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2012 Michigan Wolverine Football Visitors Guide

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

How do I get tickets?

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 far below face value.  It’s simple supply and demand.  There are 109,901 tickets available for every game.  There are literally thousands of tickets bought and sold in the hours before the game outside the stadium and in the adjacent parking lots.  It’s not unusual for tickets to be sold for far less than face value for a minor opponent.  The best prices are usually found on game day right outside the stadium by people who line the streets on the way to the stadium.

2012 Football Schedule

Your best bet is to find season ticket holder just outside the stadium who is dumping extra tickets prior to entering.

Usually tickets are sold in pairs or singles.  Getting more than two together is more difficult.  For the big games this season (Michigan State, Iowa) get ready to pay. If you want tickets in advance you’ll need to check the , Stub-Hub, get them from a season ticket holder, or look on E-Bay.

Prior to game day you can usually find ticket scalpers outside the Michigan Union.  Another place to look is check the window of the Coach & Four Barber shop www.coachand4.com on State Street by Mr. Spots.  They have tickets in the window for most games.

 

How do I get there?

Michigan Stadium is located off of Interstate 94.  Exit at Ann Arbor-Saline Road.  There are signs and you’ll see LOTS of cars and sometimes a blimp or two circling the stadium.

Google Maps- Michigan Stadium

 

 Where do I park?

Adjacent to Michigan Stadium on Ann Arbor-Saline Road is Pioneer High School.  Plenty of parking is available.  You can also park at the golf courses across the street. Many homeowners offer up their lawns as makeshift parking lots on game days.

As you cross the street to the stadium listen for the traffic officer as he or she harasses fans from the opposing school.

Costs Range from $20-$50 depending on proximity to the stadium.

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.  The shuttle also runs from many of the local hotels.  Shuttle Info

 

What about camping?

RV owners can purchase a permit to camp in a designated area at Pioneer High School.  The permit allows you to stay from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.

 

What about tailgating?

Tailgating is allowed in the parking areas around the stadium.  Fans should note that upon departing for the game it highly recommended that you secure any belongings in your trunk.  Looting of coolers and other items is known to occur.

If you’re looking for an amazing tailgate space literally across the street from the Big House check out MGoPatio. If its good enough for Sports Illustrated its good enough for you!

 

What should I see while in Ann Arbor?

If you get into town a day before the game or stay after there are number of sights to see.

You can visit:

Michigan Stadium- it’s usually open 9-4:30 during the week (NOTE- since 9/11 the stadium is locked down 2-3 days before games.)

Stop by Schembechler Hall (AKA Fort Schembechler).  This is where the Wolverines practice.  Here’s a map of the area.  Much of the tall brink wall that surrounded the outdoor practice field has been removed to make way for the constructon of the new indoor practice field.  It’s directly adjacent to Schembechler Hall- you can’t miss it.

Dwarfing Schembecher Hall is the Al Glick Field House, one of the largest indoor practice facilities in the country.

If the team is practicing outdoors you might catch a glimpse of them from the overpass on Stadium street.

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.

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.  Adjacent to the outdoor track in Revelli Hall where you might be able to catch the marching band practice.

Michigan Central Campus has a number of places to visit.  Start at the Michigan Union (Web Site).  Check out the place where President John F. Kennedy announced the formation of the Peace Corps marked on the front steps.  Stop by and spin the Cube in the courtyard outside.  A little ways down from the Union is the Kelsey Museum of Archeology which houses some nice artifacts.  Across the street is the Angell Hall an impressive looking building whose design is reminiscent of a Greek temple.  Behind Angell Hall, is the Michigan Diag.  Note the Block ‘M’ engraved in the center, legend has it that if a freshman steps on the Block M they will fail their first exam.  The Diag is home to all kinds of demonstrations and can be quite entertaining, especially on days when speaker will lecture passersby from the cement benches that surround the Diag.  Adjacent to the Diag is the UGLI (undergraduate library) and also visible is the Michigan Bell Tower.  The best museum on central campus is the Natural Science Museum which has a great a collection of dinosaur skeletons and even a stuffed Wolverine!  Drive down Washtenaw away from campus and look for the Rock.  It is a campus tradition for students to ‘paint the rock’.  Legend says that it actually started out as a small pebble but has grown to its enormous size from the millions of layers of paint that have been applied over the years!

 

Ann Arbor Nightlife

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 Brian Griese threw a beer bottle through it after being kicked out of the establishment one night prior to the 1997 season.

Dominick’s (812 Monroe/734-662-5414) is a campus tradition located across from the Law School.  Another campus favorite is Ashley’s (338 South State Street/734-996-9191).

Another campus haunt is Rick’s American Cafe  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 former 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.  Rick’s and the Brown Jug are all within a block (and stumbling distance) of each other.

 

Where should I eat before the game?

