Wise or unwise being 22 month old to spring practice?

Submitted by MGOBLUEDO on April 13th, 2019 at 8:33 AM

Longtime reader but first post. I wanted to know everyone’s thoughts - I was looking st prohibited items list and you can’t bring bags. Since the practice is free, I thought about bringing my 20 month old and wife to the Big House for the first time. If water bottles are prohibited would supply cups be allowed? Can I just use a plastic bag to carry diapers and wipes? Not sure if others have brought small kids to games before. Where is the closest UM parking? Any tips on this topic?

UMGoRoss

April 13th, 2019 at 8:40 AM ^

Two years ago we brought our then 10 month old and it worked out well. We were able to bring a stroller in (which you can’t do for regular games), and we’re able to bring in formula as well (used a clear backpack). You know your kid and their attention span, but just be ready with snacks and toys, and still be comfortable with bailing halfway through. 

Was worth it for us to get a big house experience at an early age without having to buy him a ticket and miss half of a real game. 

umbig11

April 13th, 2019 at 8:57 AM ^

Nope. Not me, but there is plenty of room. 

Keep an eye on the Steuber/Mayfield battle. I still think Mayfield wins it in the fall. He is getting much better at "Pass Pro" blocking. If you believe there is a QB battle, keep an eye on reps to see if they are equal. As for the TE's, keep an eye on All to see where he is fitting in. WR's are too thin due to injuries to make any kind decisions, but Sainstril is the real deal. He will play a lot this fall. 

On defense, check to see if Vilain has made a move. On the DL, check to see where Ron Johnson gets his reps. Has he truly been passed up by all the younger guys? Still haven't heard much from Upshaw. LB's, same as WR's, dinged up a bit. Ross and McGrone have been very good, but slowed up a little. Safety rotation would be next and then check in on Gray. He's going to play a lot. Sims, where is he and what is he doing? Count the punters and watch the kickers and return game.

 

Have fun out there.

Don

April 13th, 2019 at 9:54 AM ^

"WR's are too thin due to injuries..."

There have been many comments on MGoBlog over the last couple of months alluding to the notion that Arkansas had an unusual amount of injuries while Herbert was there, and that the same is happening here now too. 

I'm assuming that this notion is bunk and that there's no actual statistics to back it up, but I'm curious whether you've heard any such whispers among the players themselves.

scanner blue

April 13th, 2019 at 8:59 AM ^

Bags are prohibited in general, but permitted when checked and tagged (diaper bags , medical supplies, etc) for legitimate reasons. For spring games we are told be a litte more tolerant since there are many first time visitors--but a stroller might be pushing your luck. Unless you're arriving early (or willing to pay $30 at Pioneer) I would park in the neighborhood around Washtenaw Dairy (Madison and Ashley ) and take a stroll down Main to the stadium. 

Signed,  helpful Event Team Member

 

 

 

scanner blue

April 13th, 2019 at 9:52 AM ^

Short answer or long?? The incident outside the soccer stadium (outside of Paris?) a few years ago made the open your coat , lift your cap rule go into affect immediately.. Maybe two years ago on Homecoming Weekend someone swiped a credential to access Crisler before football ... no details...but a chase, police., tackling in the PDC ensued ... shit happens every game and the Big House could  be a  target everytime they open the gates. Leaving your stroller in the car is just a good suggestion... or bring an old crappy Graco fold up stroller and stash it outside the gate (or bring a bike lock)..

MaineGoBlue

April 13th, 2019 at 11:30 AM ^

Thanks scanner.  Stealing credentials and bringing in an empty stroller are a little different I think.  I’ll take my chances that they’ll just inspect an empty stroller carrying 2 kids under 3 and not put up a big fuss about it.  Went last weekend and there were tons of strollers, and they didn’t inspect any of them that I saw.

mgoblu88

April 13th, 2019 at 9:10 AM ^

I’ve been to many sporting events where I have asked, “... why did you bring that child here ...?”  Never asked it remotely close to The House Yost Built !

A nice spring day, weather in good favor, Michigan Stadium, Maize N Blue, surrounded by friends and M Go Blue family, The Victors!, M Football, subtle brainwashing ? and etc. 

Why ask?

mistersuits

April 13th, 2019 at 9:12 AM ^

I mean if you really think they are ready to compete, I'd say go for it. What's his lateral mobility like at this point that may be the area of biggest concern. But playing time is there if he's hungry enough. Good luck!

RedRum

April 13th, 2019 at 9:20 AM ^

Your 20 month old will be perfectly fine with you undivided attention. I worry about the parents because I doubt attention will be paid to the practice. 

outsidethebox

April 13th, 2019 at 10:52 AM ^

My retirement is from pediatric nursing. My Pediatric Nurse Practitioner spouse and Pediatrician brother and I would not encourage this-in general. However...if your narcissism is not too pathological your child will likely escape unharmed  :)

outsidethebox

April 13th, 2019 at 10:52 AM ^

My retirement is from pediatric nursing. My Pediatric Nurse Practitioner spouse and Pediatrician brother and I would not encourage this-in general. However...if your narcissism is not too pathological your child will likely escape unharmed  :)

brad

April 13th, 2019 at 12:17 PM ^

I would say it's pointless to try that, because a spring practice is barely entertaining enough even for a grown up to enjoy for it's duration.  Bringing a small child almost totally unequipped to enjoy anything in this environment sounds like the wrong move.  When my kid was 22 months, she was beyond a handful though, so ymmv.

DetroitBlue

April 13th, 2019 at 12:17 PM ^

i’d do it. it won’t be too crowded (i imagine) and if things go poorly you can just leave without having wasted hundreds of dollars. i’m bringing my 4 and 5 year olds, hoping for the best but planning on leaving early

MGOBLUEDO

April 13th, 2019 at 1:15 PM ^

Thanks for the comments. I won't have a chance to really go during the season and this is free admission. Likely as close as I get for a while till kids are older to want to go to a game. The weather is nice and we have nothing else to do. I figured, only pay for parking, dress them up in MI apparel, worth a shot.I'll just bring clear bags.

Ray

April 13th, 2019 at 3:37 PM ^

I would.  Either it works out or it doesn’t.

I took my then-15 mo-old son to the Washington State game in what must have been 1993. He did great until kickoff and the crowd went crazy when we scored. I spent the rest of the game under an oak tree outside the stadium with him  

Sucked at the time but now it’s part of the family lore. There’s no amount of money I wouldn’t pay to be able to go back and do the same thing all over again.