Stadium Seating Question
I will be taking my daughter to her first Michigan game (she's 11 and a huge fan). We'll be going to either Cincinatti or Air Force. We're from out of state and I've only been to 1 game myself, so my understanding of the stadium and the views are very limited.
My question is this: which section do you recommend that is still good viewing but not astronomical in price? I'm seeing a lot of seats available in the sections directly behind the goal post up 50 rows or so for pretty cheap, but those sound like they would be terrible seats, but seatgeek has them listed as their best "deal score".
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Edit: Also, as someone who never buys tickets for events, which site is recommended for both price and legitimacy? Seatgeek is always a sponsor on podcasts I listen to, so I'm defaulting to them because they are the only one I know anything about.
No, the most Little Brother thing would be to act like the game's outcome was no big deal because MSU covered the spread.
There is that, but remember not to argue the call from the stands or, thanks to an NCAA rule revision, your seat can be moved 15 yards and the refs will award the opposing team a first down, probably well inside your own section of the stadium.
daughter to her first game. Was blessed to do this 3 times! A memorable day for both father and daughter.
To be honest, I have never had a bad seat at a game. Sure, some vantage points are better than others, but almost all make for good viewing.
Don't know enough about the secondary ticket market to help- sorry.
Have a great time, and take lots of pictures!
She must have felt like it was déjà vu all over again.
Been in section 13 a few years now (row 20) and was in 14 before that but higher (55) so a bit of angle to the field. I like the straight on angle watching the play develop a lot better. Just IMHO.
Agree that just being in stadium is excellent. I advise family to follow band into the stadium from the North end...that's a great walk. Can also support Michigan Cancer Society at nearby beer garden.
I would add that corners and endzones are all good as long as you are up high enough - maybe at least 30-40 rows up. Sitting low is cool when the action gets to your side of the field, but when it is not, it is hard to get a good view of what it going on. I have sat in row 76 many times and even 4 rows from the top once and both are good.
OP - your row 50 end zone seats would be a good deal and those are good seats that you will enjoy.
I echo Bluedozer's point, that your daughter will love the experience, regardless of where you sit. I had an ex who didn't like sports, and young kids not into football, but we still all had a good time at games because it's cool just being at a game in the Big House.
My only major recomendation would be to sit on the sec. 37 through sec. 9 stretch of the stadium.
The other side is OK but there's only 1 exit per section. The design of the other side actually has two tunnels per section. So things like bathroom breaks, quarter breaks and exiting the stadium take significantly less time. I bounced around the stadium a bit before getting my season tickets and the other side was by far my least favorite section, despite having the best seats that particular year. Anything we did would take 10-15 minutes longer. If you buy a seat in the quoted stretch above (so sections 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), no matter where the seat is it should be good. I'd recommend shooting for somewhere in the row 40-60 range as that will end up right in the middle for good viewing angles.
Yeah, I feel like somewhere in section 19-27 and about 40-50 rows up is the way to go. You'll have good sightlines for seeing all the action on both ends and being that high up is actually a good thing in Michigan Stadium. Even if you're at the very top rows its still a pretty solid view. The lower you go the more impaired your view gets.
Also, I'd avoid the student section -- or any section that stands for the whole game. Not sure how tall your daughter is, but if people are standing in front of her all game, that could be a problem.
and it doesn't have 2 exits, I don't think 38 does either. The perks of 2 exits are nice, but you'll also be in the sun the whole time whereas the other side gets shade for the 3:30 games just after halftime.
You're right, looks like it ends one section earlier than I thought it did. The sun can be a problem but easy enough to deal with for being able to quickly jump in and out of the section without standing in a line up/down the stairs.
where my Dad had gotten tickets and it was nice to be able to get out to the concessions/bathroom without waiting for 15 minutes. It's a log jam until the top part (72-99) clear out.
My season tickets are in Section 42 - and most games with a hat sunglasses it's not bad at all, but there's normally one game a season where I am just baking and the sun takes it toll on you.
Depends on the season/weather. Can be bad the first couple of games, but as soon as the weather dips down the sun is fantastic. If it's sunny for all 7 or 8 games, I'd say about 5 of those I'm glad to have it in my face. If it's a noon game, like air force, you'll really just get it on one side. It won't be direct unless it's a later game. But being able to pee whenever I want it worth it.
Very true, however, if you're not on the sidelines, you can get too high. In particular, the 75+ rows in the corners are the furthest seats from the field.
I'm in the portal (row 72) for all games once redeployed from my gate, It's the same view as I had as a student except flipped and I can't complain. As many have said over the years row 20 and up are better for really observing the plays and formations. If you want a chance to be on ESPN you choose the first three rows. Remember after seeing the drumline at Revelli Hall make your way to gate10 and say "hey Carl" for my first timers giveaway.
I'm about to pull the trigger on seats in section 18, row 1. Based on yours and other comments, is that too close to enjoy? My daughter is average height for an 11 year old (5 foot or so), is that too close for her to see what's going on?
Thanks again for the helpful replies from everyone!
Row 1 is technically row 3 as there is Row A & B. Being that low in section 18 would give you an obstructed view of the east side of the field as the opposing team would block your view of the sideline. If you are choosing endzone seats, try to get between the sidelines or sit high enough up in the corner to see the whole field, row 30-50.
I've found that if traveling from out of state and spending a lot of money already, pony up a little bit more for the "better seats" (whatever that means to you) and enjoy the game. I've read time and time again that there "are no bad seats" or whatever, and in my opinion, that's BS.
This isn't an "intimate" environment like some of the newer baseball stadiums where perhaps that sentiment is a bit more true. But maybe I'm becoming more crotchety and picky as I age. I have a 4+ hour drive to Ann Arbor, so if I'm committing to gas, tolls, hotel, meals out, etc, I'm paying a bit more for a seat between the 35 yard lines.
As for the website, I've frequently used and never had any problems with StubHub. I've only purchased from SeatGeek once (no problems there either) but not familiar enough to confidently recommend.
Been in Row 36, section 38 for 36 years, seats are great, had many opportunities to move and have turned them down.
in the Above post Nailed it. Well done.
I would sit in the 37 to 42 corner. You'll be across from the band so you'll hear them the best. Just stay below row 70 for the best experience.
The West Side of the Stadium (20-26) is best for the pregame entrance and it's the first part of the stadium to become shaded for hot September games.
I'd avoid sitting on the East side of the stadium if the forecast is going to be really hot. Also, don't sit in the top 15-20 rows of the South Endzone as those are visiting fans.
Also, for those two games, especially Air Force since it's not the first game, wait to buy until the week of.
Prices will plummet on Stubhub.
I have no idea how to find your email on this site. If you have tickets to the Cincinatti game available, just let me know how to get in touch!
Thanks again!
Also, do you still live in Nashville? If so, do you "like" the University of Michigan Nashville Spirit Group on Facebook? We have all kinds of events for Michigan alumni and fans. Go Blue!
I do live here in the Nashville area still. I'll definitely check out that page. Thanks for the info.