Stories/Impressions from the Big House 5-0 Big Chill Victory

Submitted by M-Wolverine on

OK, as people are returning, I thought we could use a thread for those of us who were able to go the the MOST ATTENDED HOCKEY GAME/MICHIGAN STADIUM EVENT in history.  Post your thoughts from being at the game here.

Me, I was surprised how good the view of the ice was. Could actually see the puck in section 42, row 22 pretty well. The other side of the ice had some rough sightlines, but no worse than usual bad angles.  The lights work great, but I wonder if long passes are going to get lost in them. They are bright. 

Contrary to some posts, the atmosphere was great. It was fun time had by all, the chants got louder as the game went on, as people learned them. It was really a party atmosphere, so there weren't the "loudest I've ever hear the Stadium" moments, but there were also more beach balls than I had ever seen there too. (Except for the ass holes who kept popping them).

They ran a pretty good show, with events and stuff mixed in.  It was very RAWK lite, with the band doing a great job. Kudos to the LONGEST rendition of the Blues Brother theme ever...that was awesome. The Tuba section must have needed oxygen after it.  The fireworks were cool, and it was pretty awesome after the game, synchronized to the music quite well.  And I am amazed how fast the lights turn back on. In my experience, big (older) lights like that take FOREVER to turn back on. 

The only "negative" I could see was that this was obviously a test run on advertising in the Stadium. It was everywhere. Not just the boards, or on the Zamboni, but when people are taking shots on the Human Curly Fries (HT & a +1  to the first person to post a pic of that here), we kinda get it.  The scoreboards had advertising on not only the screen, but the video strip below it was just running off ads all day long.  (Yet they didn't have time for the "send your pic to be on the screen" thing they mentioned early in the game, but never did).  I guess there's no advertising in Michigan Stadium only if it's a football game. Get ready, it's coming.

I'm sure I'll think of more stuff, and have additional posts, but this has it pretty good. Oh, yeah, the game was great too. Got the shutout, and 4 of 5 goals in my (and students) end.  Really overall an awesome production by the University.  When can we do it again?  

Brogrich

December 11th, 2010 at 8:30 PM ^

Did anyone else find the strip club advertisements behind the planes flying overhead slightly strange? (they may or may not have sparked an argument between the couple that was next to me)

M-Wolverine

December 12th, 2010 at 2:51 PM ^

Do you think they worded the regulation just for football games, which would make hockey games exempt (till they change it)?  Has anyone been to any recent graduations (other than Obama or other President-types, which would have been on lockdown at any time), did they let flyovers go?  Because I can't figure out how all of a sudden there are planes and helicopters everywhere.

lhglrkwg

December 11th, 2010 at 8:41 PM ^

i was certain that the stadium would be 80-90% full and the student section would be half full. i was so wrong. it was awesome, the stadium was pretty well packed.

it was beautiful to hear 113,000 people yelling "SIEVE SIEVE SIEVE SIEVE"

EDIT: did anyone see wholbergs FG kick celebration after he made it 5-0? maybe he should kick in the gator bowl

jvp123

December 11th, 2010 at 8:44 PM ^

I have looked at several Big Chill threads and haven't read anything about problems with the TV feed. I'm in Arizona, and with about 7 mins left in the game, the screen froze and went black until 10 minutes past the hour (football postseason show was on). Good thing was I got to see all of the goals. I know there are other Arizonians here....did your feed cut out as well?

NRK

December 11th, 2010 at 8:50 PM ^

Great atmosphere, didn't think views were that bad at all (Sec 10, Row 54). All in all it was a great time and it was nice to send the Sparties home pouting.

Glen Masons Hot Wife

December 11th, 2010 at 8:53 PM ^

they had to have made a mint off this. 

from what i understand, hockey about breaks even. (which is far better than most sports on campus)

I think the argument that claims they should do it once, or it will become less significant going forward, is bunk.

It's worth trying.

Could be a yearly holiday tradition.

They could schedule ND, Wisky, OSU or even BC next time.

river-z

December 11th, 2010 at 9:11 PM ^

I live in Colorado, but bleed blue. It's great to hear the first-hand accounts.  I was really glad to have a quality feed from FSN (or something?.. not really sure).  Lots of fun to watch, especially when we win so convincingly.

Seth

December 11th, 2010 at 9:22 PM ^

From faceoff to fireworks, it was just so much fun!

