LSAClassOf2000

August 4th, 2014 at 7:42 PM ^

Considering that this also happens to be my son's birthday and he is a rather huge Michigan fan (I can't think where he picked this up), I can't think of a better father-son outing, although he is not the most patient kid in the world and there will obviously be lines. Best show up early, I suppose. Well, that and my daughter could get her shot at meeting her favorite player - Jake Ryan.

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130561

Wolverine Devotee

August 4th, 2014 at 7:47 PM ^

Yes! Make sure you get there early. If you plan on getting more than one position group, go very early and wait outside their gate. 

They should have signs for who's who.

Key: freshmen sign on the field. I have a feeling there will be a much bigger crowd on the field this year. Bigger than normal.

 

Joined: 06/29/2009

MGoPoints: 31528

ilah17

August 5th, 2014 at 7:29 AM ^

If it's the same as last year, Jake will be on the concourse with his position group, so I agree you should find out where he'll be and go straight there first. The fun on the field lasts a while, so if she wants to meet Jake, get that out of the way and then enjoy the rest of the festivities.

Joined: 12/15/2011

MGoPoints: 4185

MaiZedOuT

August 4th, 2014 at 8:15 PM ^

What's the best plan of action for someone who isn't trying to get autographs? I'd like to take my 5 year old and I'm just curious what else is going on.

Joined: 08/19/2010

MGoPoints: 1298

HarBoSchem

August 4th, 2014 at 8:59 PM ^

and I was wondering the same thing. They're not into knowing the players or wanting autographs yet. They just love being at the Big House and absolutely love the MMB. I think they'll get a kick out of being on the field the most.

Joined: 02/11/2011

MGoPoints: 6130

ilah17

August 5th, 2014 at 7:26 AM ^

They will love this then! The band was great with the kids last year. Jeff let kids try on his hat and hold his baton, and the musicians were letting them touch their instruments and try the drums. My son loves the MMB and meeting Jeff was his favorite part of the day! I hope they do freshman autographs in a different way this year. Last year the lines were a bummer. In years past I heard the freshmen were walking around and mingling. That worked well at the Women's Football Academy, although of course there are fewer people there. Looking forward to Sunday! Last year Derrick wasn't there. I won't be surprised if Jabrill isn't there this year, but I hope he is.

Joined: 12/15/2011

MGoPoints: 4185

rocky684

August 4th, 2014 at 9:56 PM ^

I registered just to encourage you to go!  I took my 7 and 5 year old boys last year and it was one of the best times we have shared together. 

Plan to arrive fairly early.  (no more than 20 minutes before the gates open should be fine).  Pass on all of the player and coach lines and head directly into the stadium.  Be sure to take a football to throw a touchdown to your son and have him give you the Desmond pose in the end zone!

They had bounce houses on the field last year.  Cheerleaders were available for pictures and band members let the kids try out the tuba and the drums! 

We were able to watch the team take their team photos.  Afterward, the freshmen players made their way to the field and sat at tables to sign autographs.  I brought mini-helmets for my kids to have signed and they were thrilled to get autographs from the freshmen players.  My 5 year old has a great sense of humor and loved that he got autographs from a guy named Taco and a guy name Butt.  The longest line by far was for Shane, but we were able to get his signature and still have plenty of time for all of the activities and throwing the ball around the field. 

When the autograph session was done, the rest of the team entered the stadium and practiced some special teams. 

Be sure to stay until the end and walk out of the big house tunnel with the band!  They struck up the drums and some of the horns and it was amazing. 

I am not sure if my kids will remember it, but for a 45 year old guy who grew up watching Michigan dominate in the 70's it is a day with my sons that I will always remember.

Have fun and Go Blue!

Joined: 08/04/2014

MGoPoints: 10

Feat of Clay

August 4th, 2014 at 11:43 PM ^

Best thing I ever did when I went to these was to print a roster, sorted by position group (and if I were going this year I'd do one by year too). That way you never get caught wondering who an unfamiliar face is. I spent my time in line figuring out who everyone at the table was so we had something appreciative & personal to say to each of them as they signed.

Joined: 08/10/2009

MGoPoints: 3759