OT - Travel to MSU game from out-of-state by yourself?
Context - I'm in my 40s and married with 3 young kids, living in California. Even though I've lived outside of Michigan most of my adult life we had season tickets for a good chunk of that time and I traveled back to 1-2 games most years....until I was married. Yada yada yada gave up the season tickets and the last game I've been to was Wisconsin back in 2016.
Somehow managed to get the hall pass this year, and was really excited to go to the MSU game, also because the hockey team plays Western the night before and I've never been to Yost. Problem is, all of my friends and family that I would normally go with live far from Michigan, and most are in a situation similar to me (30s or 40s with young kids) and so just can't make it work this year. I'm bummed but totally understand.
Still have this nagging feeling that I should just go anyway. Anybody ever traveled from out-of-state to a game by themselves? Curious what others think.
October 11th, 2022 at 4:10 PM ^
Everyone is hyping OP up, he'll get to AA and sleep 90% of the time, because he doesn't have 3 young kids running around and had like 3 beers. LOL
October 11th, 2022 at 4:14 PM ^
I will be throwing an MGoTailgate I’m sure. Open invite. Seth will be there giving out free hugs.
Details once game time is announced.
Matt
HomeSureLending.com
October 11th, 2022 at 4:24 PM ^
Having attended many events solo, for various reasons, and had positive experiences, I'd say: absolutely! It may be a noisey environment but the nicest thing about it as that you only have to pay attention to the game(s) - not the spouse, young kids, etc. Just enjoy the day(s) off doing something nice for yourself, even if it's for a little while.
However, as stated elsewhere, do nothing for which you ever need to apologize or feel the need to conceal. That way it's a truly guilt free vacation. Those are the best kind!
:-)
October 11th, 2022 at 4:30 PM ^
I agree with the MGo Masses here--go!
My late wife occasionally encouraged me to do a few things solo (although the 3 months hiking the AT was a bit extreme!), as sometimes we needed some space in our togetherness. I believe it helped keep our marriage solid for 38 wonderful years. Now that I am solo again, I think that those stand-alone events will help me get through what could otherwise be some dark days. So this tentatively planned weekend could have some benefits down the road, too! If your wife is supportive of this excursion, do it, and you will appreciate her even more when you return home.
October 11th, 2022 at 4:39 PM ^
OK everybody, thanks for all the thoughtful replies, you've convinced me. I'll post on the ticket exchange as well, but if anybody has a single ticket to the MSU game I'm happy to pay market value.
Need some advice on the hockey game the night before, as it would be my first trip to Yost. Looks like plenty of reasonably priced tickets on ticketiq, but not having been there I don't have a good sense for where the best seats are or sections to avoid. Since its an old barn I suspect that some areas might not have the best sightlines, but I really have no idea. Any help there is certainly appreciated.
October 11th, 2022 at 8:27 PM ^
Just noticed your user name ---- I may be in the 805/Ventura County Saturday morning. TBD but possible. Any recommendations on where to watch the game up North there (I'd be watching with a Michigan fan who lives in Oxnard, FWIW)?
October 12th, 2022 at 11:51 AM ^
The only recommendation I could make (again, the 3 young kids) is Cronies, which is a local sports bar with locations in (from west to east) Ventura, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, and Simi Valley. Be advised the Ventura location doesn't open until 9am on Saturdays, but the other locations open at 7 or 8.
October 11th, 2022 at 4:43 PM ^
I get the slight apprehension about going by yourself - but my god, man - stop and think about what you're saying. You're considering NOT using a pass from the wife to have a blast at the best University in the world in the best stadium in the world?
We are very similar demographically and situationally, but I live about 15 minutes from the Big House. Do you really want to be sitting at home watching the game and have that moment where you say "Wow, I could've been there?" As your (I'm sure adorable) little kid clings to your leg. Head to the game, go out for beers after - enjoy time with your fellow Michigan fans.
TL:DR? GO!
October 11th, 2022 at 4:50 PM ^
Shit, yes. I flew up to a handful of games on my own when I lived out of state and I could usually mix in a visit with the parents. It's better to meet up or travel with a crew, but going to the game is always better than not going. Then again, I am my own self-contained unit much of the time.
October 11th, 2022 at 5:06 PM ^
Go. I actually prefer to sit by myself, that way I can concentrate on being the great opinionated pessimistic fan that I am silently at times. So much easier to take it in alone than with someone less into it than me.
October 11th, 2022 at 5:13 PM ^
I travelled to Scotland and England by myself to watch cricket and play golf. I had the time of my life - no regrets.
I love Michigan football much, much more than I love cricket or golf.
Do it.
October 11th, 2022 at 5:20 PM ^
It's not nearly as embarrassing as eating at a buffet by yourself, and we all do that!
Right?
October 11th, 2022 at 5:53 PM ^
If you need a fun place to tailgate, let me know
October 11th, 2022 at 9:32 PM ^
I will personally hold you to this next time! :)
October 11th, 2022 at 5:57 PM ^
Those who travel solo often return with a new best friend. Themselves.
<gag>
Thats my inspirational quote for the day.
