Need advice for watching in AA

Submitted by StoneRoses on

Hey guys, I need some advice for watching the game at the bars. I plan on being in Ann Arbor tomorrow and figured I might as well stick around to watch the game at one of the bars. How early should I arrive, due to the potential for a busy night with people lining up to see a Jim Harbaugh coached Michigan (still seems unreal that this is actually going to happen TOMORROW)?

  

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lilpenny1316

September 2nd, 2015 at 9:00 PM ^

I don't want to take the chance that the game is on a small screen or somewhere hard to view.  Then again, Ferndale isn't Ann Arbor, so I think OP is safe.  

I would only go if I was with someone I knew.  You'd have to get there early to get a good seat and talking with a buddy would help the time pass better.  If I'm going solo, I'd just watch at home.  

Joined: 11/19/2009

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MGoBender

September 2nd, 2015 at 9:12 PM ^

I'm not sure if I missed something on the blog earlier in the day that would explain all the snark above.  However, assuming not, and that maybe you're not around Ann Arbor a lot, here's a very fast breakdown:

Student bars (cheap, primarily undergrads, may have several drunk people not really paying attention by haltime):

  • Charleys - will be full by 6:30ish, not a terrible place to watch
  • Brown Jug - smaller bar, probably full a little later, but not much
  • Blue Lep - will fill after those two, but have a similarly good atmosphere 


"Sports" bars:

  • BWW, Downtown - will be full by 6:45ish, is BWW. Freshmen aren't in town, yet, so might fill up slower, since this is typically where much of the under-21 crowd would head
  • BWW, by I94 on State - Haven't been for a game, could probably arrive as late as 7:00ish?  That's a bigger guess than the rest here.  High school kids/familes here, but would be a fun, less raucous/drunk crowd.
  • The Arena - full by 6:30 at the latest.  I personally think it's an overrated place to watch a game, but with no other games on, it'll be all Michigan, which helps.  Decently priced mega-portioned deepfried food.
  • Fraser's - full by ???  Maybe 7pm?  Haven't been for a game.  Small neighborhood sports bar on packard.
  • Hopcat - full by ??? Maybe 7pm?  First football game for hopcat.  Good daily deals, very good TV set up.

Washington/Main St bars (all a step up in price):

  • Connor's - full by 7:00ish, beers are $5-5.50 for an imperial pint, food a bit pricier.  Lots of TVs, a couple projectors.  Good option.
  • Grizzly Peak - full by 7:15ish.  New menu (as of last week).  Pricier craft beers, pricier food, ok but not great TV situation.
  • Blue Tractor - full by 7:15ish.  See above.

Other options I wouldn't necessarily recommend for atmosphere, but are options:

  • Ashley's on State St. (great, but small and subpar TV situation)
  • Arbor Brewing.  Terrible TV set up.  Last resort.
  • Knight's downtown.  Might be overlooked option?  Not sure of their TV set up.  More of a sitdown restaurant, but if you're solo could bellyup and get some good, stiff drinks.
  • Cafe Habana - below Lena on Main St.  Not bad TV situation, not really a sports bar, but the game will be on.
  • Old German - Below Grizzly Peak on Ashley.  Good place to belly up - HUGE glorious HDTV at the bar, Peak's beer.  Fairly raucous, but small.

Joined: 03/26/2010

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MGoBender

September 2nd, 2015 at 9:17 PM ^

Obviously, my game times are guesses.  If you want a single specific place and want to be sure, I'd get there no later than 6:30 wherever it is.

I remember for the Nat'l Tiitle game for basketball, EVERY bar was full by 5pm.  So, I'd think this would be at least an hour later than that (for similar start time) and not all students are in town.  

Also forgot PIzza House on East U.  It's a Pizza Restaurant with a TON of seating and is a good backup if you find places full.  It will fill, but much closer to gametime.

Joined: 03/26/2010

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MottNP

September 2nd, 2015 at 9:35 PM ^

A lot of unnecessary snark.  Hell, I even live in Ann Arbor, but typically have watched in the stadium or at home, so even I didn't know best places...aren't we all supposed to be HAPPY?  IT HAPPENED.

Joined: 12/01/2014

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MGoDillon

September 2nd, 2015 at 9:55 PM ^

Why is everyone making these posts on advice on where to watch the game. It's on FS1. Find a place that has it, go there, and watch it. Not that difficult. We get the game is tomorrow and you're excited. You don't have to make a whole thread to reiterate it!

Joined: 08/17/2015

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Trolling

September 2nd, 2015 at 10:00 PM ^

Okay MGoBlog Community,

I, along with apparently most of the rest of us, have never before attempted to watch a football game, let alone a Michigan one. What I'm wondering is which bodily organ I should use for the best viewing experience. I know, I know, everyone always says "use your eyes", but I'm worried about the glare off that rectangular box in my living room (which always yells at me, for some reason) and I really don't want to miss out on the optimal gameday experience.

-Trolling

P.S. Has anyone heard anything about Rashan Gary's recruitment? I know this board can let news about major recruits fall through the cracks, so I was just wondering if anyone knew anything.  

Joined: 02/22/2012

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Qmatic

September 2nd, 2015 at 11:32 PM ^

Blue Lep and Brown Jug on South U should be good (you can party it up in Study Hall at the Lep after the game).

Dick Tyler's Tavern (formerly World of Beer) actually is a good place to watch games and usually is the least packed on South U.

Joined: 01/09/2013

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