Road Game Experiences From the 2022 Football Season
I had originally meant to make this post at some point between the Big Ten Championship and the Semifinals and then life happened. I figured better late than never.
In 2022 I went to every single regular season game* (oops on Rutgers) and the Big Ten Championship. I did not make it to the semifinals - sure, go ahead and blame me for TCU winning in the comments.
In 2020 I came up with the goal of seeing a road game at every single Big Ten Stadium, then COVID happened. Fortunately 2021 was more or less back to normal in the football front and I went to the games @ Wisconsin, @ MSU, and @ Penn State. I didn't make it to the games @ Maryland or @ Nebraska, and for both of those I couldn't help but ask myself why didn't I go to those games too? I had so much fun (except @ MSU, talk about the second biggest screw job in my history as a Michigan fan) at the road venues that I figured I'd go to every regular season game in 2022. And so I did.
I started planning everything out in the spring of 2022 by purchasing flight tickets to Iowa and New Jersey, and then my rooms in Iowa, Indiana, New Jersey, and Ohio. I actually got a room in Indianapolis at this time too, because I saw the airbnb allowed cancellation up to five days in advance - in the near impossible scenario that Michigan lost to Ohio State (said in jest.)
I figured I would give a brief summary of my experience at each of the stadiums:
Iowa: Iowa City was a really neat town to walk around the night before and night after the game. This was the most aesthetically pleasing stadium - I thoroughly enjoyed how they come together and have everyone in one section wear black and then everyone in the adjacent section wear gold, and so on. It looks really neat in person. With a few brief exceptions, their fans were some of the best behaved I've encountered (the only better ones were the ones @ Penn State last year.) This was one of the two road games that I sat in the Michigan section for, so my view wasn't the greatest but it was also cool to be in a 90% Michigan fan environment despite being on the road.
I detailed this in a post after the game, but I stuck around and saw the team after the game and it was really nice to see Harbaugh as happy as he was - this was the happiest I've ever seen him (and that includes post-Ohio State this past season, ironically.) The thing that really stuck out to me was that a staffer tried to escort Harbaugh away from the fans and give him an alternate exit, but he declined and enthusiastically signed every autograph, and took a photo with every fan who wanted one. That's something I'll never forget.
Indiana: Bloomington was not as pleasant as Iowa City. In fact, this was the sixth worst fan experience I've ever had/third worst environment (1st-5th were all in East Lansing at Breslin/Spartan Stadium, that is a nasty fan base.) It really wasn't that bad, but there were quite a few bad fans - everything from them getting in the faces of Michigan fans and trying to start an altercation to cheering when Michigan players got injured. I was quite puzzled as to why their fans hated Michigan so much until someone tipped me off that a lot of them aren't actually Indiana fans, but Notre Dame fans that come to root against Michigan/Michigan State when they come to town. It makes a lot more sense in hindsight as I did hear several of their fans talking about Notre Dame during the game.
These were definitely the best seats I've had not only at a road game, but a football game in general. I was about 15 rows up at the 40 yard line, and I got the tickets for something like $50 the morning of the game. One thing that really surprised me is just how tiny the stadium is - it's really staggering to go to places like Michigan Stadium, Beaver Stadium, and Ohio Stadium, then go to Memorial Stadium - it looks like a high school stadium in comparison! I did not see the team after this game, I had a nasty headache and was in a rush to get an Aleve.
Rutgers: I went to Steakhouse 85 before the game and left my phone in the Uber. I was unable to retrieve it until the next afternoon and ended up watching the 2nd-4th quarter on TV at the airbnb. Fortunately I was also able to flip to the LSU-Alabama game as well, so it wasn't so bad!
Ohio State: I was ready to go to war. I have complained for a long time about how Michigan fans don't go to Ohio Stadium out of fear of their fans. I decided after the 2018 game that I would go to this game every year regardless of the two teams' records because I didn't want to be apart of the problem by staying home. I went to this game alone knowing that it would be possible that I'd get beer thrown at me, I'd be spit on, I'd have people put their hands on me, etc. I still wasn't going to miss this game for the world.
