Going to Minnesota? / Player Autographs?
This is Michigan's first game at Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium (opened in 2009, we last played there in 2008). Anyone going?
Some, probably very few, may remember my tale of woe from the Fan Day back in August. I drove in from Iowa with my 9 and 8 year old sons; the 9 year old happens to be a huge fan of #16. We got shut out in our attempt to get in the QB autograph line, though they had a great time running around on the field and getting autographs from most of the OL and DL.
Trying to offer some modicum of hope, I suggested we try at the Minnesota game, since that's the closest Michigan plays to us this year (Lincoln wasn't going to happen and, thankfully, we didn't go). So I'm taking both of them up to Mpls for the Michigan game this Saturday. I'm wondering if there's any chance of flagging down Denard after the game to get him to sign his SI cover. Is this realistic? How long would we have to wait after the game for the team to come out? If it doesn't seem to have a likelihood of success, any other suggestions for getting him to sign the SI cover (ideally it would be personalized to him, so no worry about being an eBay whore)?
Thanks.
November 1st, 2012 at 4:17 AM ^
I really think your best bet is to wait by the team buses. I have no idea what the lay out of that new stadium is but I would track the team bus(which you can't miss) and just camp out there after the game. Denard is great to the fans so I like your chances. Good luck!
November 1st, 2012 at 7:11 AM ^
November 1st, 2012 at 8:12 AM ^
November 1st, 2012 at 10:19 AM ^
November 1st, 2012 at 7:50 AM ^
November 1st, 2012 at 8:52 AM ^
November 1st, 2012 at 9:13 AM ^
November 1st, 2012 at 9:28 AM ^
I never recommend stalking the players before the game. Sometimes players stop to sign autographs during the walk-in but that is rare, for one, and two, please remember that Denard was hurt last week and that this whole week has been about wild speculation as to whether he can play. You're asking him to sign something with the hand that was completely numb last week. In front of all the Gophers. Where there's often crazies who try to take the opportunity to injure the guy (I literally saw someone try to do this at the ND game walk-in). If I'm Hoke, I've instructed Denard and the rest of the team not to stop between the bus and the locker room.
I don't know what to tell you. They have the event in Ann Arbor every year and if Michigan goes to a big enough bowl there's usually a signing event before that. I don't like your chances of getting a signature at an away game, though, and would kind of rather the players be cheered on their walk into the stadium then left alone to stay focused on the game.
Maybe wait by the team bus after the game--that's probably your best bet. It's the greyhounds, not the one with the "Big House" mural on it (that's the equipment truck). If you're having trouble spotting it, follow the band out.
November 1st, 2012 at 10:16 AM ^
November 1st, 2012 at 10:43 AM ^
Band isn't going. He should be able to find the greyhounds, I doubt they make the players walk very far so they should be close to the stadium entrance.
November 1st, 2012 at 10:14 AM ^
November 1st, 2012 at 10:32 AM ^
No it is not realastic the amount of security around the team will be heavy.. I dont know why people make stupid post like these...... ahhhhhhh let have some fun... LETS WIN SOME EFFN GAMES BORGES ... how about you get his autograph and a meatball sandwhich.
November 1st, 2012 at 4:31 PM ^
November 1st, 2012 at 10:59 AM ^
Do you guys remember your first Michigan game?
I've been a fan my whole life, but never seen a game. I grew up in South Dakota where you're surrounded by nauseating Nebraska fans. I just moved to MPLS, and for the first time in my life will inhabit the same city as a Michigan football team. This is one of those magical bucket list moments that I and my little brother intend to take full advantage of. I'll make it to Ann Arbor someday, but babysteps.
Had a little scare at the thought that I might miss out on seeing Denard in action before his career is over. Fingers crossed.
Either way, seeing the Maize and Blue run out on the field will be great. Wouldn't mind running into any other UM fans that will be there and connect up with any MPLS Michigan fans that are on the board.
And that, as they say, is my cool story....bro.
November 1st, 2012 at 1:56 PM ^
I too am a lifelong fan. My first game was the Rose Bowl in 07 against USC. You definitely need to make it to the Big House sometime, though. It's a whole different experience. My first at the Big House was two weeks ago - my wife and I flew in to see Michigan take down Sparty for win number 900. I still can't believe how cool it was to actually be there.
November 1st, 2012 at 3:21 PM ^
So how did you become a Michigan fan growing up in SD? Just curious.
November 1st, 2012 at 5:02 PM ^
My cousin gave me his authentic men's basketball shorts (Fab 5 era) and I wore them like a second skin. By the time I was old enough to comprehend the history and tradition there was no turning back.
November 1st, 2012 at 11:09 AM ^
Awesome Brenni!!!
Enjoy the game. Be Loud for the Maize and Blue and remember to be a proud and respectful extension of the University of Michigan! I'll be in MSP as well for the game.
Go Blue!!
November 1st, 2012 at 1:07 PM ^
I know that last year the team rode charter buses from the company Indian Trails, so I'd imagine they'd be on those again. It's a mid-Michigan based company so the chances of randomly running into one in MInnesota are quite low.
November 1st, 2012 at 1:30 PM ^
They leave very soon after the game, that being said its not likely that you'll get an autograph.
November 1st, 2012 at 1:36 PM ^
In terms of where they will be staying, 99% sure it will be downtown mpls (where basically all teams stay before a game). Could switch now that the games are at TCF stadium instead of metrodome but I doubt it (still closest hotels to game). Most teams generally stay at the Radisson, Marriot or Crowne Plaza (have seem Michigan buses at the Marriott before). All three are within a block of each other on 7th st. Other possibility would be the Westin on 6th. Doubt they would be at a smaller luxury hotel. Good luck mgostalking
November 1st, 2012 at 3:32 PM ^
I have a friend that has gotten us "Field Passes" and he works security on the Michigan sideline . . . we will be down on the field before the game. If there is any way that we can help you and your kid we would love to! We should be hanging around section 103 near the tunnel that Michigan will come out of -- Do some big time GO BLUE yelling and I will try to connect!
November 1st, 2012 at 10:38 PM ^
That's a great offer -- thanks! The pre-game is most likely not a great time to approach any player for an autograph however. I was on the field for the Michigan game at Penn State in 2010 and it was pretty much all business for the players as they went through their drills before the game. We're also sitting in the upper deck - should be great if it's sleeting. If we can make it down, I'll be yelling out for BubbaT33.
November 1st, 2012 at 5:51 PM ^
I've only been to St. Paul (NCCA hockey championship heartbreaker), so I'm interested to check out downtown Minneapolis. And by check out, I mean drunkenly meander.
November 1st, 2012 at 10:50 PM ^
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Pre-game is not an option, as far as I'm concerned; I don't think there will be many good opportunities and it seems a bit selfish -- I'd rather Denard and everyone else be focused on the game.
It sounds like the bus after the game will be the best, but not sure, bet.
If it doens't work out, I may just mail the SI to Denard in care of The Fort with a return envelope and hope for the best.
November 2nd, 2012 at 11:05 AM ^
you know, just to be on the safe side.