Spring Game Questions

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April 2nd, 2012 at 10:45 AM
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U2GoBlue
Joined: 07/27/2011
MGoPoints: 558
Spring Game Questions

So I'm planning on driving up to Ann Arbor for the 2012 Spring Game, which will be my first trip to the Big House in the spring. I have a couple questions that I was wondering (expecting) my more knowledgeable MGoBloggers to answer:

1. I know there's a lot of other events going on that day, including the lacrosse game afterwards and the alumni game and 5k run before the game. What's the parking setup going to look like? Same as for home games or should I expect to park farther away? (I've always gone golf course or pioneer lot) and what are prices like?

2. Similar question- what does the tailgating look like for the spring game?

3. What kind of scoring system is used?

4. Can you sit anywhere you want?

5. Is there any opportunity to get autographs from players and coaches?

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April 2nd, 2012 at 10:49 AM | 2. I've been to the last 2 (Score:2)
unWavering
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Joined: 01/13/2011
MGoPoints: 1766

2. I've been to the last 2 spring games, and it doesn't seem that tailgating is huge.  Some people may do it, but I can't remember seeing many tailgaters out there.  Other users will either confirm this or call me stupid.

3. Don't even bother trying to follow the scoring system.  They don't really explain it and it is nothing like in a real game.  I think the defense gets a point for forcing a punt and the offense gets a point for a first down, etc. 

4. Sit wherever you want.

April 2nd, 2012 at 10:50 AM | As far as parking goes, I (Score:3 Normal)
snarling wolverine
Joined: 12/14/2011
MGoPoints: 4701

As far as parking goes, I don't know what's open and what isn't but I know that parking in the structures in town is easy.  Remember that there are a lot fewer people for the spring game (maybe 30K) than there are for a home game.

You can sit wherever you want for the game.  It's usually more of a practice than a game, so there isn't really scoring.  If they have points, they'll probably explain over the PA.

They've let people go on the field after the game some years.  If not, players are usually outside the east entrance to the stadium afterwards.

 

April 2nd, 2012 at 10:51 AM | Parking is way easier. Pick a (Score:1)
His Dudeness
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Joined: 11/24/2008
MGoPoints: 13558

Parking is way easier. Pick a side street and walk.

Not much at all.

No idea on the scoring. They usually can't run an actual game.

Yes.

Never tried but probably.

or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.

April 2nd, 2012 at 12:10 PM | Scoreboards will be on (Score:1)
Wolverinezilla
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Joined: 10/16/2011
MGoPoints: 257

Scoreboards will be on

We must not falter! Show strength, show courage, show pride, but show no mercy!

April 2nd, 2012 at 2:55 PM | Agreed. I meant in a "TD = 6 (Score:1)
His Dudeness
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Joined: 11/24/2008
MGoPoints: 13558

Agreed. I meant in a "TD = 6 then a XP = 1" type of game. Like, it won't be a game in the sense that it will look like a game being played on the field. There will be situational starts (30 yard line, 2 minute drills, etc.), but it will not run like an actual game.

or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.

April 2nd, 2012 at 10:52 AM | 1.  I have no idea for (Score:2)
a2_electricboogaloo
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Joined: 04/21/2011
MGoPoints: 4027

1.  I have no idea for certain about parking, but it should be markedly cheaper than on gamedays.

2. Similar to the first, no idea for certain, but it will be markedly smaller than in the fall.

3. It's not going to be a game so much this year, but a practice, so I don't think there will be a concrete scoring system.

4. Yes.  One of my favorite parts of the game is working my way through the crowd into the surprisingly large gaps of seats in the first few rows at the 50.

5. Not a great one, but if you're up on the fence, and lucky, you may be able to convince someone on the field to sign something for you.  It's not terribly likely though.

USING GRATUITOUS AMOUNTS OF CAPS LOCK SINCE APRIL 2011

April 2nd, 2012 at 11:06 AM | TV (Score:1)
goblue_engineer
Joined: 03/23/2012
MGoPoints: 5

Anyone happen to know if the game will be telivised at all (live or replay on BTN or something)?

April 2nd, 2012 at 11:12 AM | It'll be shown live on BTN. (Score:3 Normal)
bornintheArbor
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Joined: 02/11/2012
MGoPoints: 304

It'll be shown live on BTN.

Flickr

April 2nd, 2012 at 11:16 AM | This should be helpful to (Score:2)
Maize.Blue Wagner
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Joined: 10/23/2009
MGoPoints: 719

This should be helpful to several of these questions: http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/fbl-spring-game-2012.html.  
 

Although I do have a question of my own.  I see here that they say to bring small cameras to the game.  Since last year, I have purchased a DSLR, and I was planning to bring that this year. Does anyone know how strict they are with not allowing a camera with a detachable lens? (I guess I'm wondering because it's not on the strictly prohibited list.)  Thanks!

