Football Spring Game to be at Ford Field?
It is unlikely a Michigan regular season game would be at Ford Field, though. "Maybe a spring game, sure," Brandon said. "But it would have to be big enough to make people at Ford Field happy. We don't sell tickets to the spring game."
Heard rumors of this happening for the 2008 spring game since Michigan Stadium was in the early stages of constrcution. The game was moved to Saline HS and was invitation-only.
The weather in most years has not been very good for most people. Would be nice for those who don't like the cold or rain. Doesn't really matter to me since I have been to many spring games despite the weather.
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:48 AM ^
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:52 AM ^
I agree. Coming to Michigan Stadium in April satisfies me just long enough until the following season starts. Hardcore fans will come regardless, but the ones who are usually driving in from out of state and are scared off by the weather it would benefit.
The game was pretty close to being cancelled last year because of a apparent storm (didn't even come close to happening).
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:09 AM ^
The downside of playing the spring game at Ford Field would be a hindrance to what has been a large recruiting weekend in the past. There are more rules and restrictions regarding recruiting off campus, which wouldn't come into play if the game were at the Big House.
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:52 AM ^
That would be pretty cool, but i would like to see a basketball game versus MSU there.
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:23 PM ^
Hopefully we'll destroy them the same way North Carolina did twice. Also, I'd love to see the B1G Tournament at Ford Field but it'll probably never happen.
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:26 PM ^
Why not the Palace? Beautiful facility that doesn't have a team that's worthy of playing in it right now. I enjoyed those neutral site games with oakland.
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:55 AM ^
I hope they don't put it in Ford's Field. As a student, it's so much easier to just walk down to the stadium rather than find a ride and a place to park in Detroit.
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:01 AM ^
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:19 AM ^
Michigan should get U Conn to play at Ford Field. Money talks Dominos man.
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:24 AM ^
They need more team depth to have a full inter-roster spring game like they used to have back in the day.
A better idea: Create a spring "home and home" with a school like Texas. One year they play at Ford Field (or Michigan Stadium)...the next year down in Austin.
Full spring game vs. uncommon non-regional opponent which happens to be a major program, one of the best on college football.
Imagine the buzz that it would generate for both schools...the recruiting buzz... sponsorship (yes Mr. Brandon, your speciality), TV rights, merch, etc. This game could still be free admission for the fans, and both schools would make out like bandits and the athletes would actually play a real-game, which would not only be a nice test vs. good opponent but would also be very fun...and you could tie in some charity such as Mott as well.
Feel free to credit old NoMo with the idea, when it happens some day.....
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:32 AM ^
Less football in Michigan Stadium is always a bad idea.
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:39 AM ^
If we could buy out a road game for a neutral game in Ford Field every one wins except the restaraunt owners in Conn.
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:54 AM ^
tie it in with 'Michigan Day' at Comerica and you might have something going. Day/night double-header of Tigers Baseball/Michigan Football
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:27 AM ^
August 23rd, 2012 at 4:12 AM ^
August 23rd, 2012 at 5:01 AM ^
August 23rd, 2012 at 5:03 AM ^
August 23rd, 2012 at 7:03 AM ^
I think the key to the statement was that they don't charge for the spring game. In other words, the AD would have to rent out Ford Field and make no money. What does the AD ever do that makes no money (other than, you know, host games in non-revenue sports)?
August 23rd, 2012 at 8:21 AM ^
Although I would be interested to hear - for giggles - what sort of draw would pique the interest of the Ford Field management for such any event, I must say that I wouldn't be a fan of this idea.
There is something about the spring game and the unpredictable nature of the elements which rather completes the ambience of sitting in Michigan Stadium, mentally preparing yourself for sitting there in the fall, since it will probably be cool and rainy then too. The dome takes that away. To me, it is about refreshing my connection with Michigan football each year, and being at Michigan Stadium is somehow central to the process.
Further, if you wanted to have a larger gathering outside, such as a spring tailgate, I believe there is a strict policy against it in the garages adjacent to Ford Field. If available, the best bet is to do that at Eastern Market and get shuttled to the game, assuming they would provide that service in April. Otherwise, it would be limited to the availability of spaces in nearby bars and restaurants perhaps. I could see that being an issue for some folks.
It would likely be a more expensive proposition overall for the fan to have it in Detroit basically. I don't know how many people that would definitely go to the game in Ann Arbor would be put out by the inherent costs of watching similar events in the city.
August 23rd, 2012 at 8:32 AM ^
It would likely be a more expensive proposition overall for the fan to have it in Detroit basically. I don't know how many people that would definitely go to the game in Ann Arbor would be put out by the inherent costs of watching similar events in the city.
Quite a bit of the fanbase is closer to Ford Field than Ann Arbor. I honestly don't care about the spring game enough to drive out to AA for it. It's a hike. I'm not sure exactly what inherent costs you mean, either, because I have Lions season tickets and park for free. (Though I don't tailgate.) How is it necessarily more expensive?
I'm also not buying any "tradition" arguments. It's a spring game, which didn't exist ten years ago, and as constructed now, one of the most overrated events of the season.
August 23rd, 2012 at 11:30 AM ^
FWIW yes it has. Spring games have been taking place here since 1957. Blue leads the all-time series with Maize/White 28-26.
August 23rd, 2012 at 9:12 AM ^
Michigan doesn't charge for tickets (I think there is a donation to the Hospital though), so why would Ford Field be interested? Maybe, if Michigan has an actual game with 2 distint teams, they could charge $10 or $20, but that doesn't seem enough to cover the costs to the Ford Field owners (especially without beer sales).
August 23rd, 2012 at 9:15 AM ^
Boo this idea! On this board we've seen numerous parents talk about how the spring game is a PERFECT opportunity to show your kids the campus and stadium without worrying about a game. Not sure if your kid can handle an actual game? Not sure if you can handle your kid during a game you want to watch? Is there a better "test" for this than the spring game? Nope!
Brandon, don't take this opportunity away from me and my future children!
August 23rd, 2012 at 9:27 AM ^
I'd be okay with this if we needed time in a dome due to an upcoming major game against a dome team. Otherwise, no.