Member for

15 years
Points
25.00

Recent Comments

Date Title Body
Why are you trying to get 4…

Why are you trying to get 4 together? You automatically pay a premium for them. I scalp all the time and I'm sure if you are patient enough you can get 4 singles for a lower cost. If you are lucky, maybe a couple of pairs between 150-200 towards the end. 4 together for $200 for less...no way. 

Uber is in Kalamazoo

Thank goodness that Uber is in Kalamazoo - especially since the cabs suck. I've used them many times and know many people who use it religously. Just wish everyone city had this option.

Limited sales

Minnesota only sold beer in limited sections of the stadium. As I recall only one end zone with a limited amount of seats were close to the beer stands. The rest of the stadium would had to walk a long distance to have access to the beer.

Scalping is cheaper, but...

Scalping is definitely the cheaper way to go, but I always buy through the UM athletic depatment because that is how bowls determine who "travels" better.  If UM can consistently sell more tickets to bowl games than other teams then we will potentially get better bowl bids in the future.  That is one of the reasons we ended up in the Sugar bowl last year and in the Outback bowl this year.  So for me I understand face value is much higher than what the tickets will be scalping for, but I am hoping to contribute to better bowl games in the future.

Crisler PSD's - Not Bad

The presonal seat donations range from $100 to $2500 per seat in 2013/14.  This year they are half the amount.  This is for the lower bowl and some upper bowl seats.  The vast majority of the arena are between free (upper bowl) and $100-$200 for the seats.  Compared to other Universities not bad.  I actually improved my seats to the "valiant" level and only paid $100/seat this year ($200 next).  For season ticket holder who has suffered for the last 15 years it is a small price to pay for a competitive team and a good arena.

Before everyone goes too crazy...

It might be worth checking to see what other games the band is scheduled to go to this year. Every year they usually go to our rivalry games and then maybe one other away game.  This year, I am sure they are scheduled to go to both ND and OSU.  So they will already have a big travel budget even if they don't include any other game game such as Nebraska.  

Of course I want to see them in Dallas for such a big game and will let Dave Brandon know that.  But at the same time, before we go too crazy let's wait to confirm the news from the athlectic department and to learn the reason why.  

No need for student tickets

This week all seats will be very cheap.  I'd scalp a standard seat on main and stadium before the game.  There will be dozens to choose from.

Scalping 1 ticket

For this weeks Purdue game you will be able to scalp a single (or a pair) for very cheap.  Just be on the corner of main and stadium 15 to 20 minutes before the game and you will have your pick of seats.  Generally for these type of games you can just check the seats from various scalpers to find your favorite location.  At which point offer what you want - lower the better.  If they don't take it literally walk a couple of feet to the next guy.

Rawk Music & Pom Pom's

I'm glad to see many of posters in support of a healthy mix of both the band and RAWK music.  I agree that the execution was very poor last few years, but the mix on Saturday was just about right.  Not to mention the visual of the maize pom pom's against the dark sky, moving in unison was amazing.  It probably looked even better on an HD TV at home.  As one of the early comments said, I sit in a section where the people behind me are constantly tugging on my jersey to sit down.  Generally I try to appease them for 1st and 2nd down...but for most of the 2nd half and the entire 4th quarter my whole section was standing up cheering, waving the pom pom's, and singing along with the music.  It was nice not to have my jersey pulled for much of this game.  

As a 38 year old season ticket holder I've always felt squeezed between the "down in front" blue hairs and the "kids" who don't have much need for tradition.  There is a definite need to save tradition, but also to mix in some more fun.  For the past few years I don't think the Athletic Department was pleasing anyone.  This year I think the Athletic Department led by Dave Brandon is doing a very good job.  It is time to give them their due and stop this anti-RAWK music, anti Pom-Pom tirade.   

Reminds me of Jose Canseco

When Jose first came out with his book about all the doping in MLB everybody wrote him off as a crazy guy who was looking for money and publicity.  A few years later everyone realized that much of what he was saying was the truth.  Just because Canseco and Clarrett are bad guys doesn't mean that can't tell it like it is.  In fact in both of their cases they didn't have anything to lose anymore.  

Multiple Offensive Sets

Once again the pictures showed the read option.  I am impressed with the multiple formations they are showing in the early part of their first spring training.  It looks like Borges is truely adapting his offense to the skill sets we have coming back.  While we all hope the defense gets back to its old school ways, this is defintely not our father's offense.