April 2nd, 2012 at 3:31 PM | Not sure how strict without a camera bag, but... (Score:2 Informative)
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 38829

 

  • Permitted Items
    Non-pocket seat cushions
    Binoculars -- but cases are not allowed
    Cell phones and pagers
    Small cameras (those without a detachable lens) and radios
    Blankets and rain apparel -- but no umbrellas
     
  • Prohibited Items
    All bags (including purses)
    All bottles (including all types of water bottles)
    Containers of any kind (including coolers, thermoses, cups, cans, flasks)
    Aerosol and spray cans
    Umbrellas and seat backs
    Flags and flagpoles
    Alcoholic beverages
    Food of any kind
    Video cameras and tripods
    Strollers
    Projectile toys (including footballs, Frisbees and beach balls)
    Weapons 

http://www.mgoblue.com/genrel/060109aaf.html

 

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

April 2nd, 2012 at 11:29 AM | Those coming from out of town (Score:5 Normal)
Raoul
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Joined: 09/29/2009
MGoPoints: 5453

Those coming from out of town for the spring game may not be aware of this: East Stadium is closed between Kipke Drive and South Industrial for replacement of the Stadium bridges. See this page for details and detours.

Twitter: @Raoul_000

April 2nd, 2012 at 11:36 AM | Football Good (Score:1)
IronDMK
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Joined: 07/28/2010
MGoPoints: 874

I've been to a few of the spring games and they have all been a great time.  It's spring and being outside while watching some FOOTBALL is a great way to spend a couple hours. 

Tailgating is pretty weak, but YOU can help make this better.  I usually have a couple pops with my dad before and maybe after.  Gotta talk about how good the team looks and you can't expect me to do that without some conversational lubricant.

I think the spring game is on the rise in terms of popularity.  I take it upon myself to try and spread the word and get as many people to go as possible.  Hopefully the rest of the MGoCommunity does the same.  You'll have a great time.

"Bend over and I'll show you."  Perfect answer to nearly any question.

April 2nd, 2012 at 11:39 AM | Don't know about this year (Score:1)
BlueBadger
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Joined: 07/06/2011
MGoPoints: 418

but there have been years in which the spring scrimmage was followed by an autograph session on the field. I think at age 8 I got tom brady's autograph on a hat, only to have the ink wash off during a squirt gun fight that summer.

Warning: My imagination is inefficient.

April 2nd, 2012 at 11:52 AM | 5. Last year I went after the (Score:2)
THE INCREDIBLE HOKE
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Joined: 11/08/2011
MGoPoints: 123

5. Last year I went after the game to where the players walk out, and many players were signing. I happened to get Hopkins, Omameh, Barnum, Mealer, and a few others. Also, I saw a lot of former players just sitting in the stands so I went to get some autographs. I got Braylon, Breaston, hart, Graham, and Henson. Not sure if Michigan will announce ex-Wolverine players who are attending (last year I was prepared for all of these guys because there was a huge list of NFL players who were planning on attending). I wouldn't go by the tunnel after the game to get autographs, like everybody tries to do. Go back to where the players walk out (between Big House and Crisler) and you should have a good shot at getting some decent autographs.

April 2nd, 2012 at 12:00 PM | Usually all the University (Score:1)
ZB75
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Joined: 07/26/2011
MGoPoints: 59

Usually all the University lots are free, and as of the last few years Pioneer has been charging $20 to park.  Ive been going for ten years and Ive never seen any parking on the golf course.

Not much tailgating, but I sure will be!  Who wants to join me?  lets get some tailgate parties going guys!

April 2nd, 2012 at 12:13 PM | Two or three years ago we (Score:1)
goblue7612
Joined: 03/02/2010
MGoPoints: 1019

Two or three years ago we went and tailgated in the lot at the stadium, which was free. Highly recommended if that's the case again.

April 2nd, 2012 at 12:32 PM | This will be my first trip (Score:1)
these wolverines
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Joined: 11/17/2009
MGoPoints: 98

This will be my first trip too the spring game. What did you bring for these players to sign? can you bring in a football or a backpack with stuff for them to sign or what.

April 2nd, 2012 at 3:34 PM | No bags in the Stadium. (Score:2)
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 38829

What in the hell would you need a backpack for? How many items do you need signed? If you're just getting signatures to sell them, don't come.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

April 2nd, 2012 at 12:36 PM | Blue team: 1st team offense & (Score:2)
Wolverine Devotee
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Joined: 06/29/2009
MGoPoints: -9994437

Blue team: 1st team offense & 2nd team defense

Maize team: 2nd team offense & 1st team defense

There are no points for turnovers, sacks, stops etc. Just TDs and FGs. Last year Blue won 14-7 to push the overall series to 27-26 in favor of the Blue team.

Blue has won the past two years. My prediction Blue wins again, 21-14.

When the ADept sells special jerseys and gear, you'll see my picture next to the targeted customer crowd. A sheep.....but a Blue one.....

April 2nd, 2012 at 4:14 PM | Hasn't it always been Blue (Score:2)
snarling wolverine
Joined: 12/14/2011
MGoPoints: 4701

Hasn't it always been Blue against White?