But then something funny happened - literally none of that happened and nothing even close. Aside from one very drunk guy in his 50s/60s who could hardly a stand up after the game who tried to instigate a fight, I had zero real problems before, during, or after. Yeah, there were people who said mean things and what not but you're gonna get that wherever you go. It was quite the opposite for the most part - I've actually never had a fan go out of their way to welcome me to their stadium, but it happened every which way pregame; Ohio State fans galore were extending welcomes to Michigan fans and engaging in friendly small talk.
I had every opportunity to be badly mistreated and I really wasn't...For example, my Uber driver dropped me off on their fraternity row where there were no police in sight and also zero Michigan fans in sight and no one said or did anything to me. I walked at least a half mile with nothing but scarlet and grey in sight and no one gave me any trouble.
There are likely three things going on here: 1) people are straight up lying about their experiences, 2) bad Michigan fans that like to start problems are deciding to start problems in Columbus and are shocked that fans from other fan bases are willing to behave as poorly or worse than them when antagonized, then they come here and act like they didn't do anything, 3) something super tiny happens but then is exaggerated/blown way out of proportion - i.e. someone yells "fuck Michigan" at them and then they come here and say they felt in fear for their safety. Regardless of what is, please stop contributing to any of these three, you're not doing any good at all. You're part of the reason why the Michigan section for this game had more Ohio State fans than Michigan fans.
Anyways, it was quite the delight going to Columbus for my first football game and seeing Michigan get their first win there in 22 (?!) years. Hopefully we can be so fortunate again in 2024.
Purdue: I was about to post this and completely forgot to include Purdue because it was such an anticlimactic game after the Ohio State win. No complaints, Indianapolis is a fun town but it was also difficult to get as into this game given the thrill of the previous week. I went to this game with Indy Pete and Matt - we had a great time!
That was quite the season, and memories that I'll have to last a lifetime! It was so much fun that I've already bought my plane tickets to every road game besides MSU (I'll drive there) and have booked all of my stays for the 2023 season!
that is great. thank you for sharing. love the picture, should be a mural on your garage wall, or maybe even in your man-cave. surprised but pleased to hear that the ohio fans were good to you, but would say that you sound like you had a one-off experience. i mean, read brian's opus of about 10 years ago about the bezerker who tackled his crippled friend as an example. regardless, fun post, great stuff.
are you planning any road trips for 2023?
March 26th, 2023 at 10:00 PM ^
It's an amazing picture - I will have to get a mural made of it!
I don't doubt that that happened and there obviously are horrible fans in their fan base, but I would say that seems like more a one-off (at least nowadays.) I think for the most part trouble is anywhere if you want it, but can be avoided in almost every situation as well.
And yes, I have all of my flights and hotels already booked for the 2023 season. I actually plan to make it to every game, including the playoffs this time around!
March 26th, 2023 at 10:48 PM ^
please consider something like a photo essay for each trip, hopefully all W's!
Perhaps this is something Brian/Seth would consider sponsoring / providing some compensation for? Feels like front page material.
Also... having been to several games in Columbus, I can refute all 3 potential reasons for their fans having a bad reputation. Either something dramatically changed after COVID or this was a total one-off example of things going fine for a Michigan fan there.
I'd like to think it is a one-off...but my multiple experiences there have been crap, and I wasn't even there for "The Game".
Late 90's - Toledo at OSU with Bruce Gradkoswki at QB. First play of the game, he lines up behind the GUARD to take the snap. Omens of things to come.
- OSU fans throwing beers (or what I assume was beer, maybe piss) down onto Toledo fans, saw several instances where people walking up the aisles wearing Toledo gear were shoved around instigating several fights involving security. All for a Toledo team that got absolutely shellacked
2000's (can't recall the year) - went to the Fresno State/OSU game. OSU fans were literally SPITTING down onto Fresno fans. FRESNO FREAKING STATE.
