Should I get Outback Bowl tickets, and if so, how?

Submitted by Lordfoul on

Hi all.  I have had a trip planned to the Tampa area for the week of New Years for a while now.  Low and behold, Michigan is coming down to visit too.  I am conflicted on whether or not to go.  

Why I'm on the fence:

  • Two years ago I skipped a chance to go to the Citrus Bowl while I was down there and had a memorable time doing cannon balls with my son into my aunt's pool after every Michigan TD.  This could be the plan again.
  • Heading to the Citrus Bowl was a much longer drive than the Outback Bowl would be, so I feel as though I should take advantage of my proximity to the game.
  • I have two kids that love them some Michigan Football, but are of an age that their attention will probably wane by the time halftime is over.  Also that makes 3 tickets to buy.
  • I fly in on the 31st, so I'd have to be on top of my game to pull off getting to the noon kickoff time the next day.  I'm not big on stress during vacation.
  • I attended both the Wisky game the The Game, so maybe it's best that I stay away.
  • I always love to watch my Wolverines in person, and it's great brainwashing for the kids.

So tell me what you think.  Anyone that has attended an Outback Bowl - how was the venue, parking, overall enjoyment level?  Anyone with insight on how best to score tickets as cheaply as possible?  

I am legitimately torn on this.

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Zeke21

December 6th, 2017 at 11:25 AM ^

this game sells out.  It is a money grab game.

Plenty of tickets will be available.  But GO. Have fun.

Get M the first of 15 victories in 2018

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Rh22

December 6th, 2017 at 11:58 AM ^

I'm in Sarasota that week so I'm planning trek up to go to the game.  Appreciate the advice in the thread regarding when / how to buy tix.  

Joined: 01/14/2011

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uminks

December 6th, 2017 at 12:05 PM ^

Since I  have Sunday and Monday off work. The cheapest airline tickets I could find for the wife and me were 680 since I would have to fly in Sunday and fly out after the game. The hotel prices are all jacked up for NYE, so your looking at $150.00. I did see some tickets for $90.00. Overall, it would be about a $1000.00 trip, which is a bit pricey

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MadMatt

December 6th, 2017 at 12:09 PM ^

As a parent and grand-parent, I would recommend your alternate activities.  Let's consider the appeal of Operation Cannon Ball:

- You don't have to jump through flaming hoops to get tickets and get everyone to the game on time.

- "Tailgating" activity will be much easier at your Aunt's place.

- And the most important of all, you think your kids will enjoy watching from the swimming pool much more than the in game experience.  Winnner, winner.  You will have plenty of time to introduce them to the fun of an in person experience.  Doing so at the Big House and tailgating with people who are already your friends will be much closer to a true Michigan experience.  Wait 'til they're older; save your money.

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Autostocks

December 6th, 2017 at 12:18 PM ^

I've been to many bowl games, including at least one Outback Bowl, a win over Florida. Someone had hired a plane to pull a "Fire Ron Zook" banner over the stadium. Then in fine Zookian fashion, Florida ran a trick play involving a pass TO their Heisman trophy finalist QB Rex Grossman that was intercepted by Victor Hobson, IIRC, to seal the game for Michigan. Great fun! I recall not much going on pregame. You can do the Alumni Association tailgate, but I've decided they are lame - overpriced and overly crowded. Regarding tickets, I've stopped buying bowl tickets through the Athletic Dept. I've gotten hosed too many times with crappy seats. I figure if I'm going to spend the time and money to go to a bowl game, I want to make sure the seats will be decent, so I buy them on the resale market. I recommend going. IMO, nothing like watching a game live and supporting the team. It's SEC country, so it'll be extra special if we get the win. Hit the pep rally too, if you can. Good luck, and Go Blue!

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HarmonHowardWoodson

December 6th, 2017 at 12:20 PM ^

On a similar note, I will be in TX around new year and was thinking of taking a road trip to the Cotton Bowl because 1. I want to see that stadium 2. I like good football games and 3. I think USC wins and I like rooting for not-OSU. The only bowl game I have ever been to is the Motor City Bowl where tickets were super cheap. My question for the group...in a big bowl between top 10 teams, how much will tickets drop prior to the game? It will be a 2+ hour drive so I don't want to drive up without tickets or a strong feeling that I can get cheap tickets. Wondering what the board knows.

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NightTrain5

December 6th, 2017 at 12:49 PM ^

I haven’t been to the Outback Bowl or the stadium, so I can’t help you with tangible info. But I think you should go to the game. You already have transportation there and lodging covered, right? And you’re right there. It might never be easier to get to a M bowl game. Watch the secondary markets and strike near game day. Bowls have trouble selling tickets, so take advantage of it with some cheaper tickets for you and the kids. And the game and cannonballs don’t have to be an either-or choice. Enjoy making memories at the game, and afterward or the next day, get after the pool with an EUTM. Grab a football and re-create some of M’s biggest plays from the great win you saw together. Win-win. Hope you go and have a great time. Go Blue!

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Year of Revenge II

December 7th, 2017 at 5:21 AM ^

My brother works for AD, but he retired 3 years ago, but he continues to work there.  He did get a new TV at his retirement party though.  Call him 734-867-5309.

If you are on the fence, attending ANY Michigan game is good. Some will inevitably lead to frustration, but we will come back even stronger. Go to the game; you will be happy you did.

 

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SilencedByTheMan

December 10th, 2017 at 8:22 PM ^

honestly, you can keep checking stub hub, gametime, etc. up until game day. it's probably not going to sell out, so prices will drop closer to game time. it's what I did here in Dallas against Florida. got 5 great seats for cheap. bought them the night before on stub hub. probably could've waited longer even.

Joined: 12/08/2017

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GoBlueBill

December 10th, 2017 at 8:37 PM ^

I am in Florida for the winter and getting to this game is on my list of things to do . I just need one ticket for myself and i dont expect ill need to pay much money. Go Blue!!

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