Fireworks will NOT happen: Regents vote against them

or the Regents didn't understand what was being proposed. I can't believe that the athletic department would be so stupid as to suggest fireworks be set off during the game... surely they were proposing to do it after the game is over.

Money quote: “I have religiously attended (UM)) football games for 50 years,” Deitch said. “I have not found that experience lacking of fireworks.”

Here's an excerpt from Freep article with fuller quote from Bernstein:

Though most of the Regents spoke on the topic, the most impassioned opposition came from Regent Laurence Deitch and Regent Mark Bernstein.

Both gave extended statements after hearing that some of the fireworks could be after scoring plays.

“This is I believe is a huge symbolic issue,” Bernstein said. “I love fireworks, but not at a Michigan football game. We are not Comerica Park or the Super Bowl or Disney World or a circus, and the important point is we shouldn't try to be. At a certain point, enough is enough.”

Deitch, who has voted in support of fireworks in the past, said he has considered it more thoroughly and was disturbed, citing a moment from years ago when a fireworks show in front of him went awry.

I don't have a problem with postgame or even halftime fireworks, but after scores is going too far.

Wow.  I thought these would be post-game fireworks, which would be weird, but whatever.  In-game fireworks?  Seriously, Dave?  Post-touchdown fireworks?  How about the Michigan Marching Band plays the fucking Victors!

I never thought it possible before, but this was a clear shot at DB and I love it.

Suck that dick, Brand-on!!

While the original firework plan for the PSU game was shot down, the Regents formally approved these fireworks for deployment within 10 feet of James Franklin each time Michigan earns a 1st down. 

 

Probably the best news of the offseason for this program. And all I can say is thank God that the Regents who run our great university have the brains, integrity, and sense of TRADITION that the one who now dictates the athletic department lacks!

SUCK IT, BRAND-ON!!

The Board could have voted it down with some bland discussion, or quietly killed it by asking for "further study" or "more information."  Instead, a number of Regents made a point of making very quotable statements.  This is not an accident - these people know how the media works.   

There needs to be a balance between making money and preserving tradition.  I am glad that the Regents publically let the Athletic Department know that they were going too far.  I hope Brandon listens to them.

While I agree that fireworks after TDs is excessive, you cant make the argument that the reason for this proposal was because of monetary reasons or to increase ticket sales. The Penn State night game will be sold out regardless...so that means the motive for the AD was really just to make the atmosphere more exciting. While i disagree with this, I think their intentions here were fine as they were not going to affect ticket sales at all since PSU game will be sold out regardless. Also, while fans here generally think it is excessive to have in game fireworks partially because of tradition, Im not sure the same opinion will be the case for KLS, Osa Masina, Auden Tate, or whatever other recruits come for the Under the Lights game. Im guessing for some that arent bound by tradition this may have made the atmosphere more compelling. Personally when it comes to the PSU game, I care more about KLS's reaction to the atmosphere than anyone else's reaction so I would have been fine either way.

I was ambivalent about the fireworks at first.  But the idea of them happening during the game really bothers me and I'm glad the Regents put their foot down.  What's the big deal, you ask.

Here's why it's a big deal to me:

Growing up I fell in love with the pageantry of Michigan football.  That love of Michigan football quickly grew to other UM areas thanks to the Maize Rage in the early Tommy era (not kidding) and eventually I went to UM and my life has forever changed thanks to the friends, connections and memories I have of and from Michigan.

That all started with Michigan football and one of the things I loved about watching games on TV was when the band started the Victors after a TD and you saw the camera sweep over the student section, pumping their fists to the chorus.  The team would take the field for the extra point and the band would play quieter, though still slightly audible as the team readied to attempt the PAT, almost defiantely ignoring the convention to not play during plays.  Then - the snap!  The ball sails through the uprights and almost as if it was always perfectly timed (knowing the MMB, it probably was!) the band blasts back into full volume on "HAIL" as the official puts his arms up for the successful kick.

The Victors.  That's all you need after a touchdown.  Not fucking fireworks.

The Michigan Daily that posted today revealed that the Regent vote on the fireworks was across party lines. All the Republicans voted in favor of them, all the Democrats voted against them (except for one who said they would be ok for a night game.) I'm wondering if Brandon hasn't politicized the Regents behind closed doors. His conservaitve leanings were well known before he had the job and his name still comes up for Governor from time to time. It makes me wonder if he's now lost the President and 2/3 of the Board of Regents on any controversial issue he has to send their way.