I prefer Iowa

Although I've been to both I like Iowa better. Illinois has good bars on campus but the tailgate experience is lacking. Iowa has some parking issues due to the distance between the stadium and the available parking lots, but the lots there to be fun and if you choose you can wander around the stadium and visit food vendors join Iowa parties and have fun interacting with the enemy. Inside the stadium I much prefer Iowa over Illinois. In general I think Iowa fans are much more into the game than Illinois. This alone makes the atmosphere much better.

It is Ball St...

A colleague of mine is a Ball St. alumni.  Although not a Michigan fan a Big 10 fan that follows Michigan.  He reminded me that Brady was able to have average or above average MAC recruiting classes at a school and in a state which values basketball much more than football.  Brady being able to get any good recruits going to Ball St. is a huge improvement over previous (and current) coaches.  

As for his time at SDSU it is tough to judge anything after such a short period of time.  But it is encouraging to see him getting a lot of 3 star players and competing with much higher profile schools in the conference.  

Although we won't know anything for several years I suspect given Brady's love for Michigan, and our brand's ability to open doors to most kids, we will eventually settle back into the top 15 of recruiting rankings every year.  We can only hope that Brady's charisma, his assistant coaches, and future success will put us back in the top 5 - 10 every year.  

Travel Tips

I've done it just about every year since 1996.  It is definitely a great experience.  Now when I go to games I always look for 2 or 3 other groups that do the same thing.  Here are some quick tips for the away games next year.

* Reserve hotel rooms now for Iowa and Illinois if you want to be close.  

* For Northwestern it is always more fun to stay downtown Chicago than near campus.  

* Try to avoid scalping on game day for MSU.  

Have fun!  We'll see you at the games next year.  

Convenience or lower cost?

I've been to every bowl game since '96.  Every time I have chosen to buy from the UM AD for convenience reasons and to sit with other UM fans. Other than a few of the Rose bowl games, most games were not sold out and you could get better seats well below cost outside of the stadium before the game.  Given that this year's game probably won't even come close to selling out, I am thinking about scalping them right before the game.  Most likely you can get better seats (unused corporate sponsor tickets) for a much lower cost.  So your decision will probably come down to cost or convenience.  

Even cops pick on Michigan fans

Even the cops get after Michigan fans.  Last time I was down I was wandering around outside the stadium drinking some beers in my Michigan gear.  A cop came stopped me said I was breaking the law.  Given the fact I was surrounded by tons of other Buckeye's doing the same think I thought he was joking.  When I pointed that out to him I found out he was dead serious.  He ended up saying he would cut us a break but made us drain beer. 

Moral of the story is you can't even trust the cops on UM/OSU game day.  If you are not in Buckeye gear when drinking stick to your tailgate spot.   

Maybe not this year...

In my past trips to Indiana I can certain back up what you are saying.  However, I have heard that tickets this year will be much more difficult to come by.  They think the game might be a sell out (which is rare down there). IU is 4-0 and thinks they have a chance to beat Michigan.  Although I am sure tickets won't be much more than face value - I don't think they will be going for that cheap.  I wouldn't worry about getting tickets down there, but just in case have enough money to cover face value +.    

See you at the game! 

Rent an RV

At this point you don't have any real good options.  Hotels near Ann Arbor are sold out.  Most that do have space are in towns where you probably don't have cab options.  If you want to drive 45 minutes in the morning you can stay in downtown Detroit and enjoy the casinos or Greek Town.  Otherwise what I have done in the past is rent an RV and stay at Pioneer or another spot which allows RV.  Nothing like the tailgate atmosphere the night before a big game in the RV lot.  

Blue & Bo

My first dog - a black retriever mix - we named Blue.  The plan was to get a second golden retriever and name it Maize.  Never happened.  Then shortly after Blue died, Bo passed away.  At that point I knew my second dog would be named Bo.

Tickets will be a dime a dozen

Tomorrow tickets will be a dime a dozen.  By any of the major entrances - espcially main and stadium or on the Pioneer side of main or stadium you will be able to pick them up cheap around 15 to 20 minutes before game time. You will be able to verify this through the old fashion supply and demand method - lots of tickets in the air = too much supply and a buyers market.  Always ask the price if they don't give something cheap - offer half and say you will go to the guy next to them if they don't take it.  No one will want to wait around to sell there tickets when the game is going to start and there are a million tickets available.  In most cases I will actually talk to different scalpers and check who has the best seats before making the deal.  Whatever you do don't buy them too early from a guy that has a sign that says "need tickets". 

