Michigan Football & The Big House

Submitted by Ibow on September 26th, 2019 at 4:23 PM

Just wanted to share a positive about Michigan Football & The Big House that really doesn’t have much to do with rankings, schedules, players, coaches, scores or even Urban Meyer.

Each year we try to attend a couple of games including one with our daughter, son in law & three grandsons. The two oldest grandkids (twins) are in the 8th grade and the youngest is in the 5th grade. Also, either the twins or the youngest get to pick a friend to come along each year. This year it was the twins turn to pick a friend.

This year the twins chose a kid in their class who’s autistic. The twins have both been volunteering in a program they have in school for autistic kids (LINKS) for a couple of years now and this is one of kids they have worked with. 

Our daughter talked with this kid’s mom a couple of times this week and last and this family and obviously this kid are just THRILLED that the twins asked him to go as not only is he a big M fan, the kid rarely gets asked by other kids to do something special like this so it should be a good day.

Re M Football and The Big House, not having any experience with autistic children and knowing that huge crowds and noise can potentially be a little frightening for an autistic child, my daughter called the staff at the Stadium and, well, they just could not have been accommodating or gracious. They told us we should stop by Guest Services prior to the game and if needed, during the game and they’d provide a comfortable environment and help in making sure the kid still has a fun and memorable experience at The Big House. They just could not have been more helpful and pleasant. Definitely a first class organization and staff.

All that to say that while this year has so far been very disappointing as far as football goes and winning is always nice, there are some great Michigan things and great Michigan people who continue to go all out in providing good times and great experiences while enjoying time at The Big House. I just thought it was really, really nice how accommodating the staff was. Some things are more important, and just a bit more essential in life and the staff that run things there certainly demonstrate that!

My wife and I stopped one day last week at Campus Den near home and bought four T-shirts for the boys to wear Saturday and one of the twins brought it to school this week & gave it to the kid. He put it on at school and wore it proudly the whole day. 

Thanks again to the two people on this board who sold us the tickets for this game (we needed 8!) as not only did you contribute to our family having a great time, but you helped to make one particular kid’s day VERY special. A day he’ll probably not forget for a very long time!

Now... good grief... could we please just have ONE game where we BLOW somebody out! Hopefully it’s Rutgers! Go Blue!

MGoBoard
Football

Maize and Luke

September 26th, 2019 at 4:32 PM ^

Good on you sir! My sons has been a mentor in the LINKS programs for a couple years now, it’s really a great program. 

And it’s always exciting to take someone to their first game at the Big House. 

Joined: 01/19/2014

MGoPoints: 9080

Blumami

September 26th, 2019 at 7:35 PM ^

Thanks for sharing OP. I have a 12 yr old son on the spectrum. I have been holding off on taking him to a game for all of the concerns that you mentioned. This story gives me hope that it might be possible because of the on-site accommodations that are available which were previously unknown to me. 

Joined: 07/09/2016

MGoPoints: 578

AcheBlue

September 26th, 2019 at 10:25 PM ^

My son (also on the spectrum) got hooked on all things Michigan when his fourth grade teacher took the class to a softball game. You can try taking your son to a (somewhat) lower key venue such as soccer, gymnastics, W basketball to see how he adapts. As I said in another comment, fans are awesome and accommodating. Don't be afraid to give it a go!

Joined: 07/30/2013

MGoPoints: 113

AcheBlue

September 26th, 2019 at 10:19 PM ^

I can share my experience as a father of a son on the spectrum. I have been going to football, mens basketball and various other events with my son for ten years now. We have gone to every game for 5+ years. He is now in the MMB. It is the highlight of his life. I am about 95% confidant that I have met scanner blue IRL. He and all the staff are always exceptionally friendly and supportive. 

1. In general fans (and most people) are awesome and supportive. It does not take much for most people to recognize someone with special needs and the overwhelming majority are very accommodating and helpful. 

2. Some kids on the spectrum are sensitive to noise and crowds. Others (my son included) find it stimulating and it helps overall with his ability to engage with others. You may have to see how your grandkids' friend adapts and be ready to engage him appropriately. If he really gets into the game, let him go with it. My son developed routines for every game and song. Encourage this kid to do his thing if he feels it. 

3. You will be directly across from the band. That may provide some additional entertainment for the kids. For obvious reasons, I am partial to the band.

4. Your grandkids are a godsend to all of us with a kid on the spectrum. The most important thing for my son's development is the core group of kids who engaged with him and looked out for him from kindergarten through 12th grade. In every grade I have had teachers tell me how wonderful these friends are. Please let your grandkids know how much this means. Encourage them to keep it up!

Joined: 07/30/2013

MGoPoints: 113

T Bone

September 27th, 2019 at 7:51 AM ^

You and your son used to sit a few rows behind my wife and me at men's basketball games. At first we were a little shocked by his EUTM, but we quickly came to appreciate it. We loved seeing when he got a chance to sit with the Maize Rage, and it is now fun to watch him in the band. Man, what an atmosphere we would have in Crisler if more people were so enthusiastic!

Joined: 12/29/2010

MGoPoints: 860

azuofmwolverine

September 26th, 2019 at 11:02 PM ^

What an awesome post (and story).  Thank you for sharing and great job as the patriarch of your family.  Stories like this make you feel proud to be a fan of this program, and to know you’re in good company!  Go Blue!

Joined: 09/07/2019

MGoPoints: 94

Midukman

September 27th, 2019 at 7:42 AM ^

I agree. Part. Of my family is from Michigan, the other from ohio. My mom passed away at 59 from complications from diabetes and had been to the shoe many times, but wanted to see on OSU Michigan game at the big house. I got a couple of extra seats and called the ticket office and explained she was in a wheel chair. They had us meet at Chrysler, took her through a private entrance and elevator to a platform where she could see the game, even made sure she had a personal usher. Understand, she had a string of nuts around her neck lol and was covered from head to toes in OSU garb. It was a downright shitty day weather wise, the game sucked and Tressel won 14-10 or something like that. She passed a few months later but the woman never stopped smiling and some Michigan fans after another loss, even helped push her motorized chair up a hill in the golf course when her wheels were slipping.  

Joined: 09/13/2018

MGoPoints: 15906

Ibow

September 29th, 2019 at 3:44 PM ^

While this thread is now buried and on page 2, I did want to follow up for those who asked me to on yesterday and what was just a great day for the young guy our family took along to the game. Things just could not have gone better from the ride down to the tailgating to the game and afterwards as well. The boy’s friend just adjusted very well to every environment he was exposed to and while there were a few moments where he seemingly relied upon some comfort/stress reducing tools (a little spinner and a fleece M blanket), he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and no earplugs or headset were required. Last night, late, our daughter got a text from the boy’s mom and she told our daughter that while putting in to bed last night, he told her it was “the greatest day ever”. 

Also, another highlight of the afternoon occurred when Scanner Blue made his way all the way over to our Section and Row to find us and the boys and hand them over a huge bag full of Michigan souvenirs and other items. We were just amazed and so, so thankful for the effort and time he took to go out of his way and provide the boys with some icing on the cake. It was very, very thoughtful and very, very much appreciated! Thanks Scanner Blue! You are the essence of what makes Michigan and Michigan Football such an amazing experience!

Also, Scanner - just wanted to also know that we did appreciate your offer and fully intended to make our way over to where you were ushering but because Pioneer & the golf course were closed to parking, we ended up scrambling for parking and were running late getting into the game. Thanks again for your generosity!

All in all a great day for Michigan Football! Go Blue!

Joined: 04/13/2018

MGoPoints: 4746