I'm saving most of my thoughts for tomorrow's dear diary column, but there was a moment when up 5-0 that I leaned back against the back section 44, turned to my sister's boyfriend, and was like "Mike, tonight, life is good."

Bando Calrissian

December 11th, 2010 at 9:28 PM ^

I went to all three outdoor games Michigan has played.

The Cold War was cool because it was the first, but the lighting and sightlines were pretty awful.

Madison was dismally cold and hopelessly boring, not to mention just atrocious ice.

This had the best mix of everything.  Fun atmosphere that made you forget you were freezing your ass off at a hockey game, an obviously good ice surface, good weather, good sightlines, it was just flat-out fun.  Also helps that we finally won one of these damn things...  Really, though, a top-class event.  Amazing.

The only complaint I can lobby is the absurdly insane amount of advertising.  If this is a taste of things to come in Michigan Stadium, not interested.

M-Wolverine

December 11th, 2010 at 9:40 PM ^

We left MSU with a tie at THEIRS, and left 'em with an ass-whipping at OURS. Wanted to win the biggest hockey game ever. Much like how nice it was that (somehow) MSU this year didn't have more people than U-Conn (*wink wink*). now we just have to hold off on widening the seats till Nebraska/OSU come next year.

brendandavis22

December 11th, 2010 at 9:36 PM ^

My favorite part of the game was the celebration after the 5th goal... The simulated field goal kick! Pure awesome.  I hope a video of this gets posted.  My second favorite part was the "0" under the visitors on the scoreboard... i can dream right?

MichFan1997

December 11th, 2010 at 9:44 PM ^

We didn't make it in quite on time because of how packed our enterance was, but that allowed me to snap a picture of Denard Robinson who just happened to pass by from about 5 feet away, riding a golf cart, big smile, dreadlocks flowing. Then we get in and see the amazing setup. And the game. And the chants. And the dancing in the 2nd period (what is that song called anyways?) And the stadium at night. It was a surreal experience. The guy sitting next to me, when flashbulbs were popping late in the night setting, turned and said "I could just die right now and be happy."

Knight

December 12th, 2010 at 12:02 AM ^

Denard was riding in a golf cart? I hope it wasn't being driven by an NFLPA certified agent.

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=5827657

Not to mention the danger golf carts present to a player's health:

http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/08/01/golf-cart-mishap-sidelines-new-lion-…

How could Denard take such a risk just days before the bowl game?

 

Bodogblog

December 13th, 2010 at 8:45 AM ^

A ball. As a bonus, I met Obi and Mouton, up in the club seats. Told them congrats, great that they led M back to a bowl game as seniors.

Also met John Beilein up there. You know in person he looks about 10 years younger than he does on TV? Great day all around

Wolverine318

December 11th, 2010 at 10:15 PM ^

I had the most fun I have ever had at the big house. From the beginning it was an amazing time. My wife and I went to the victors walk before the game. We yelled for Jon Merrill, since he was the player we sat with during the Dekers preseason BBQ. He waved back at us after he recognized us. Little did we expect he would be the #1 star. While I was waiting in the stands in the student section before the game a couple media relations reps came up to me and my friends and ask if any of played hockey before and what hand we shoot from. I said I played high school hockey and shoot righty. They said if they could find a lefty girl then I would go on the ice for the first intermission. Well they couldn't find a girl that shoots lefty, oh well. 

From the beginning it was a class A show. I loved the pregame, especially David Hines doing his back bend on the ice. The sighlines were much better than they were at Madison a season ago. The stealth bomber was awesome. The student section got better as the game went on as the non-hockey student section student learned the cheers. The curly fries during the first intermission was hilarious. I would have loved to been on the ice and launch a slap shot at that thing. 

Stonum, DJ Williamson, Koger, Odoms, Schilling, and many of the other football team members were in front of us. They were having the time of their lives. I am so glad they had fun. 

The fireworks show was awesome. It cool seeing fireworks behind you. 

I am still smiling from the game. 

My only complaint is that Hunwick deserved the #3 star, not Rust. 

bluebyyou

December 11th, 2010 at 10:42 PM ^

Michigan is a very special place, as 113,411 found out today.  When we play a hockey game outside, we break the previous record.  Break is the wrong term....we obliterated the old record by about 35,000.  

I almost had the feeling someone wanted to throw a winter party.  If so, they succeeded admirably.

I also think we are seeing a slightly different direction in how the "Michigan product" will be marketed.