Many people tailgate before games but if you want to grab some food these are some popular choices:

  • Maize and Blue Deli– $ 1329 S. University/734-996-0009.
  • Dimo’s Deli– $ 2030 West Stadium Boulevard/734-662-7944.  My personal recommendation.  Get the burger!!
  • Angelo’s– $ 1100 East Catherine at Glen/734-761-8996.  Order anything that’s made with the homemade bread.
  • Weber’s Inn– $$ 3050 Jackson Road/734-769-2500.  Offers an all-you-can-eat brunch.  You can also park there and grab the shuttle over to the stadium.
  • Dibella’s– $ 904 West Eisenhower Parkway/734-997-9011.  My new favorite sub place.  Stop in and eat or grab these for your tailgate.

$= $5-$10 Entrees  $$= $10-$15 Entrees  $$$= $15 and Above Entrees

 

What radio stations cover Michigan Football in the area?

Many stations carry the games but the local Ann Arbor sports station is WTKA AM 1050 which talks about Michigan sports pretty much all the time.

 

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.

Also note that due to the stadium upgrade project the athletic department strongly recommends that fans try to enter the stadium an hour before the game.

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.

Hopefully you’ll sing the Victors A LOT. Know the words and remember to raise your arm whenever you sing the word ‘Hail’.

 

What about a game program?

The athletic department sells some really cool program that cost $5.  Unfortunately there is no way that you will be able to keep it from being messed after you purchase it and after the game the vendors are long gone.  If you want a keepsake I would recommend ordering the program from the athletic department media relations office and having it mailed to your house.

 

What should I eat at the game?

The concessions are plentiful: hot dogs, pizza, kielbasa, etc.  My personal favorite are the Mr. Spots Subs (philly cheesesteak sandwiches). I also like the Italian sausages with peppers.  Michigan Stadium serves Coke products.  No alcohol is served at the stadium.

What if I need cash?

There are ATM’s available inside the stadium.

 

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):

  • Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger– $ Hamburgers- 551 S. Division/ 734-663-3103.
  • Frita Batidos– $ Cuban 117 W. Washington/ 734-761-2882.
  • Banfield’s East-$ Hamburgers- 3140 Packard Street/ 734-971-3300.
  • Argiero’s– $$ Italian- 300 North Detroit/ 734-665-0444.
  • Mr. Spots– $ Philly Cheese steak sandwiches- 810 South State/ 734-747-7768.
  • Wings Pizza N Things– $$ American- 6877 State Street/ 734-429-7700.
  • Real Seafood Co.– $$$ Seafood, duh!- 341 S. Main/ 734-769-7738.
  • Palio– $$$ Italian- 347 S. Main/ 734-930-6156.
  • Original Cottage Inn Restaurant– $$ Pizza, Italian-  512 East William/ 734-663-3379.
  • China Chef– $ Chinese 2870 Washtenaw Avenue/ 734-434-8877.  Good food, large portions, cheap prices.  A little out of the way but worth the trip.
  • Ichiban– $$$ Japanese Steak House/sushi 4641 Washtenaw Avenue/ 734-975-0589.
  • Pizza House– $$ American cuisine 618 Church Street/ 734-995-4995.
  • Carlyle Grill $$$ American cuisine 3660 Jackson Road/ 734-213-9800.

$= $5-$10 Entrees  $$= $10-$15 Entrees  $$$= $15 and Above Entrees

Hyped but overrated- think Drew Henson 🙂  These are the places that many people will always ask you if you’ve eaten upon hearing that you went to Ann Arbor…

  • Gratzi– $$$ 326 South Main/ 734-663-6387.
  • Gandy Dancer– $$$ 401 North Depot/ 734-769-0592.
  • Zingerman’s– $$ 422 Detroit Street/ 734-663-3354.  New York deli- GOOD, New York Prices, OUCH

 

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.

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Conspicuous Consumption- The Michigan Wolverines; the 1 Percent of College Athletics

The athletic department is building a new electronic billboard which according to Athletic Director David Brandon, “…happens to be across the street from a golf course so it won’t annoy anybody.”

This is interesting on two counts.

First, if it’s not going to annoy anyone why build it? Isn’t the whole point of a billboard to get attention?

And second, this from an athletic department that had to search the couch cushions in order to send the marching band to the upcoming Cowboy Classic?

Critics from the community have questioned the need for such a billboard to which Brandon responded, “…It’s not at all unusual for athletic campuses … to have some sort of display board activity.”

Yeah, Dave, right. It’s not unusual for athletic campuses to have football stadiums either.

Of course, not many have a capacity of over 109,000.

Everything that Michigan does is over the top. And the Athletic Department is very successful. According to the NCAA, UM is one of the few athletic programs turning a profit.

And Michigan fans like it that way and so do many residents in the Ann Arbor area who live around the University of Michigan campus.

Hail the Victors! The Leaders and Best!

But success sometimes breeds arrogance and increasingly the Athletic Department is being perceived as being oblivious to the local community.

When a regent suggested that, “…Brandon consider allowing local non-profit organizations to advertise on the sign “so the community can feel part of the board that they will be looking at,” he shot the idea down.

Too hard! Can’t do it!

Now there are some amazing people working the athletic department, many of whom have come in under Brandon’s tenure. Surely one of them could figure out a policy and procedure to handle such requests.

Heads will roll at the Big Ten. Inconsistent branding!