Last year - Took my wife to the OSU Toledo game and again was a shit show.
Sorry, but I'll never ever wade into that cesspool for a Michigan game. I won't put up with that shit and I'll be in deep hole dungeon jail somewhere they put Michigan fans.
I know a Texas fan who went to their game in Columbus back in the 2000s and he reported much the same.
I've never made that trip but I've heard far too many negative stories to think it's all exaggeration. (The Texas fan I know had no reason to dislike OSU before he made the trip.) That said, it could be that in recent years, the OSU fanbase has started to clean up its act. I hope so.
I was at the OSU game and had a similar experience. I wouldn't call it welcoming but I didn't experience any of the negative shit of folklore. I attribute it to two things:
1. The tickets were so expensive that the riff raff has been priced out of the market.
2. They were so sure they were going to destroy us that they felt sorry for us and decided we weren't worth giving shit to.
After the game they were so shell shocked that they didn't know what to do. One elderly man handed me his program and said "Take this - you earned it."
I live about 2 miles north of the Toliet Seat and walked down High afterwards to sing the Victors really loudly. 99% of their fans were pretty good sports about it and said “good game” and I had some nice convos. Not winning there this century probably helped, but also winning by three scores was a factor as well, because at that point “GG” is all you can really say.
What a terrific addition to MGoPosts. And what a great experience for you.
I'm with XM: my experience in Columbus at the He-Was-Short game was scary.
(Plus, I'd have upvoted you anyway, because I was getting tired of "Kim Mulkey vs. losing.")
I've been to a couple of Michigan games at Northwestern since I live in Evanston and those fans were surprisingly bad. I'm referring to the students, who stood up every chance they could and yelled "Cheaters!" and other similar things. I hate hecklers at a game, especially drunk hecklers who yell asinine things.
Wendy, I'm curious how you'd rate visiting teams' fans. My sister lives in Evanston near parking for football visitors, and she reports that the worst fans are Ohio State fans and—surprising to me—Iowa fans.
What's your experience?
As an in-person veteran of the "M00N" game, I can say that is the most offensive thing I have experienced at a road game. I need to find a picture I took of a few Northwestern students reading text books in the stands during the game.
March 27th, 2023 at 11:24 AM ^
You're very Zen about flying all the way out to NJ for the Rutgers game and then missing it because you lost your phone. Man I wish I was able to take life's curveballs like you are...
March 27th, 2023 at 12:09 PM ^
I've been to several B1G Stadiums over time - Madison, Illinois, Northwestern, Columbus, East Lansing, College Park, South Bend, State College, and Indy (B1G CCG) are some of the venues.
As time has progressed - my preference is to enjoy a tailgate close to the venue, and - be receptive to those who visit - whether they are Michigan fans - OR - the opposing team.
The trips to Columbus were usually associated with profanity - and, younger fans who had "more than their share" ranting about everything. I'm VERY careful about where I park in Columbus, every time of year.
My trips to Evanston have been pretty enjoyable - with a solid Michigan turnout - and pretty fun banter with Wildcat fans.
Michigan's on the road for five games this fall - Lincoln, Minneapolis, East Lansing, State College, and College Park. I don't have plans to attend any away games this fall - but, depending on the 2024 schedule - which will be the kids senior year at Michigan - who knows, a road trip or two could certainly be worked in.
When will the 2024 schedule be available? I've heard both July and October as dates when the schedule will be released.
March 27th, 2023 at 12:31 PM ^
I was at Indiana and the crowd seemed ok, maybe being with a large group changed how they acted...lol. Few drunk frat boys but nothing bad, did like the stadium.