April 2nd, 2012 at 4:28 PM | Used to be up until 2010. The (Score:2)
Wolverine Devotee
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Joined: 06/29/2009
MGoPoints: -9994437

Used to be up until 2010. The team aren't by jersey color, which makes it more confusing if it's your first time.

When the ADept sells special jerseys and gear, you'll see my picture next to the targeted customer crowd. A sheep.....but a Blue one.....

April 2nd, 2012 at 12:47 PM | 1 & 2: Same as normal (Score:2)
Wolverine Devotee
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Joined: 06/29/2009
MGoPoints: -9994437

1 & 2: Same as normal gamedays for me at least. Same lot and people I tailgate with. Parking behind The Big House is free.

4. They aren't using the ticket system like last year so yes you can sit anywhere you want. I suggest section 23. You can see the whole thing, perfectly. Don't sit too close though or you will miss things.

5. If you go behind the stadium after the game, you will get some. The players obviously all leave that way since that's the exit. I've scored many pictures there in the past. Also if you park behind The Big House, you can watch The Team arrive and be close for autographs/photo ops.

When the ADept sells special jerseys and gear, you'll see my picture next to the targeted customer crowd. A sheep.....but a Blue one.....

April 7th, 2012 at 10:36 AM | parking (Score:1)
Go Blue 45380
Joined: 09/22/2010
MGoPoints: 1

This is the first time going to the spring game not real familar with the stadium. When you guys say that you park behind the big house and it is free are you talking about the buffalo and blue lots are you where are you talking.

April 2nd, 2012 at 1:19 PM | As absolutely foolish as it (Score:4 Normal)
jhender85
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Joined: 10/25/2008
MGoPoints: 1385

As absolutely foolish as it sounds, after 5 years of being away, it's things like this that caused me to give up a perfectly fine job in Arizona and move back to Ann Arbor.  Best damn decision I ever made.

April 2nd, 2012 at 7:21 PM | Not foolish at all (Score:3 Normal)
snarling wolverine
Joined: 12/14/2011
MGoPoints: 4701

Being able to attend Michigan football (and other sporting events) is a big lifestyle benefit of living here.  I didn't want to leave the state for the same reason.

April 7th, 2012 at 10:40 AM | Yeah I concurr.  Would really (Score:1)
Flamebait
Joined: 04/05/2012
MGoPoints: 241

Yeah I concurr.  Would really like to be at more of these events.

April 2nd, 2012 at 2:12 PM | Thanks for all the tips! (Score:2)
U2GoBlue
Joined: 07/27/2011
MGoPoints: 558

Thanks for all the tips!

April 2nd, 2012 at 3:02 PM | Braylon Edwards just tweeted (Score:2)
THE INCREDIBLE HOKE
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Joined: 11/08/2011
MGoPoints: 123

Braylon Edwards just tweeted he will be there

April 2nd, 2012 at 11:23 PM | He is a new man again. I can (Score:1)
allintime23
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Joined: 09/21/2009
MGoPoints: 2381

He is a new man again. I can see him dominating the alumni game.

All in for some manball.

April 2nd, 2012 at 3:17 PM | I park behind the stadium for (Score:2)
33TOPE
Joined: 12/30/2011
MGoPoints: 15

I park behind the stadium for free,Last yr there were a decent amount of tailgaters but not a whole bunch its the best place in my opinion really close to the stadium for the walking aspect of it and really easy too get in and out of.I absolutly love going too the spring games its a family trip i make every yr being from Columbus OH its good for the little ones too see fans wearing michigan rather than ohio lets them know there normal.Lets hope the weather stays warm this yr.. 

April 2nd, 2012 at 3:35 PM | I think most of them have been answered. (Score:2)
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 38829

I'll add to #4 they might not let you sit anywhere if they do some more upgrades/construction to any of the sections, and they have them closed off because they're construction zones. But it'll still leave most of the Stadium. So you can sit anywhere no one's already sitting. Unless they don't mind that.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

April 2nd, 2012 at 4:12 PM | i dont want to sell them just (Score:1)
these wolverines
these wolverines's picture
Joined: 11/17/2009
MGoPoints: 98

i dont want to sell them just add them my collection i rather not hold a football the whole time. settle down there hoss its just a question.

April 2nd, 2012 at 7:55 PM | Wow, I haven't heard hoss in (Score:3 Funny)
Markovits is Great
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Joined: 02/28/2012
MGoPoints: 579

Wow, I haven't heard "hoss" in maybe a decade.  And it's been even longer since someone didn't know how to use the reply button.

Except for the other thing. That hurts the most. But the lack of respect hurts the second most.

April 2nd, 2012 at 5:55 PM | 1. Plenty of parking. We plan to park at the house (Score:1)
UMMAN83
UMMAN83's picture
Joined: 11/26/2009
MGoPoints: 979

we tailgate at for games

2. Even the fans need practice.  Not sure why you wouldn't tailgate.

3. Varies

4. Yes

5. Yes

 

Yes,  you can tailgate after the practice

Go Blue !!!

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