Give me all of your tailgating/parking/gameday advice
What's up everybody? Need some advice. I'm taking my dad to what will be our first Michigan game (!) Sept 25th against Rutgers.
I'm beyond excited because as I said this will be our first time in the Big House.
But, I am clueless when it comes to parking, tailgating, when should I arrive, etc? Coming from Toledo if that helps.
So I hoped you guys could help. Thanks in advance!
[Ed-Seth: Please don't use "HELP!" as a thread title. I changed it because it's a fine thread for now. We also have a tailgate guide under "USEFUL STUFF" in the menu bar.]
August 30th, 2021 at 4:32 PM ^
This thread could go so many ways....
Live?
or Die?
August 30th, 2021 at 5:04 PM ^
Maximus! Maximus the Merciful!
August 30th, 2021 at 5:15 PM ^
Y'know, historians aren't sure if thumbs down or thumbs up was the signal for death. And it might have been the thumb wrapped around the fist.
A little history as an obviously necessary addition to the tailgate discussion.
August 30th, 2021 at 5:35 PM ^
Live! There's so little joy in Michigan football these days. Let's not trample on someone who's excited about going to see the team. Let alone someone making a family trip out of it.
August 30th, 2021 at 4:34 PM ^
So at the top of the page, right under the MGOBLOG banner, there is a tab called "Useful Stuff".
With in the tab contains a Tailgater's Guide to Ann Arbor. It is written by Seth. I will link it here for you.
August 30th, 2021 at 4:35 PM ^
No worries. I will buy the beer and brats and bring the grill. Just find us outside and you'll be good.
August 30th, 2021 at 4:39 PM ^
Just make sure you’re wearing blue so that it’s easier for him to find you.
August 30th, 2021 at 4:45 PM ^
Double. My bad.
August 31st, 2021 at 9:04 AM ^
edit to "and maize"
you're good
August 30th, 2021 at 4:39 PM ^
Some additional context required.
Is it just the two of you? Do you prefer to tailgate and bring your own food/drinks or go to a bar/restaurant? Do you prefer to be right in the action or have a little more room?
Typically I would recommend the golf course or Pioneer as main tailgate spots. But those can be pricy and fill up more quickly. For someone planning on parking then walking around campus or meeting up with other people, I would suggest something slightly cheaper.
Since it is your first game I would suggest getting there as early as possible to get a full gameday experience. Lots open at 7am I believe so you could definitely make a full day out of it if you choose.
August 30th, 2021 at 4:39 PM ^
I can't help here, but seeing as how you're a Glass City resident, is that split OSU/UM store still in business? I think it is/was on Conant between the turnpike and rte 24. I used to be up that way often, but haven't since covid
August 30th, 2021 at 5:06 PM ^
Yep. Still there!
Buckeye Wolverine Shop (They throw in some ND, Toledo, and BGSU for good measure):
https://buckeyewolverineshop.com/
There is one in Sylvania as well, but it bills itself as the "Buckeye Store and More" - but definitely more Bucknut than Wolverine:
https://www.facebook.com/BuckeyeStore/
August 30th, 2021 at 4:40 PM ^
Where can I watch the Michigan game in [insert city name]?
August 30th, 2021 at 4:58 PM ^
There are....
89 days until this football season is mercifully over
August 30th, 2021 at 6:04 PM ^
User name checks out
August 30th, 2021 at 4:41 PM ^
3:30 PM game, right? If so, you may want to be in town by mid-morning or so. That's how I play it anyway for such starts and I live only 20 minutes from the south end zone, as it were. It seems to work for me anyway.
As for parking, a lot depends on what sort of adventure you would like to have - the golf course and the Pioneer HS lot are the closest, but there are numerous people in the blocks around the stadium who have been known to sell space on their lawns or in their driveway. If you know someone in town, that's ideal really. If you can find a space downtown and don't mind a rather lengthy walk, that is a possibility too.