October 11th, 2022 at 6:06 PM ^
I've traveled from out of state for games by myself a bunch of times (including the 2016 Wisconsin game you referenced). It's pretty easy to do. Since it's hard to tailgate solo, I usually start my morning at Fraser's for breakfast and leave my rental car there for the day. It's a fairly easy walk to the stadium from there. There's and endless amount of people who will be willing to talk about Michigan football along the way.
I have Turnpike Troubadors tickets for that weekend....or I'd probably make the trip myself. Go and enjoy!
October 11th, 2022 at 6:19 PM ^
Talking about going to a Michigan football game is OT?
October 11th, 2022 at 6:24 PM ^
When does the Seth Rogen/ Paul Rudd version of this story come to the cineplex, where 805wolverine goes to the game alone, meets a fellow MGoBlogger, and midlife hijinks ensue?
October 11th, 2022 at 6:56 PM ^
wait. wasn't seth rogen an LA area TV guy, a sports or weather guy?
October 11th, 2022 at 6:28 PM ^
Sounds to me like you want to go. So do it!!!
I've traveled many a times to sporting events alone. Met some great people in the process as well!
Have fun!!!
October 11th, 2022 at 6:34 PM ^
I’m stuck at home with 2 under 2 myself. Please go for my sake.
October 11th, 2022 at 6:42 PM ^
Go for it
October 11th, 2022 at 6:43 PM ^
I've done it many times. Don't miss out on this opportunity; you may not get another one.
October 11th, 2022 at 7:19 PM ^
Did you used to have tickets in section 17?
October 24th, 2022 at 6:44 PM ^
section 15...from about 1991 until 2013
October 11th, 2022 at 7:35 PM ^
Go!
I've been to Pittsburgh (once), Cleveland (twice) and Boston (three times) (a lady) alone.
If I had to have people with me to go out, I would hardly ever go to concerts, games, or the comedy club.
October 11th, 2022 at 7:36 PM ^
DO IT!!
That is all
October 11th, 2022 at 7:47 PM ^
I remember several years ago I moved my son into his house his sophomore year at Michigan from North Carolina. Friday night I didn't have anything to do (and was a fifth wheel for he and his friends) so I watched a great game at Comerica with Verlander winning against the White Sox 8-1.
Had a great time. Next day, Western Michigan 2 delay game.
October 11th, 2022 at 8:07 PM ^
I did the The Game 2019 by myself and had a fine time. Drove up from Chicago and it was fine. Ended up being the last big thing I did before COVID ha. But yeah go for it in my opinion.
October 11th, 2022 at 9:00 PM ^
I just went to the Iowa game by myself and had a blast. My friends were bummed that they didn't make the trip out with me!
October 11th, 2022 at 9:15 PM ^
After my dad died I went to Australia for 10 days by myself then a month later Costa Rica for 10 days by myself, COVID happened two weeks later.
So yes I think it's ok to go to a Michigan game by yourself 🤙
October 11th, 2022 at 9:16 PM ^
I went alone for the 2015 MSU game. The people were amazing. I got to Ann Arbor around noon on Friday before the game. I walked to the stadium just to see it since it was my first trip. I was stopped by a gentleman that worked for the athletic department. He asked me if I wanted a tour of The Big House. Of course I said yes. He had a golf cart pick me up and take me to where the tour was starting so I wouldn’t miss it. It was amazing and something I did not expect.
On game day it was just as good. The fans were awesome. I got to drink with some nice folks that day. Everyone was super friendly. You should definitely go and enjoy the game. I would do it again. My first trip to Ann Arbor was great, just wish Michigan won the game.
October 11th, 2022 at 9:28 PM ^
Yes - I have no UM friends that I can watch the games with seeing as I live in the heart of Columbus. I have gone up to a game before and if you’re a personal person you can get around no problem. I usually start off with a joke about being the smartest one in Ohio cause I don’t root for shit, then people are a bit welcoming. In any case, you’re with 100k+ wanting the same thing. Don’t miss it and let time catch you by.
October 11th, 2022 at 9:36 PM ^
Just go. Myself, being married for 20+ years with two teenagers, I would savor the solitude.
October 11th, 2022 at 10:04 PM ^
I have. Once the game starts, you'll be totally immersed. And chances are good that you'll find people to high five or commiserate with (hopefully more of the former). I say go for it.
October 11th, 2022 at 10:12 PM ^
There are no strangers just friends you have yet to meet.
October 12th, 2022 at 1:25 AM ^
I highly recommend it! I've gone alone on the road to Michigan football @Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana 2x, and Purdue over the last dozen years, and also to several road basketball, hockey and baseball games. Camping trips and out-of-state concerts, too.
I love that I can set my own schedule and break it on a moments notice, without inconveniencing anyone.
October 12th, 2022 at 5:57 PM ^
100% go, it’s easy to make a tailgate friend while you’re walking around. Get a cheap hotel just outside of town, if you’re like me you would enjoy a solo seat at a bar for a dinner and night game somewhere walking distance from a holiday inn, couple barley sodas and a good solo time. You’ll be more bummed if you’re watching from home that weekend wishing you were there.