"There are likely three things going on here: 1) people are straight up lying about their experiences, 2) bad Michigan fans that like to start problems are deciding to start problems in Columbus and are shocked that fans from other fan bases are willing to behave as poorly or worse than them when antagonized, then they come here and act like they didn't do anything, 3) something super tiny happens but then is exaggerated/blown way out of proportion - i.e. someone yells "fuck Michigan" at them and then they come here and say they felt in fear for their safety"
There's a 4th explanation as well. And that is over the course of 22 straight years of beating the shit out of us their fanbase (like their team) became complacent and expected to win just by showing up. I live down here and can tell you from first hand experiences back in the early to mid 2000's that going to OSU games as a Michigan fan wasnt pleasant in the least. I watched first hand in 2002 when one of the guys in our group got sucker punched by a drunk right in front of a Columbus cop and the cop's response was "shouldn't have worn the shirt". And I've got many friends who wore beer and other crap home from the game and the ONLY reason there wasnt a fight was because they were significantly outnumbered.
I'm glad your visit was a positve one but please dont diminish the very negative personal experiences of others by insinuating they either started the problem or overstated the OSU fanbase response. The violence down here toward Michigan fans was very, very real.
Gonna be very interesting to see how they act in 2024 IF we win again this year. My guess is things will revert a bit back to old form.
March 28th, 2023 at 10:21 AM ^
Went to The Game in 1998 in Columbus. Can confirm. They were nasty. Also, walking through Red Cedar Village on game day in Michigan gear is a rite of passage.
I agree with this post - clearly there is a 4th option which is in an environment with 100,000+ folks you're interaction can run the full gamut of "generally pleasant" to "gaping douche bag". I think OSU has tried to improve their culture and decrease hostilities but most of the time ColuXbus gonna ColuXbus.
And us beating them by 3 TDs doesn't hurt. Sometimes the fear that the spell is broken overrides the gleeful pursuit of hate.
March 28th, 2023 at 10:18 PM ^
I think that the student body is a bit more acadamicly focused as OSU is working to improve its academic rep and recruit better (and more) students. That could help account for better treatment of M fans the last few games in C'bus.
There are likely three things going on here: 1) people are straight up lying about their experiences, 2) bad Michigan fans that like to start problems are deciding to start problems in Columbus and are shocked that fans from other fan bases are willing to behave as poorly or worse than them when antagonized, then they come here and act like they didn't do anything, 3) something super tiny happens but then is exaggerated/blown way out of proportion - i.e. someone yells "fuck Michigan" at them and then they come here and say they felt in fear for their safety. Regardless of what is, please stop contributing to any of these three, you're not doing any good at all. You're part of the reason why the Michigan section for this game had more Ohio State fans than Michigan fans.
Everyone considers their visit the sole representation of every UM/OSU fan interaction including yourself obviously. Just like in politics two things can be correct. I had a U of M cheerleader tell me that fans there were tossing beer bottles at her over the stadium wall and I have no reason not to believe her. I really think there are bad apples everywhere but OSU's problem is they attract what would usually be the NFL crazy ass fans.
I've been to Nebraska twice and both times the fans were outstanding. The first game, though, l was miserable. It was cold and windy and was the game Denard was injured. Also, it was before they finished stadium renovations and I was in the cheap seats under their big screen/ scoreboard. I had to climb forever to get to the seat and have a wonky knee. The next game was a MSU game and we sat in the cheap seats but in the new section..a much more comfortable arrangement. Also, be sure to get a runza while you're there. It's Nabraska's version of a pasty and they're not bad.
I've been to a bunch of B1G stadiums (Wisconsin, Northwestern, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Purdue, Nebraska, MSU, PSU, Minnesota) and none were awful (minor nastiness at Purdue and Iowa) and Nebraska was, by far, the VERY best. Unbelievable sportsmanship and hospitality. Sadly it was also the "Denard destroys his ulnar" game where we went from feeling like we were in control to not being able to make a first down.
