Michigan Wolverines Tailgate

A tailgate for 8 with a couple of visitors, for a Noon start time with the Miami Redhaws on the road against the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor. Tickets for this event were available a few weeks in advance online, which is common for the University of Michigan Football for MAC opponents and the like.

The day before I drove home from the work week listening to an interview of Joe Cahn - the legendary commissioner of Tailgating, on the Tim Brando show. I dont know that there could be a better interview on the eve of a tailgate. After packing and preparing for the early morning departure, we watched some of the Navy v. Ball State game. You could say this was either a MAC scouting report or just the result of being starved of College Football for the past 7 months. Off to bed early for an early rise - we were aiming to depart at 6:30 for the 50 minute trip.

Off to the location
We hit the road at 6:50, meaning we had just lost 20 minutes of tailgating. On the way, we discussed whether to park at the two prime tailgating locations for Michigan Football - the U of M Golf Course, or Pioneer High School at the corner of Stadium and Main. The golf course is not exactly a grid system of parking, and is probably the most popular spot among tailgaters for a $40 fee. When we arrived at 7:45, we opted for Pioneer High School for a few reasons: 1) It was closer to the stadium and our gate of entry 2) There was a lineup to get into the golf course as it wasnt yet open. Pioneer is more of a grid system utilizing the vast athletic fields and was only a $30 price tag. When we arrived we were guided in by the scent of charcoal and propane into the second row of tailgaters. The weather was looking to be a sunny day of 80 degrees, pretty typical for Saturdays in Ann Arbor. The first bag of chips was open by about 7:50. The first beverage cracked at about 7:49. One word of note at Pioneer, because it is a high school any beverages must be poured into a cup.

Food
The checklist included a few cases of beverages, and heeding the advice I heard a day earlier from Mr. Cahn, the basic diet included Brats and Sausages (Beer Brats, Chorizo, Spicy, Italian), and more bags of chips, nachos, and pretzels than there were participants, as well as a veggie tray for...well....peace of mind I guess. Due to the basic menu, we only needed the Coleman propane camping stove and a couple cans of propane (ALWAYS bring extra propane).

Tailgate
We were surrounded by Hilbilly Golf (Ladder Golf), Ghetto 'Shoes (Tossing washers into a hole of a wooden box), Cornhole (Bean Bag toss into a hole of a wooden box), and some Beer Pong. We brought the football and were so excited that football was in the air, that we thought we could play a game of QB-WR-DB. After a few minutes of Steve Threet like throws, Donovan Warren like pass breakups, and Greg Mathews catches, my breath was quickly lost and It was time for a seat.

One of the greatest examples of why the college game trumps all was evident at the tailgate beside ours. The tradition, history, and pageantry was all on display. The patrons beside us hung the sweaters that were worn on gameday by their fathers who had passed on and left their legacy by introducing them to gameday Saturdays. They had game-worn winged helmets from the 40's and 70's as well as an old football. They also had the book tales from Michigan Stadium which is a book full of short stories from the University of Michigan - before each game one of them recite a story and then autograph it, or if they are lucky, a former player or famous figure will sign it.

There was actually a little bit of Red spotted along the rows of Maize and Blue. The Miami fans brought a football target throwing game, and were very hospitable. If you want to see the cheerleaders and band perform prior to the game, the golf course is the place to be.
The Victors walk is something new this year where 2 hours before gametime, the players are dropped off from the bus in the Blue Lot parking area just east of Crisler Arena and walk through the crowd towards the tunnel. For the student experience, stroll along State and Hoover streets.

To the game
Due to some of the rumors about construction leading to greater than usual lineups to get into the stadium and to the seats, we packed up the tailgate about 40 minutes before kickoff, which was about 10 minutes earlier than usual, but about 20 minutes later than suggested. We followed the massive moving crowd towards the stadium and through the intersection of Main and Stadium streets. The always humorous, always cordial Officer Brian gave out directions, jabs, and jokes from his podium at the intersection. Our gate was at the northwest corner of the stadium which is the least busiest section to enter due to its proximity away from the tailgating relative to the other 3 corners of entry. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived after only a 15 minute commute from tailgate to seat. For a few brief moments we regretted not maximizing our tailgating time, but then remembered from past history that the later you get to the game, the more the commute time grows exponentially. In Michigan Stadium, getting there with 10 minutes before kickoff is critical so you can experience the entry of the team as they run out and high-five the banner at the middle of the field.

In the game
Our seats were perfect for getting an aerial view, but not too far away to get a look at the new Michigan spread offense. At 50 rows up in section 23 we were right beside the always entertaining and distinct student section and Band. Keys clanging on 3rd down; the "You Suck" chant in cohesion with the Darth Vader music along with the tomahawk chop; the wave variations of 1) reverse wave; 2) slow motion wave; and 3) the super fast wave; the palms up after a first down; Lets go Blue chants; and of course the Victors with fists pumping to Hail! Hail! The trick is knowing when to interrupt the clapping rhythm with the forceful pump of the fist at each "Hail!". Great atmosphere, and quite a bit different from the other 3/4 of the stadium which are known for being very analytical, but quite reserved. In the second half, members of the band visits each section of the stadium to perform the traditional Michigan songs. Construction of boxes is being done to complement the bleacher seating for the 100,000+ crowd.
After the game
On this day, sadly we had to head back home after the game, but we got another hour of tailgating in while traffic passed. Heading back to the tailgate is easy, but if your looking for more variety and more games, we typically hit sports bars including Scorekeepers, and Buffalo Wild Wings - the Little Brown Jug, and Conor O'Neill's. If your making a night of it before or after the game and want more of a club-type of Tom Foolery, than head to nearby Ypsilanti or also referred to as "Ypsi". Checking out the uniqueness of each campus is always a great experience. Ann Arbor is no exception with Where to Stay There are a handful of hotels in and around the downtown area. For a less expensive option, south of the downtown area around I-94 there are about 10 hotels around the Briarwood Mall.

Once again, a great Fall Saturday - are there any that aren't?