But Brandon would have to make that a priority. And there’s the rub, the athletic director wants the community to support his sports teams and athletes (especially the so called non-revenue sports) but seems less and less open to community input.

You would think someone who had been voted out as regent would have learned to pay a little more attention to the public.

Brandon has brought much needed discipline from to the Athletic Department but it has come at a price.

You hear the term “metric” thrown around a lot.

The metric for loyalty is now measured in Priority Points rather than years as a season ticket holder. Fans who’ve had their seats for 20,30, even 40 years are losing out to deep-pocketed donors.

These long time fans are your core demographic, and they’re getting dumped on.

The Athletic Department leadership needs to understand that it doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

There is no Michigan Athletic Department without the University of Michigan, and the University is publicly funded by the taxpayers of Michigan. Upset enough people and you have a problem.

Former Coach Lloyd Carr talks with UM AD David Brandon at the Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon

By most metrics the tenure of Athletic Director Dave Brandon has been a stunning success. The hire of football coach Brady Hoke, the Big Chill, and the first night game in Michigan Stadium history are all positive metrics.

The focus on the “Michigan” brand, while annoying to some, is a positive step to improve the overall marketing of the athletic department.

There may be no clear metric for it yet but there are people who are upset at some of the drastic changes.

Unhappy long time fans and a local community that perceives you as arrogant is a volatile mix that shouldn’t be ignored.

If the athletic department truly wants to realize its vision of “…Relentlessly Striving to make Michigan Athletics the Leaders and Best in Every Way!” it would be well served to be a better partner with its local Ann Arbor neighbors and be more receptive to the complaints of its fans.

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Dear Penn State: The Joe Paterno Statue has to Go

Update 7/20

Amid the fallout of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal, Penn State University will remove the statue of legendary infamous coach Joe Paterno near Beaver Stadium this weekend.

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Over the last 20 years I’ve spent every fall splitting time between high school and college football games. Many of my friends are high school or college coaches while both my brothers coach high school football. We spend hours diagramming plays and discussing coverage packages.

I believe that participation in sports is a remarkable tool to help prepare people for life and football is my favorite sport. So it was understandable that I considered Joe Paterno to be a hero.

But I started to lose respect for him in 1999. It took some digging but here is a video of why.

I saw these plays on TV during a game break. My immediate reaction was that JoPa was going tear into Arrington.  He may have somehow missed it did during the game but there would be hell to pay afterwards!

But JoPa didn’t. In fact he defended Arrington and even said that he had no interest in reviewing tape of the plays in question. He just ignored it. Here was one his players blatantly taking cheap shots at a defenseless opponent and JoPa couldn’t care less.

Success with honor, indeed.

Penn State won the game when Arrington blocked a late FG attempt by Pittsburgh. Penn State escaped with the game, their #2 ranking intact but JoPa reputation, at least with me, was on the decline.

In order to win a game, he turned a blind eye to the thuggery of one of his players.

Winning was more important.

It would be a decade between Penn State wins over Michigan. My respect for JoPa continued to decline as the number of Penn State football player arrests continued to climb. It got so bad that ESPN did a special report on the subject in 2008.

Between 2002 and 2008 “…46 Penn State football players have faced 163 criminal charges, according to an ESPN analysis of Pennsylvania court records and reports. Twenty-seven players have been convicted of or have pleaded guilty to a combined 45 counts.”

But before every Michigan-Penn State game someone would make the obligatory, “isn’t JoPa great!” remark and I’d answer the same way every time.

“I like JoPa, I like to beat him.”

And after every defeat JoPa would have some lame excuse to explain his team’s futility, “the timekeeper screwed us!” and my favorite “the grass was too long!”

All during this time my opinion of JoPa was that the game had passed him by and that he was compromising his values- “Success with Honor!” to stay relevant.

So when the Jerry Sandusky scandal broke, I assumed that he was victim of circumstances, that people around him had hidden the horror of Sandusky’s actions because surely there’s no way JoPa would have stood idly by as children were molested.

But the Freeh Report issued  last week made one thing perfectly clear- JoPa was an active participant in enabling Sandusky to continue preying on children.

He covered for him and enabled his actions.

Since the report, the Penn State community is in agony. There is talk of the Penn State football program getting the death penalty, and the University will soon be facing a number of lawsuits from Sandusky’s victims.

And outside Beaver Stadium, the statue of Joe Paterno continues to stand.

According to ESPN the statue remains “…in part, to not offend students and alumni who still hold the late coach in high esteem.”

I understand that people have strong feelings about the JoPa they thought they knew. But given the contents of the report there’s no way that statue should remain.

We don’t build statues to people who enable serial pedophiles.

When I scandal broke, I wrote- …We can debate  exactly what Joe Paterno could have done differently, but let’s agree that he should have done more than he did.

Far from not doing enough, the report found that Paterno discouraged Penn State officials from contacting outside authorities.

Penn State- this is the guy you want to honor with a statue?

At some point JoPa stopped being deserving of the honor.

Penn State fans have a choice- keep the Joe Paterno statue outside Beaver Stadium, idealizing the Paterno myth or join the rest of the world in mourning the failings of Paterno the man.

You can’t have it both ways.