Grey Lot Football Parking - when does it fill up?
Apologies for a boring topic but I've searched both the board and the general Interwebs and can find no information.
I'm coming to the Nebraska game this week with my daughter, who's coming to her first game. She has got some medical issues (POTS among other things) that make it difficult for her to function well before 10 AM in the morning. I've got a parking pass in the Grey Lot... given the 3:30 start, about what time do I need to arrive at the lot to avoid running into the lot being filled up?
Appreciate any advice, even if it's not first hand. Trying to make sure she has the best time possible and the more sleep I can get her, the better the odds. I myself haven't been to a game in 15 years so my understanding of the parking scene is ancient history - and when I did go, I was always there at 7 AM to start the drinking early.
November 8th, 2022 at 8:37 PM ^
Had to look it up so I clearly don't have a direct answer, but a few thoughts.
It's a rather large lot with a few different sections, maybe you didn't see all of it on the map. It wraps around Ferry Field and the softball and baseball fields. There even looks to be a portion along the railroad tracks.
Secondly, I would think by definition, having a pass for that specific lot should hold a spot for you. Not sure how they could sell pre-paid passes and then let it fill up before everyone with a pass is able to park.
November 8th, 2022 at 8:45 PM ^
if you have a barrier-free tag, there’s a lot southeast of crisler that’s excellent. we parked there after my partner has back surgery last year and it had openings later than some other nearby lots.
November 9th, 2022 at 9:08 AM ^
Thanks matty blue... I had to stare at the map harder to realize how much space there is. We'll get there at noon and should be fine.
Go Blue!
November 8th, 2022 at 9:42 PM ^
I park in the grey lot every week. There are always spots available, usually close to kickoff.
If you are looking to tailgate there are a few better spots that are usually taken sooner rather than later, but You can set up a tailgate spot at any spot as you see fit.
one note: the drum section from the marching band will come out and warm up usually about 1 1/2 hours prior to kickoff back behind the band building, if you haven’t seen that before it can be kinda cool to watch
November 9th, 2022 at 9:07 AM ^
Greatly appreciated kjaskolski! We should be able to easily get there by noon and do some minor tailgating and catch the marching band.
GO BLUE!
November 9th, 2022 at 12:59 PM ^
First, yes, lots of room in the Gray Lot. And great access to the Michigan Marching Band.
Specifically for this Saturday:
Percussion warm-ups will be any time after 1:00
2:00 Percussion Step-show in front of Revelli (on Hoover)
2:30 Marching Band Revelli Exit and parade to stadium
It can be somewhat busy to follow the band in, but we follow the band for almost every game and have plenty of time to get to our seats for pregame.
November 9th, 2022 at 9:00 AM ^
Similar question - I'm trying AAGO for the first time Saturday. Is 7 AM a good time to arrive? and IF someone were to leave early do they allow it? Seem like it could be a mess getting out of there
November 9th, 2022 at 9:15 AM ^
The gates to AAGO open at 8:00. Season pass holders get in at 7:30.
They are tightening up on people sitting in line before they open. Last week there were cops everywhere. Might have been because it was sparty but there have been major issues with non pass holders trying to get in early.
How early are you leaving? before the game starts? I wouldn't even try.
November 9th, 2022 at 10:22 AM ^
Not to hijack this thread, but when do they offer spots for season pass holders for the next year? I am looking to move out of the Blue lot.
November 9th, 2022 at 10:46 AM ^
I believe that parking selection takes place when you renew your seats, that is where you can request certain parking and then your pass (s) are allocated based off demand and your priority points
November 9th, 2022 at 5:15 PM ^
96, I park in the Blue Lot. I get there early - which can be a bit of a pain, but - it's a fun location.
November 9th, 2022 at 5:42 PM ^
UofMDDS
as someone who called wondering if I had enough points to get in the blue lot, why are you wanting to move out and where to?
November 9th, 2022 at 1:24 PM ^
like halftime with the students lol - there will be a few older folks with me that might like to leave and be indoors
November 9th, 2022 at 10:06 AM ^
VA, I park in another lot near you (the Blue Lots) - and, there will be space, but the most desirable spaces depending on whether you tailgate with others, tend to go early.
It sounds like it will be just you and your daughter. So you just need a place to park your car.
Some great suggestions on seeing the band before they march over to the Stadium - and, you'll probably find the tailgaters in the Grey and Blue lots to be very welcoming and engage you in conversation.
Have a fantastic trip - enjoy the weekend - and, most especially, sharing the experience with your daughter.
Oh, one suggestion, which you probably have planned for, but - just in case - dress warm. If you're still living in Virginia - the temperatures on Saturday might be similar to the coldest of days Virginia sees during the year. The "end of game" temps may be in the high 20's - SO, dress / plan accordingly.
Go Blue!
November 9th, 2022 at 10:21 AM ^
Thanks Amazonblu!
I've already planned plenty of warm clothing. I remember the Ann Arbor fall and winter weather and cold November football games... that's why I moved down here as soon as I graduated back in 1990!
I believe the entirety of my post-graduation plan was "I need to move somewhere further south, but not too far south". Haven't regretted it.
GO BLUE!
November 9th, 2022 at 11:40 AM ^
VA, one suggestion - or something I suggest you consider is: the hourly forecast.
I'll check / confirm the forecast the evening before the game, and factor in my arrival time - the "sunshine factor", and the temperature for the time we'll be outside. That determines what exactly my "gear" for tailgating and the game can be.
I'm sure you know this - but, layers is good - especially for your daughter - and, though it can be cozy inside Michigan Stadium, it will cool down after sunset (in the third quarter) - so, having an extra layer might be something she would take advantage of if you'll be staying for most, or all, of the game.
Again - have a great time. Go Blue!
November 9th, 2022 at 10:57 AM ^
I'll see you there VAG!
November 9th, 2022 at 5:02 PM ^
I will be in the grey lot also. Have parked there a few times. Earlier this season we got stuck in traffic on the way to Ann Arbor and when we approached the grey lot we were held up by the students heading to the game. It was an extremely long wait until the cops let the cars move through the streets.
But it sounds like you will be there well before the students head in.
November 9th, 2022 at 6:16 PM ^
The Gray Lot has never been full. I pass through it every game and there are many empty spots behind the band hall.