Your approach to the city matters too for time - on I-94, the Ann Arbor-Saline Road and State Street exits back up first, as does Washtenaw Avenue off US-23. To shave a few minutes - literally, a few in this case - you can try to come in from the north or northeast reaches (Plymouth Road or sometimes Main Street / Barton Drive isn't too bad).
August 30th, 2021 at 5:09 PM ^
This is what I was hoping someone would do for the O.P.
Yes, there are helpful links on the site that those not posting snark directed him to - but LSA took the situation into account as well.
3:30pm game
Direction of arrival.
All excellent information that LSA took into his recommendations. And as someone who regularly comes up from Toledo, his assessment and recommendations are spot on!
And on the bonus side, if you come in from the downtown area - Maize 'n' Blue Deli awaits!
August 30th, 2021 at 6:08 PM ^
Noon kick.
August 30th, 2021 at 6:35 PM ^
Where are you seeing noon? Are you looking at Rutgers (not WMU)?
August 30th, 2021 at 8:05 PM ^
But the OP is taking his dad to the Rutger game, which is at 3:30pm according to …. well ….. everything.
August 30th, 2021 at 8:17 PM ^
Yes, I will edit my post to remove
August 30th, 2021 at 4:43 PM ^
Just look for Keith Jackson. He'll let you park at his place for free.
August 30th, 2021 at 5:42 PM ^
Too soon.
August 30th, 2021 at 4:45 PM ^
Get there early. Leave late.
August 31st, 2021 at 10:50 AM ^
This. Exactly. I see too many people "trying to beat the rush". It ain't happening. Go slow. Soak it all in, especially since it's your first game day experience at the Big House Prepare to arrive early and leave late. Bring plenty of tailgating supplies. Dress appropriately for the weather. Be prepared for random hospitality from strangers. You'll love it.
August 30th, 2021 at 4:45 PM ^
Have fun. My dad passed away in 2003, and our last game together was the Phil Brabbs game. Our relationship meant a lot more than sports, but sports was an important way to build memories together. I'd give my left arm to be able to go to another game with him.
But I got to take my three girls a couple of years ago. An mgoblogger donated (!!) the tickets, and we tailgated off of Seventh, and experienced the band and the Stadium together. Unforgettable.
August 30th, 2021 at 5:01 PM ^
Why would you bring your dad to a sure loss?
Did he beat you as a child?
August 30th, 2021 at 5:37 PM ^
They were hoping to catch a rivalry game, and, well, we don't host Illinois this year.
August 30th, 2021 at 5:05 PM ^
I remember when someone posted a similar thread title saying he was held hostage against his will and to call his wife and posted her cell phone number. I miss those days.
August 30th, 2021 at 5:08 PM ^
Quite a lot of snark in the replies :-(
OP, I don’t really have any advice as I just go hangout at my friend’s family tailgate which is a pretty small area that I think sells out before the season. But in any case, very happy for you and your dad! I’m sure you’ll have a blast, hope you get some good tips!
August 30th, 2021 at 5:10 PM ^
Someone has to offset the gentlemanly responses by LSA and SRJKing
August 30th, 2021 at 5:10 PM ^
He probably got that as a result of his title, but LSA helped him out later in the thread.
What doesn't kill him makes OP stronger.
August 30th, 2021 at 6:25 PM ^
If you are a cheapskate like I am you can arrive well before kickoff and park at Briarwood Mall and park for free. If you feel bad, buy a can of coke from inside. It is about a half hour walk to the stadium and you pass a lot of tailgating along the way.
August 30th, 2021 at 6:27 PM ^
I suggest you park your car at Holiday Inn at Plymouth Road exit of 23 Xway. Bus shuttle is $1.50 per person to and from the game. There is a Sports bar at hotel for post game burgers and beer. I have used this shuttle for many years.
August 30th, 2021 at 6:47 PM ^
HELP!
August 30th, 2021 at 6:54 PM ^
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I have a question as well. The wife and I bought ourselves an RV.