March 28th, 2023 at 11:27 AM ^
I was just thinking.. “the shoe on the other foot”.. and, what it’s like when opposing teams visit Ann Arbor. I break it into two general categories - one is tailgating, and the other is “out around town” - which could be walking the campus, dining, etc.
Our group tailgates near the stadium, and we always greet opposing teams fans - my usual “line” is.. “Welcome to Ann Arbor, thanks for coming out”. Then, well - it’s “your mileage may vary” - we’ll talk about their trip in, where they’re from, whether it’s their first visit to Michigan, keys to the game, etc.
The vast majority of the time, these conversations are great - knowledgeable fans - engaging, polite, and fun stories. We’ll invite them to grab a bite to eat / drink and enjoy the surroundings.
Usually, the opposing teams fans we spend time with are “a bit older”.. from their 30’s to gray hairs.
Granted, at Michigan Stadium - it’s a Maize & Blue crowd - with the numbers being dominated by Wolverine fans.
Hoping you enjoy your trips…. Go Blue!
Go to an Iowa game each year with a friend who's a huge Hawkeyes fan. Love the environment. AC/DC Back in Black, color-coded sections or black-outs, very nice tailgaters.
Have to say this year's game was so nice. Awesome weather (70s and sunshine), nice fans, great game near the end (Iowa was down 20-7 with ball inside our 10 before we stopped them).
Left after we took over on downs at 20-7 to beat the traffic out of Iowa City.
It made up for the 14-13 night loss in 2016!
Regarding the IU fans, I've heard from my Purdue friends that a lot of them switch back-and-forth between their allegiances for IU and Notre Dame.
March 29th, 2023 at 10:32 AM ^
I think columbus itself might be changing. 20 years of essentially dominating the game and the expected annual win was just going to happen did away with a lot of the vitriol. However, I can attest that throughout the 90's and 2000's there was a ton of vitriol.
I live in NKY by Cincy and often rock M gear. I can't tell you how many times I've had very rude osu fans start bs. 97 at a Bengals game the day after The Game, osu fan tripped my ex wife who was pregnant as we were hitting the steps to hit concessions.. He didn't trip me, my ex, a 5'4 105lb small girl.. I caught her and it was obvious what happened and the fans around already were between us and dude ended up getting removed from the stadium as I was pulled away to calm down... Had a rr hostess comment to me how rude they were to M fans when she went to osu games in cbus and had some choice words for me when I simply asked for the manager and she dropped the bs immediately... Downtown cincy had a guy jump in my face start, tried to push me cursing everything under the sun after the 2011 game wanting to fight.. I was going to lunch at work at the time so it was laughing at him saying scoreboard as I side stepped him. Several times had people walking by with the If I wasn't working I'd kick your azz, as I laughed like what's stopping you now, lets go...
I haven't seen that vitriol since about 2013 tbh. After the 2016 games and more the 2018/2019 games the vitriol started reversing Michigan fans towards osu fans. As they were content now you really saw Michigan fans hard celebrating in 2021 and straight up 2022 calling osu out for all the bs ever.... Columbus has tucked tail quite a bit after that. Don't get me wrong, a few more wins in a row by the good guys and I'm sure the vitriol will be back...
March 29th, 2023 at 12:45 PM ^
Thanks for the writeup. I have only been to three Michigan away games. Twice at the rosebowl(2000 UCLA, 2004 USC) and once last year at the playoff game.I sat in the TCU section and their fans were generally very nice. I did get a laugh when one of them said UM has never seen the 'power' of the 3-3-5 defense. I told them UM used to run that in the RR years and said it is a flawed defense imho. Considering they lost all three games perhaps I shouldn't go to any others in the future.
Keep going, you only get so many you can attend so when you can, enjoy! I too have to remind myself, I can't do anything on the field or call plays for them. So, I really make no difference in what they do. But, at the games, bring the energy and get loud! Of course, I'm getting to the point where my voice doesn't last 4 qtrs and is done for the next three days when I go to games.