If you are looking to sell tickets at the game for $50/each, try to find a sucker to buy them early before you get near the stadium.  Once you get there, no one in their right mind will need to pay anywhere near face value - same goes for the BG game. 

Love the picture posts - keep them coming!

I love the picture posts.  This is anlaysis is what separates mgoblog from the rest of the MSM and other blogs.  I was just arguing with someone yesterday who was complaining about how "simplistic" the UM offense was and how we will be killed in the Big 10 season.  I just wish he would read these posts to learn more about our offense.  Keep the posts coming! 

All games since '96

I've been going to every game since '96.  Well technically I have missed 4 games in that time period.  Even though work keeps me real busy, this is a great way to get away on weekends in the fall.  Over time you start to recognize a lot of the regulars who also make most of the trips, make new friends, develop favorite restaurants & traditions in the Big 10 cities, and get occasionally get to see some new cities that you would never normally go to like Eugene, OR.  Since they always do more home games than away, it isn't as tough or as expensive to do as one would think.  Other than bowl games usually you don't have to fly and typically there are only 3 or 4 games in which you need to get a hotel for.  I highly recommend it for anyone who loves Michigan football.   

Parking Structures Suck

Anyone who thinks that parking structures will improve the parking situation at sporting events clearly has not spent much time at sporting events or has had to park in the structure.  Not only are they a nightmare to get out of after the game, but they provide a very inconvenient and poor tailgate atmosphere. 

I have been to every Big 10 stadium many times as well as a number of other stadiums.  Although Michigan has to provide parking for thousands of more fans, the experience and convenience rivals any other situation.  If you want the designation of a "Big House" with great tailgating options, by definition you will need to have parking which goes out for a mile or two. 

If you want to park close, suck it up and donate more money.  That is the way it works at Michgan and every other institution. 

Ads are a done deal

The writing is on the wall. If Bill Martin almost sold the naming rights to the UM/OSU game then anything is possible - especially with an AD who is focused on growing and improving our sports teams. The fact that they put ads in the stadium for the spring game breaks sends a strong signal. I would be shocked if there weren't ads in the Big House for the Big Chill - after all Michigan does sell ads for all other sports other than football. Even though I prefer no ads, as long as the money goes to support strong sports programs I guess I can live with it.

Season tickets holders got offered over a month ago

You might want to call the AD. I was offered and purchased about a month ago. Even though they have already sold over 60k, you might be able to still order them and if you have enough priority points still get good tickets. They don't actually assign the tickets till Sep/Oct.

ND comes with a 14 Team League

I think the 14 team league is picking up steam, because ND would most likely be one of the teams. They have already said that if the football landscape changes then they would have to consider joining a conference. Most people agree that if the Big 10 moves to 14 teams others will follow suit. That means ND would be forced into deciding which conference they want to join. I can't imagine them not thinking the Big 10 would be the best fit for them. Thus I think it is likely that the Big 10 might move towards 14 teams just to get ND.

Top 10 Picks Get a Lot of Guaranteed Money

Most NFL contracts now include large signing and roster bonuses which are guaranteed. First round picks essentially know what they are going to get based on where they are picked. Suh knows for sure he will be a top 5 pick, which means millions of guaranteed dollars. There is no risk to either Suh or Nebraska with this commitment.

I wish more players were this generous and classy. Can't wait till he is a Lion.

Hotwire & Theater

Hotwire is definitely the way to go. You can always get a 4 or 5 star hotel for much cheaper than the regular rates. The last 3 times I have been each time I was at a great hotel within walking distance of the Hockey HOF.

You can then use the money you saved on some great theater. Although I much prefer to see the Tigers play in Toronto than theater, my wife loves to catch a play. Toronto is well known for having some of the best theaters outside of NY. I got engaged in Toronto and took my wife to see Phantom at the Pantages theater while out there. It was definitely a romantic hit.

Oregon has more upside than Minnesota

Although Oregon is a mess now, I believe it has more upside than Minnesota. They have great facilities, with Nike they have more money than most schools, and the Pac 10 is not as deep as the Big 10. I've got to think if Tubby is offered the job it is at least 50/50 that he takes the money and the upside that goes along with the Oregon offer.

3 best ways to celebrate the end of winter

Having a pint or two of oberon in the Bell's courtyard, Michigan's spring game, and opening day in baseball are the best ways to celebrate the end of winter!

Best seats are higher up

If you want the best seats are generally considered row 30 to 50. Too low and you get bad viewing angles and can't see the whole field. That being said for the spring game, I supposed you would have a better chance at talking with people on the field if you were in the first row.