Do they still park RVs at Pioneer? If so, how would I go about reserving a spot?
Where else could I park our RV other than Fingerle? I checked and Fingerle wants $400!!?!!?!! to park there. $450 for the OSU game.
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EDIT: michigangamedayparking.com is where someone would go to reserve a RV spot at Pioneer. It’s still $400 though.
August 30th, 2021 at 6:59 PM ^
At least two things, OP:
- Ann Arbor isn't that big. If you see a pile-up of cars (on Waze or through your windshield) just drive around it. You'll save time and maybe see some interesting parts of town.
- If you're able-bodied and wouldn't mind some walking, venture into the Burns Park neighborhood east of the athletic campus and drive beyond the "PARK HERE FOR (too much) MONEY" signs. Park on the street (free) and head to the stadium. Downtown would also work but would cost something. I haven't tried this west of the stadium. Someone else mentioned Briarwood. That would be a longer walk but would definitely take you past lots of tailgating.
August 30th, 2021 at 7:15 PM ^
Not sure how well you know Ann Arbor streets, but my advice is to avoid main roads. Take Industrial or Packard cut across to State on Stimson. Then pay the $20-$30 to park in somebody's yard across from the field hockey stadium. Easy in. Easy out.
August 30th, 2021 at 8:12 PM ^
Everything’s coming up Milhouse!!
August 30th, 2021 at 8:12 PM ^
This … though I usually do the golf course because
a) atmosphere is nice, often see puppies, and soft grass is a plus
b) where some friends park usually
C) it’s always a family thing and my family parties so we get there like 5 hours early, do steak and eggs, and drink like college kids. My kids loved it because I’d let them a drink beer or two. My brother gets wrecked … spent an IU game in the ER for a minor head wound
August 30th, 2021 at 9:34 PM ^
I would keep tailgating this season to your immediate family. Bring your favorite beverage, some brauts , dogs, or burgers. Bring a little grill and sit back, relax, cook your food and drink a few beverages. Then walk to your seats!
August 31st, 2021 at 8:51 AM ^
My tailgates are always simple; Golf Course, EZ Up Canopy, chairs, alcohol, food, football, and some yard games.
Now you will see people who spend a small fortune to tailgate and looks like an amazing time; Bus, catered, tv's, bartenders, rented porta johns, etc.
You can go anywhere in between and have a great time. I would suggest stopping by Schembechler Hall. Will see players walk in, tour the museum, can see players walk out and bus to the stadium. Museum opens 2.5 hours prior to kickoff. Yost is right next to it, which is a cool place to see also.
Elbel Field is not far away either, go watch the bands pregame rehearsal.
Pioneer is also a another good tailgate spot if the golf course is closed. There are always vendors there you can get stuff from (I got a much needed rain poncho at the ND game in 2019).
August 31st, 2021 at 10:10 AM ^
This is a great thread for those who aren't intimately familiar with the area -
As I've been in TX the last decade and only back to AA a few times since, I'm also curious for how to approach the opener -
Just me and the GF this weekend, coming from the west side, planned on parking somewhere downtown (even if $) and walking to the game, then walking back to avoid traffic gridlock and posting up at a pub for food/drinks watch the afternoon games while traffic dissipates -
Any recs on a post-game pub downtown that may not be ridic capacity constrained to get into around 4pm, and where to park downtown 9am-ish?
Will prob just spend the $ for Pioneer and tailgating Week 2 UTL
Thank you!
August 31st, 2021 at 1:42 PM ^
where to park downtown 9am-ish?
Early in the season I have parked pretty much in front of Maize 'n' Blue Deli on University.
Go in, grab your giant sammich, and stroll to the game.
August 31st, 2021 at 10:44 AM ^
+1 for OP's obvious excitement at attending their first UM game in person.
September 1st, 2021 at 12:43 PM ^
What is the current ettiquette for weed? Should I invite neighboring tailgates over to partake? What about edibles?