As for the lights...very cool.  I counted them during the Wiscy pre-game.  72 at each of the four corners...288 in total. I thought the way the lighting was done was unusual and should be effective. It seems much better than light towers and should reduce shadowing.

And we crushed little brother.  Always a cause to celebrate.

Go Blue!

hail2mich

December 11th, 2010 at 10:24 PM ^

Man, just reading these stories make me sad that I couldn't go. I missed out on great history and a great environment. Hopefully they will do this again.

hockeyguy9125

December 11th, 2010 at 10:42 PM ^

Overall it was perfect! the game itself, the morning, the stadium, the fans, the music, the band, the fireworks, having a video board to actually watch replays....it all was amazing!

big props to the athletic department for knocking this one out of the park...this will be a day I will always remember

bdsisme

December 11th, 2010 at 10:47 PM ^

I was 10 feet from GERG, RichRod, Denard, Fred Jackson, and all the recruits (I may or may not have yelled to Anthony Zettel to Go Blue).  They all looked to be having a good time; I was surprised by how many "bodyguards" they had around the group.  Additionally, they had all-you-can-drink Tim Hortons coming down the entire time, and I was extremely jealous.

I have pictures, but unfortunately I can't upload them straight from my computer to mgoblog...and I don't have a flickr or similar account.

Of course, great game and atmosphere as well!

Cheri

December 11th, 2010 at 11:12 PM ^

I had an absolutely wonderful day.  The weather was about as perfect as you could ask for.  We had a nice tailgate with friends before our walk across the empty golf course.  (It's kinda creepy when it's empty....especially in the dark.)  We were a little later getting to the game than we wanted (gosh it gets crowded over on the side) so we missed the teams coming out but we saw the B-2.  The game was a lot of fun.  We had students who knew the hockey cheers and dances right by us, which was great.  Even the people who aren't hockey die-hards did pick up the cheers.  The "Goal count Ready" video was a little weird, but it did work.  Just now watching the replay on Big Ten, and you can REALLY hear the croud giving it to Palmisano. The fireworks were fun with most people around us singing and dancing along.  (Brian was sitting 2 rows in front of us, but he left before the fireworks and missed out on the good show.)  As I said earlier, the walk back across the empty golf course was a little creepy, but the post game tailgate was fun and more than made up for it.

 

To another Michigan victory!  Go Blue!!!

ajh

December 11th, 2010 at 11:36 PM ^

Yeah, sorry about the non-energetic goal count video. The athletic department was pretty picky about what "looked okay" in the video, which meant the normal 'screaming really loud' method wasn't kosher, so by the time we got one that was "calm and clear" enough it felt a little awkward.

 

Oh well. At least I got to hang out on the screen at the Big House 5 times.

Maceo24

December 11th, 2010 at 11:52 PM ^

Like the OP, I was surprised at the ability to watch the game.  We were row 54 in the corner and I saw 3 of the goals go in the net without the benefit of replay.  So, that part was great. 

The entire production was also first class (minus the advertisements), so that was also an A+.  The flyover, the fireworks, the introductions during intermissions, etc were all great.

However, I was extremely disappointed in the game itself.  At almost no point during the event did I feel involved in the game.  I don't know if it was the lack of noise, the distance from the ice, or the lack of a pure hockey crowd, but the atmosphere made it a "meh" sort of event for me.  It seemed to me like it was a have-to-be-there-to-say-I-was-there-and-oh-yeah-there-is-a-hockey-game-too sort of thing.  Almost an event for the sake of an event.

M-Wolverine

December 11th, 2010 at 11:30 PM ^

I'm sure being in control most of the game helped, but it just didn't have that overriding tension/worry that being at a football game does. At no point did I feel like puking. Can't say the same about the nervousness of football games.

cheesheadwolverine

December 11th, 2010 at 11:51 PM ^

As a college hockey fan, ignoring my association with UofM, the event jsut keeps getting better the more I think about it.  While I was there it was just another hockey game except it was cold and I was with people who tried to "you suck" temptation.  But now a few hours later while I sit and try to write my final papers, I can't stop reading the coverage and smiling about what an event it was for college hockey.

Victor70

December 12th, 2010 at 12:25 AM ^

is the most common rumor I've heard, to try to keep it special and to use in recruiting, if you play for UM Hockey for 4 years you will get to do this once.

 

M-Wolverine

December 12th, 2010 at 12:55 AM ^

Wow, the corner glare shadows in the middle thing talked about in the open thread is NOT how it looked in person. It was all glaringly lit. Bad camera adjustment (at least on FSD).