March 30th, 2023 at 10:50 AM ^
My children are current Michigan students - and, tailgating / attending games at either Michigan Stadium, or on the road - is something that's fun for all of us to do.
There is a line that I have drawn - and, that line is Columbus.
I feel a current student would "be ok" at opposing venues - and - my children and I have attended Michigan road games for about 15 years.
I promised them that I'd take them to a Michigan v OSU game in Columbus. And, the date for that will be next fall - November 2024. Honestly, I'm not that thrilled about going. The overarching concern I've had since they were infants has been - their safety. And, based on my experiences - it's the only venue where being safe is in question. You can keep your nose clean - be polite - etc. - but, there are elements of that crowd that are looking for a fight.
We'll go - but, I can tell you right now - I'm not "really looking forward to it."
I went to the Rutgers game in Jersey and the myriad Jersey Mikes concession stands ran out of cheesesteaks. It was harrible.
I've attended football games at MSU, at OSU, and at Indiana. MSU was by far the worst - threats of many kinds, ranging from silly to scary, and physical altercations galore. OSU fans may piss everywhere, but MSU fans want blood. They're rabid animals.
OSU was rough, but only from a verbal standpoint. This was also in the middle of the recent dark ages so many Buckeye fans looked upon us with more pity than vitriol, evidenced by an older gentleman telling me "good game" like he was giving my last rites.
Friendliest was Indiana. We met a small tailgate group of IU fans and they adopted us. We played plenty of beer games and then went to the actual game )which we won in the last minute thanks to Denard). Worst stadium of the 3 though - just ugly all around, especially when empty...so all the time.
I've been to Northwestern twice, and MSU and Purdue once. Wanted to go to ND also but had to back out (that was the game we got blown out, so just as well).
MSU was a hostile environment but nothing worse than cursing. Purdue was just ... blah. Not a lot of atmosphere.
Northwestern was awesome and I'd go again in a heartbeat. Michigan fans were half the crowd (or more) both times and the stadium is small enough that you're close to the action. Plus you get a trip to Chicago. If the Big Ten does the three-rivals thing, I'd be cool with them being our third.
Congrats on picking such a great year for the football road trips and thanks for sharing, especially your experience at OSU. Hears to hoping next year will be as good or better.
A small portion of the OSU fan are great people. Also a larger portion are horribly behaved. The bad stories you've heard are true.
Very cool to get to all the away games, especially during a storybook season.
I have been to OSU twice in the 90's. Both times I felt somewhat ill at ease. People threw things like coins, food, etc. but nothing to seriously hurt me.
Favorite story was in 1996. We were ranked #21 vs Buckeyes #2. We went to a bar and were outside in a giant parking lot, where beer was sold from large coolers. It was a sea of Scarlet. I wore my Michigan hat proudly and somewhat fearfully. As we made our way towards the coolers, I was bumped, nudged and jostled. It was wall to wall fans there.
A few snide remarks were uttered. Finally I was confronted by a tough guy. "What are you doing here" he inquired with a snarl.
I paused. Finally I said, "Well, the game is on the schedule and we have to play it right? I mean, you guys are gonna win but we can't forfeit." He chewed on that for a minute, then grunted his assent and I moved towards the coolers.
Final score: Michigan 13 - Bad guys 9.
I'm surprised that you didn't have a better experience in Bloomington. I've been to 2 IU-Michigan games there, both competitive games including the double OT game in 2015, and never received anything more than friendly banter before, during, and after the game. I would recommend attending a game in Bloomington to anyone looking for an inexpensive, enjoyable road game.
April 19th, 2023 at 11:01 PM ^
What really bothers me about Indiana is the announcer ;yelling in to the PA system “ ANOTHER HOOOOSIER FIRST DOWN!!!” Makes me really appreciate Carl Grapentine.
Fortunately, that is a fairly rare occurrence. I attended the IU game last season and it was a good time. I heard a few negative comments pre-game, and there was a loud, obnoxious drunken student near me for most of the first half, but it wasn't enough to seriously detract from the experience.
