Michigan/ND 2012 on the Big Screen?

Submitted by HELLE on
My friend (radfan5) and I were discussing the possibility of the University of Michigan hosting a viewing party at Michigan Stadium for the Notre Dame Game on September 22nd. Using a similar model as The Big Chill, I believe this event would be a huge success. The parking lots would open at noon for tailgating and tickets could be sold for $15 each (10 or more for $10 each), with all proceeds donated to C.S. Mott. Imagine 114,000 fans in the Big House, Under The Lights, celebrating a Michigan victory over Notre Dame ....AGAIN! We need to take advantage of our beautiful scoreboards with Beckman and Brandstatter piped in over the Notre Dame slappys. This event could also be spun as a great recruiting tool.... "look at us, Michigan Stadium is soldout and we are playing AT Notre Dame!". This would be a great day and given the weak home schedule and lack of a night game, we need this event! I think this is a no brainer for David Brandon. I admit that I am not an expert in TV contracts and broadcasting rights but professional teams have been doing this for years. Also Notre Dame/NBC Sports should want something like this, it would only push the rivalry to another level. We have already sent emails to the Athletic Department in an attempt to get this done. Please do the same. Go Blue! [email protected]

HELLE

March 16th, 2012 at 11:11 PM ^

said his realistic goal for the Big Chill was 80,000. Look how that turned out. Even just 60,000 people would be impressive but with the right advertising I don't think 100,000 is out of the question. If tickets went on sale, I would buy at least 20, just to host a sweet tailgate on the golf course.

MMBhorn

March 16th, 2012 at 10:53 PM ^

I think they'd have a hard time selling out the big house, but the Crisler center might work, especially considering that it'll be newly renovated and worth showing off. I don't know the construction timeline, though. Anyone know when it's supposed to be completed?

Lionsfan

March 16th, 2012 at 10:58 PM ^

I definitely think we should think about showing off Crisler Center and hosting a viewing party there. It would definitely sell out, have all admissions profits go to Mott

radfan5

March 16th, 2012 at 11:12 PM ^

this could be an awesome event. With an opportunity to tailgate for the day, and then watch the new scoreboards with 100,000 fellow fans. The Big Chill sold out, and you say but the was a live game right in front of you. I was there, the ice was so far away, i could hardly see the action on the other end of the ice. Having said that, i had a great time, and loved the experience. 

There are alot of people who cant afford or find tickets to Michigan football games. This would be their opportunity to experience the Big House. Maybe im just overly excited, and it can't sell out, but even 60-70,000 thousand would be fantastic, and a profit for the athletic department. 

radfan5

March 16th, 2012 at 11:16 PM ^

Crisler Center. It should just depend of the type of response they get. If the demand is there, move it to the Big House if not the Crisler Center would work too. 

Michigan Moonman

March 16th, 2012 at 11:21 PM ^

yesterday and immediately thought this would be a great idea.  I bet Brandon gets to work on this right away.  He knows the interest would be there. 

 

My idea to modify it would be for him to open the field to fans so they could come with their kids with blankets and chairs.  It's at night, so it would be like a big outdoor movie night for families and fans to take in the game.

 

Keep ticket prices really cheap...maybe donation only.  Instead of calling it Under the Lights, they could call it Under the Stars.  It would be a great event! 

Schembo

March 16th, 2012 at 11:24 PM ^

I remember watching the OSU game at Crisler during the 99 or 2000 season... There was about 3,000 people there so you'd have to market the game pretty good.

radfan5

March 17th, 2012 at 7:29 AM ^

A couple differences from then and now.

1) The scoreboards in both of those facilities are much nicer and would be a much better experience for people to watch

2) This is a night game, and with the option for people to tailgate all afternoon makes it more appealing. Atleast IMO

3) weather is warmer- making tailgating easier again more appealing.

4) We have an Athletic Director who is more about marketing the "brand". He also seems to be more willing to do things that the fans want. 

radfan5

March 16th, 2012 at 11:34 PM ^

A couple differences from then and now.

1) The scoreboards in both of those facilities ase much nicer and would be a much better experience for people to watch

2) This is a night game, and with the option for people to tailgate all afternoon makes it more appealing. Atleast IMO

3) weather is warmer- making tailgating easier again more appealing.

4) We have an Athletic Director who is more about marketing the "brand". He also seems to be more willing to do things that the fans want. 

Two Hearted Ale

March 17th, 2012 at 8:23 AM ^

So, for $15 I get to be outside, can't drink, pay for $6 Cokes, and wait in line for the rest room?  All while watching the same broadcast I get at home?  Doesn't sound super fun to me.  I go to three or four games a year which I'm guessing places me in the desired demographic for an event like this.

I'm guessing the croud would be mostly students and even then you would have to convince them to hand over $15 of beer money.

SHEAR WIZARDRY

March 17th, 2012 at 8:06 AM ^

a pipe dream. When I do see the featured network show the arena, or stadium of an opposing team that is opened up for the "fans", the game is always a major championship. Albeit this is a BIG rivalry, The BIG HOUSE won't be opened for an away game. You posted this at 1047pm. You know we have a drinking thread already posted. Spell ur smoke over there.

HELLE

March 17th, 2012 at 10:18 AM ^

even if this is a small event geared towards families, I don't see the University shying away from it. A previous comment said they did it in 99 for Ohio (at Crisler). I don't think size of crowd should play a role in whether or not they open up the Big House. They are opening it up today for an event that will probably only get 1000 people. Why not for a football away game? I see only positives.