around but prices will be face value or more.  If you want tickets in advance you'll need to check the athletic web site, get them from a season ticket holder, or look on E-Bay.

How do I get there?

Michigan Stadium is located off of Interstate 94.  Get off at the Ann Arbor-Saline Road exit.  There are signs and you'll see LOTS of cars and usually a blimp or two orbiting the stadium.

Where do I park?

Diagonal from Michigan Stadium on Ann Arbor-Saline Road is Pioneer High School.  Plenty of parking is available.  You can also park on the University Golf Course which is across the street.  As you cross the street to the stadium listen for the traffic officer as he harasses fans from the opposing school.

WARNING-  In cases of extremely bad weather (I.E. after days and days of rain or sleet/snow) both of these places may close to protect the grounds. In this case parking becomes nightmare.  Park at Briarwood Mall and take the shuttle bus to the game.  It 's $4 roundtrip and is convenient.  The shuttle also runs from many of the local hotels.  Shuttle Info 

What should I see while in Ann Arbor?

As if basking in the glow of the Wolverines isn't enough?  It depends when you get there.  If you're looking to sample Ann Arbor nightlife Thursday night is the big bar night on campus.  There are a number of bars and restaurants to sample. 

Scorekeepers is a large sports bar and grill with music, multiple televisions, and pool tables.  While you're there take note of the large window in the front, former Wolverine (and current Denver Bronco) Brian Griese threw a beer bottle through it after being kicked out of the establishment one night prior to the 1997 season.

Another campus haunt is Rick's American Cafe (no web site) just ask around.  Frankly, it's a pit but don't let that deter you- it features live music and sticky floors that will remind you of your college days.  Outside of Rick's is where current Wolverine captain Bennie Joppru allegedly got into a knock-down drag out fight with a member of the Wolverine wrestling team. 

After a evening of carousing you may end up at the Brown Jug (1204 South University/761-3355) which is open until 2 AM.  Yes, it takes its name from the trophy that Michigan and Minnesota play for every season.  Another popular place to kill time is Pinball Pete's (1214 South University/372-2171) a popular arcade.  Rick's, the Brown Jug, and Pinball Pete's are all within a block of each other. 

Here are some things that you can do if you're in town Friday before a game:  Visit Michigan Stadium- it's usually open 9-5 during the week.  Stop by Schembechler Hall (AKA Fort Schembechler).  This is where the Wolverines practice during the season.  Here's a map of the area.  Note the tall brick wall surrounding the practice fields to keep prying eyes out.  If the team is practicing you might catch a glimpse of them from the overpass on Stadium street.  Also at Schembecher Hall is a great sports museum covering the breadth of Michigan athletics. Unfortunately, the museum is years out of date (no mention of the 1997 National Championship at my last) and is open only sporadically but if it's open when you go by it's definitely worth a visit.  Yost Ice Arena (Web Page) named for Michigan Immortal Fielding Yost has a number of displays of Wolverine hockey memorabilia and is open practically all of the time.  The Michigan Ticket Office (Web Page) is across the parking lot from Yost Ice Arena and it has some football memorabilia in the lobby.  You can also pick up team schedule posters and schedule cards there.  Behind Schembechler Hall is Oosterbaan Field House (Web Page) an indoor football field.  Sometimes you can sneak a peek of the field but football practices are closed.  Behind the Ticket office is the outdoor track where Jesse Owens once ran at the Big Ten Track Championships. 

What should I do on Game Day?

On Game day you have a few options.  Decide if you want to see the band take the field.  A truly awesome sight.  If not you can follow the band as they march to the stadium also very cool.  if you get to the Stadium a few hours early you can greet the teams as they arrive for the game (the stadium tunnel by Crisler Arena).  Also note that since 9/11 the items that you can take into the stadium has been reduced. 

If you want to see the band take the field you need to be inside the stadium about 30 minutes before game time.  You can also the see the Wolverines warm up sans shoulder pads.  As the band takes the field look for the Drum Major.  Traditionally, to prove their mettle they must perform the following stunt.  The really good Drum Majors will touch the top of their hat to the ground (not just the plume).  Another thing you may see is this.  The tradition of showing all 4's on the scoreboard has become to stand as a reminder that the team must play 4 strong quarters to insure victory.  At least that's how it was explained to former Athletic Director Tom Goss when he enquired about the practice.  According to interviews with the scoreboard operator, it really began as a prank to see if anyone was paying attention to the scoreboard minutes before the game. 

During the game, you'll see versions of the 'wave'- fast slow, reverse, usually originating in the student section.  And hopefully you'll sing the Victors A LOT.  Know the words and remember to Hail with your arm whenever you sing the word 'Hail'.

What should I eat at the game?

The concessions are for the most part forgettable.  Hot dogs, pizza, kielbasa, etc.  My personal favorite are the Mr. Spots Subs (Philly Cheese sandwiches).  I also like the italian sausages with peppers.  Michigan Stadium serves Pepsi products.  No alcohol is served at the stadium.  There are ATM's available and there is an M-Den on premises where you can stock up on Michigan gear.

Where should I eat after game?

Most people leaving Michigan Stadium will travel back to the interstate using State or Ann Arbor-Saline Road.  Think about that- 100,000 people are driving by- everything you see on that route (mostly chain restaurants) will be PACKED.  Restaurants along those routes include Bennigan's, Damon's, Max & Erma's, The Outback, TGI Fridays, and Joe's Crab Shack.  Come to think of it just about everything in Ann Arbor is packed after a football game.  Here are some places that are off-the-beaten path but well worth the wait (I'll list by specialty):

  • Hotdogs- Red Hot Lovers- 629 East University/734-996-3663
  • Hamburgers- Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger- 551 S. Division/734-663-3103
  • Hamburgers- Banfields- 3140 Packard Street/734-971-3300
  • Hamburgers- Dimo's Deli- 2030 West Stadium Boulevard/734-662-7944
  • Sandwiches- Zingerman's- 422 Detroit Street/734-663-DELI
  • Italian- Argiero's- 300 North Detroit/734-665-0444
  • Breakfast- Angelo's- 1100 East Catherine at Glen/734-761-8996
  • Philly Cheese steak sandwiches-  Mr. Spots- 810 South State/-734-747-7768

Where should I get my Michigan Gear?

No pilgrimage to the Big House would be complete without purchasing tokens of your devotion.  There are numerous vendors selling stuff in and around the stadium.

Moe's and Steve and Barry's are around the corner from one another.  A great place to check is Moe's close out store which is a few doors down from the main store.  You can find some great deals there from time to time.

Conclusion

I hope you have a great time while you're in Ann Arbor.  Enjoy the game!

Go Blue!

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