Where to Watch in Ann Arbor
So we'll be in Ann Arbor Friday for the official college tour with my daughter. Perfect timing with the game on Saturday night. We'll definitely be staying for that.
Where is a good place to watch the game with the family but still experience the vibe of being on campus/in town? It's been quite a while since I graduated but I'm sure South U will still get crazy like it did in the late 80s/early 90s. Trying to get lots of TVs, decent food, and a great atmosphere to cheer us on to the championship game. But trying to avoid - riots, tear gas etc like back in the day.
My kids are both teenagers so I'm guessing bars like Scorekeepers, Charleys are off limits. But some places may allow kids in the bar area at tables - and not literally at the bar - especially if they are with parents.
Any thoughts and ideas would be appreciated - on campus, downtown, etc.... Thanks and Go Blue!
March 25th, 2018 at 10:05 PM ^
March 25th, 2018 at 10:15 PM ^
Thanks. Pretzel Bell wasn't there when I was in AA. I couldn't tell from the pictures online if the TV situation - size, placement would work. Will definitely check it out and would fit with me getting there early while the family wandered downtown.
March 25th, 2018 at 10:08 PM ^
March 25th, 2018 at 10:14 PM ^
Good point. I was thinking that. Somewhere I could sit and wait and the rest of the family can mill around - maybe South U/downtown shopping. Something like that would work for me. Still I'm taking a chance of missing out on a table. Or I could try for reservations.
March 25th, 2018 at 10:11 PM ^
Same situation here. Doing a college visit with my daughter, and we're so thrilled to be on campus during a Final Four game.
Any chance they will hold a Crisler viewing party on Saturday? I don't remember if they did one in 2013. I think they held a championship game viewing party at Crisler, but don't recall if the semifinal game had one.
March 25th, 2018 at 10:17 PM ^
My younger (14) is asking about a Crisler party. Would we all need to look up at the jumbo tron to watch or do they place screens on the court for better viewing (and neck comfort)? Seriously.
March 25th, 2018 at 10:49 PM ^
They had a viewing party for the championship game in 2013 but not the final four game
March 25th, 2018 at 11:43 PM ^
Great info. Thanks.
Men's gymnastics at Crisler at 2 pm done at 4 but it's probably senior night so post match presentations. Tearing it down wouldn't be done til about game time. Monday's wide open though.
Thanks, Scanner. Looks like a logistical challenge, especially considering a 6 pm tip-off.
March 25th, 2018 at 10:15 PM ^
March 25th, 2018 at 10:27 PM ^
You mean Smoke's? If so, I like the way you think, and it is poutine, so it is well-suited to help facilitate any beer consumption planned during the game, at least to a certain point. I actually might be down there myself on Saturday.
March 25th, 2018 at 11:49 PM ^
And you have the family in tow, avoid the cornerstone bars on South University, I was at Charley's for the Texas A&M game and while it was an excellent time, not exactly a family friendly one. There are many places you could go further towards State street and even Main that will likely accomdate your description but like everyone pointed out, with it being a Saturday, you're gonna need to plan to burn most of the afternoon hanging on to a table.
March 25th, 2018 at 11:46 PM ^
a chain? if so, Applebee's (either location) is good for families and for plentiful screens. Throw in the ample free parking and reasonable prices.
For the family or slightly older crowd - Pizza House on Church Street is a great choice
March 26th, 2018 at 10:01 AM ^
Go Blue! Beat Loyola!