Last year we got there as the flag football game was starting and got great seats about 40 rows up near the 40 yard line.

Compare the last 2 years

If you do the compare the records over the last two season's Tubby has a 36-22 to 34-27 edge. So basically they have a very similar record even though Tubby has some much higher rated talent. I think it is clear that JB gets much more out of his players than Tubby does. As he gets more of the type of players he needs in his system (think Smotrycz & Brundidge), I think Michigan will continue to improve while Tubby keeps the status quo at Minnesota. I am very happy we have JB as coach.

BG Tickets

This game will definitely not be sold out ahead of time. I wouldn't be surprised if you can get 8 together on mgoblue.com. That being said if you are OK going with 4 together there will be plenty of much cheaper options to scalp right before the game. For a game like this you could have a great tailgate right till about 1/2 hour before the game, walk up and have hundreds of seats to choose from at less than 1/2 of face value.

Don't do it...

I've been to every home game since '95 and all the home and away games since '97. For the first few years I scalped all my tickets home and away. Since then I have had season tickets. Over the course of the whole year it was WAY cheaper to scalp tickets even when I had to pay 100+ for big games. Those only happen once or twice per year.

The only reason to have season tickets is if you have great seats that you want to permanently keep and to get to know those people you sit with every week. In this situation, since you will only have them for a year or two you won't get that benefit. If it just comes down to the money, you can save more by scalping.

Navarre was great Michigan kid

UM Fany NY - Not only did Navarre win a ton of games and ended up being a leader in many of the passing statistics at Michigan, but he also had his day in the NFL (even started a game or two). This kid never should have been starting as a freshman, but that is not his fault. Throughout his Michigan career he made the most of his ability - enough so that no one passed him on the depth chart.

Don't you think it is about time for you and fans like you to lay off the kid and recognize him for what he did achieve. He is a good kid who made a huge contribution to the Michigan program. For you to continue to bag on him reflects poorly you.

Kegs in Eggs - Great Fans!

You'll have a great time in Madison. Since the game starts at 11am CT, most people will start showing up between 7 and 8. We usually park for free in the neighborhoods and walk to the stadium. There are a number of good bars across from the Stadium. Contrary to what a few others have said, my wife and I both think that Madison is one of the best places to visit. Both the fans and the atmosphere is great. We almost always meet great new people old and young before the game. Of course there will be a few drunk students who can get offensive, but you should expect that for any road game.

Enjoy - let's bring home a win! Go Blue!

Main & Stadium - Don't Pay Much

If you go to Main & Stadium - either in front of the gate or on the Pioneer corner - you will find dozens of scalpers. At about 30 minutes before the game most will be frustrated season ticket holders who are starting to think a ticket or two will go unused. There is way more supply than demand for a game like DSU. You can literally go up to them ask where their seats are located and pick from the litter. If someone is selling a single 30 minutes before game time I wouldn't pay more than $10 or $15 (not much more for a pair). For some of these types of games in the past people have actually given me a ticket just so it wouldn't go to waste. Stay away from anyone who looks like they are a professional scalper (lots of tix in their hands).

True - but usually not a problem

That's very true about enjoying the tailgate. For those who worry maybe it is worth extra. However, I never worried about tickets so we never really cut a tailgate short. For noon games we would tailgate from 7am till 11am. For 3:30 games, 9 to 2:30, so we didn't miss much tailgate. A number of times we actually bought our tickets during our tailgate when scalpers walked by or from others near our tailgate.

Good section, bad row

In the Big House most sections have good vantage points. You just want to avoid being too low. When I need extra tickets, I will not get tickets below row 30. My season tickets are in the end zone and I think my section is a lot more fun. I have always avoided paying extra to move to the side lines. Sitting next to the old folks in between the 40's will only set you up to get yelled at if you stand up.

You should never pay more than $100 to $200

I've been to every UM v OSU game since 1995, home and away. Many of those years, including this past year in Columbus, scalping before the game. Never have I had to pay more than $200/each. Most years if you are patient and ask around you can get them around $100/each. My favorite year was getting 3 pairs of tickets in '97 for $200/pair.

If I were you I'd put a wad of cash in your pocket and pick them up an hour before the game. Best places to look are in the Victors club section behind Crisler, the golf course, or Pioneer lot. Most real fans who have extra tickets would prefer to sell them to other fans, not professional scalpers. You just need to get them before the pros do. Best to avoid the pros as they are easy to spot(anyone with many tickets or a sign).