My dad asked to do the B1G stadium tour as a 75th & ongoing birthday present. Starting in 2017, we've been going to at least one road venue every year (other than COVID 2020). Having already been to East Lansing repeatedly (and seeing no reason to return), as well as Evanston, we had 11 stadiums to cross off our list.
We've been to 6 since the tour started (8 total):
-Purdue 2017 (W 28-10, the Wilton Speight injury game). West Lafayette's entirely adequate as a town. It was hot, the stadium was sold out for homecoming, and someone underbought water so badly the sunny side of the stadium was out of water and ice *before* halftime and about 50 people were being treated for heat exposure in the shadows under the stands at all times.
- Rutgers 2018 (W 42-7). Rutgers is bad. Piscataway is a decent town. Campus is a fair bit of red brick and the river's nearby. The stadium experience was lacking.
- Illinois 2019 (W 42-25). Hassan Haskins ran for 125, announcing himself to the rest of the B1G, Charbonnet for 116. Michigan led comfortably, nearly nerfed away a lead - Illinois got within 28-25 before 2 late TDs sealed the win. Champaign is meh. Their fans were weirdly hostile. But I guess it's a "big rivalry" so that's to be expected.
- Minnesota 2020 got COVIDed
- Wisconsin 2021 (W 38-17). Madison is fantastic. People are friendly. And drunk. As advertised. My dad (age 80 at this point), got COVID, and so did I. That was less pleasant. But this was the game in 2021 when it became evident that Michigan was good at football again, dropping 25 straight on the Badgers to take a 28 point lead before giving up a last minute score. Wisconsin managed 210 yards of offense and UM had 6 sacks, including 2.5 for Ojabo.
- Penn State 2021 (W 21-17). Impulse buy at the register - a last minute trip for the hell of it meant that we stayed almost 2 hours from State College, so didn't get the full town experience, but did hit a tailgate with some PSU friends. Beaver Stadium is indeed, as Brian once set, a giant erector set...one that has pumped in noise and a bunch of sports alums on the field yelling "We are..." into a microphone during TV timeouts, along with an obnoxious wildcat screech playing on repeat. Tailgate was great, stadium, albeit rickety looking, has good sightlines in a picturesque setting. Would do again. One fan got a little cranky with my dad, who's 6'8" (or was before he started shrinking), and blocked the guy's view when he stood up. This was the O-JA-BO game, with Cade connecting to Erick All for the winning TD.
- Iowa 2022 (W 27-14). Iowa City is a fun town, as the OP notes. I have several Iowa alum friends and we tailgated and wandered around town, which is aesthetically pleasing. The stadium feels a lot smaller than I expected, but it's physically nice, in good shape, good amenities, good sightlines.
In all of these games, we've sat between the 40s on the Michigan sideline, which has generally meant we're sitting with older, more blue-haired alums of the host school. With the exception of Illinois, as mentioned above, and about 10 minutes of a PSU fan complaining about a tall 80 year old, we've been welcomed, had good, substantive conversations about their football program and ours.
Future visits:
- 2023 Minnesota;
- 2024 and beyond, we're waiting for the B1G to update schedules.
That leaves Maryland, Nebraska, Indiana and Ohio State.
My dad wants to save Columbus for last. He hasn't been in Ohio Stadium since 1942, when he was less than a year old, and his parents drove through Columbus on their way from Chicago to Washington DC where my (physicist) grandfather was to start work on a WWII weapons project for the War Department.
They drove by the stadium and decided to tour it (back in the days you could do such a thing). While they were walking on the field, my infant father filled his diaper, and my grandmother changed him on the 50 yard line and left the diaper at midfield, since, as she (a Northwestern grad) noted, everyone said it looked like a toilet bowl.
In a bout of gallows humor, he figures if he waits until he's old enough, he may yet again have a diaper to leave in Ohio Stadium.
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