Advice for first Meeechigan game
I was lucky enough to get tickets for the season opener. My only big house experince was in 95 and I was too young to really understand what was going on. Being a Central student im not very familar with A2. If anyone could give me the names of a good bar to pre-drink or some advice on parking and when to get there it would be greatly appreciated. Can't wait to see the Forcier era begin.
August 11th, 2009 at 11:35 AM ^
I would get in Ann Arbor at 9, park at Pioneer or the Golf Course depending on availability (easiest to get back onto 94 if needed). The Brown Jug would be a great place to get breakfast/a few drinks beforehand. That or walk into Phi Psi.
August 11th, 2009 at 11:43 AM ^
I'll +1 you just because someone WILL be that douche that -1's you for putting a greek house.
That said, walking down state street, you'll find plenty to do around 10am. If not The Jug and Good Time Charleys (college bars with plenty of TVs) on South U and Ashley's (beer pub) further up State are good choices.
August 11th, 2009 at 11:50 AM ^
Theres nothing wrong going to a frat if you're 18-23/24. Any older and I would suggest brown jug/tailgating.
August 11th, 2009 at 12:20 PM ^
If you are a few years out of school, (and you are invited) there is nothing wrong with tailgating at a frat. That can be the best place to pre-game while you're still kid-less.
August 11th, 2009 at 4:32 PM ^
that would be the worst option ever. A phi psi morning includes half naked men engaged in homo erotic dancing atop "the ledge".
August 11th, 2009 at 11:36 AM ^
1st bit of advice - Don't tailgate at a bar. Go on campus, or to the golf course. That is where all the fans are. And as for parking, my only advice is to get to a2 early, very early.
August 11th, 2009 at 11:40 AM ^
I've been on both ends of this, and getting there as early as possible is always the best idea. If you do, you've got time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. If you don't, you're scrambling to park behind a tree in someone's backyard as the band takes the field. That can ruin the day pretty quickly.
August 11th, 2009 at 12:10 PM ^
For a 3:30 kickoff?
August 11th, 2009 at 11:40 AM ^
Yeah, I would get to A2 around 8:30am. My buddy and I go to the opener every year and it's best to get there early and go to the golf course. The weather is warm, beer cold, people are friendly and it's just a great atmosphere. That's all you need. Then we usually head into the game around 2:00 (early) to catch a bit of warmups and hang around in the 1st couple rows.
August 11th, 2009 at 11:43 AM ^
You could park at briarwood mall on State. Parking is free and the bus costs $1 to get to the stadium. That would hamper you partying a bit, but it is cheap and easy.
August 11th, 2009 at 11:48 AM ^
We usually park at the golf course and get there when it opens. The tennis center is a good place too & about half the price as the golf course. They also have a shuttle that runs you to the club house.
I'm in NE Ohio so we usually are on the road by 4 am
August 11th, 2009 at 12:13 PM ^
I've never had the experience of driving to a home game from such a distance. It had always been that I would stumble out of my door and be in the middle of the tailgates. But with that said, I think it is admirable that so many people do what you do.
August 11th, 2009 at 12:20 PM ^
Kickoff is at 3:30, so most bars on campus won't open until after 10:00 or 11:00. The exception to this is the aforementioned Brown Jug on South U, which opens at 9:00 AM I think. Other bars on South U are Charley's (lots of outdoor seating) and Blue Shillelagh. If atmosphere isn't paramount, there is a BW3s on State Street just north of the State St. Theater, but they won't be open before 11:00 AM. There are plenty of bars on Main Street in downtown A2, but the walk from there to the stadium is well over a mile and mostly uphill. Could be brutal on a hot September day.
August 11th, 2009 at 12:35 PM ^
On gamedays, all bars are bound to open as soon as they legally can, and as soon as they can expect people to actually come in.
August 11th, 2009 at 12:53 PM ^
Except that they don't. I know, it baffles me too. Show up on campus at 9:00 AM on gameday, especially for a late game and it's pretty quiet. Things don't get rolling until closer to 11:00.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:00 PM ^
Is actually named the Blue Leprechaun, unless something has changed since May. I do like the idea of a bar named the blue walking (stick/club) though.
August 11th, 2009 at 2:29 PM ^
It is a long walk from Main St. to the stadium, but going to the stadium it isn't uphill. Going from the stadium to Main is much moreso.
August 11th, 2009 at 12:27 PM ^
Parking in Pioneer or the golf course is a great place to park but if you want to be around the campus area for a while before and after the game then I would suggest parking in front of West Quad on Thompson Street. You can then walk around the campus and go to a couple different bars. One bar I suggest going to is Dominick's on Monroe two blocks east of State St. It is right across from the Law Quad. I believe they open at 9a on gamedays. I live a mile from the stadium and I am still heading down to my tailgate in Crisler lot at 7a. Grant it I am one of the first in that lot at that time but getting to Ann Arbor no later than 9am is suggested.
August 11th, 2009 at 12:49 PM ^
Try the "Endless Buzz", but don't try it alone....
August 11th, 2009 at 1:00 PM ^
'Constant Buzz', but yes, it's a fantastic drink.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:05 PM ^
I prefer the sangria and if you want to eat something get the italian sub. It is amazing!
August 11th, 2009 at 12:31 PM ^
Get a couple of slices at NYPD post game if your in a rush or the Brown Jugs great after a win *fingers crossed*
August 11th, 2009 at 3:06 PM ^
As a New Yorker, NYPD's awful excuse for NY pizza made me cry and want to leave the midwest forever. Pizza House is better.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:00 PM ^
Agreed with what most said above. Get there early(!) and park at the AA Golf Course or AA Pioneer HS. Bring anything you want to eat or drink and hang out with the fans.
In my experience most people are very friendly and willing to share.
August 11th, 2009 at 2:04 PM ^
Head over to Good Time Charleys before and after the game (if you have a designated driver). Best Long Islands in Ann Arbor.
August 11th, 2009 at 2:44 PM ^
Most basic advice I can give you: Come early, have fun, and make friends with people you don't know.