Just booked tickets for my first Michigan basketball game ever.(Even though that loss last night almost killed me) I live in Saskatchewan, Canada and Minnesota is the closest place I can see Michigan play. Just wondering if anyone has been to Williams Arean (The Barn) in Minnesota. Also wondering if any other Michigan fans will be there. I am bringing my wife and son to the game, so at least there will be 3 Michigan fans at the game.
Go Blue
Very cool
The Pit (McArthur Court)
in Eugene. That place is old, hot, and loud. Too bad this is its last year in service before U of O moves on to the latest glowing symbol of Phil Knight's largesse.
Northwestern's Welsh-Ryan is
Northwestern's Welsh-Ryan is a classic old gym. It's barely bigger than Yost.
I live 5 miles away from the
I live 5 miles away from the Barn. It's across the street from Mariucci Arena (hockey) and TCF (the new football arena). All top class facilities.
I had season tickets at the Barn when I was an undergrad at Minnesota, including, the year they didn't go to the Final Four due to academic fraud (1996-97). As a lifelong Michigan fan of everything, however, my favorite and most surreal moment at the Barn was in 1994, when I saw the Jimmy King and Ray Jackson - led Wolverines lose to Voshon Lenard and the Geauxfurs.
I'm here in MN
We were going to be at the game, but our son has a High School event conflict that evening.
There is a pretty active alumni association here, so there should be a fairly decent block of Michigan fans at the game.
It is a unique venue to watch basketball and you should have fun. Minnesotans are very nice, so you will have a good time with your family -- no need to worry about OSU horror stories or anything.
We know the area well -- if you need any specific tips on where to go before or after the game, etc. let me know and I'll post more info.
Usually on the Friendly Side
In my experience (lived there for many years and attended a variety of events) the crowd will be on the overall friendly side, although Gopher basketball fans are generally more passionate about the team than the football supporters are. You'll find it pretty loud, very close quarters. It's easy to engage in good-natured ribbing without fearing for your life or having your son subjected to Ohio State-type garbage. I was in the 'Dome for the famous Michigan comeback of '03 and had no problem, even being surrounded by disgusted Gophers.
The campus is nothing to brag about but, if you're staying around the Barn, there are quite a few decent, but dive-like, Asian restaurants in the Dinkytown area (try Shuang Chen on 4th St.).
As you're from Canada, no need for me to prattle on about the weather - it may well be ten or twenty degrees warmer than what you're used to.
And, if you're not too embarrassed, do your best to convince Goldy to spin his head for the crowd.
My dad grew up in Minnesota and his sister went to that other UofM and they both rave about Williams Arena. It is one of the few old-fashioned basketball venues left in the country (Can anybody think of others besides Cameron now that Maryland has built a new arena?). Supposedly every seat is right on top of the court and the raised floor is a quirky feature you don't see anywhere else. Just be sure to fly the flag loud and proud and (like the French) the Minnesota fans will promptly surrender to your dominance.
I think a few mgobloggers live in the Cities and they might be able to give you some pre/post game advice on things to do with the familia.
Have a great time and Go BLUE!
It is spelled HOKEAMANIA. Our coach is an ass-kicking American citizen, not one of the Beatles, for Christ's sake!