Air Force Game - Do I Need A Ticket For My Not-Quite-Two-Year Old?
Hey all - I'm buying tickets for my family to attend the Air Force game on September 16. We're bringing my daughter, who will turn 2 on September 18. Does anyone know if I need to buy her a ticket, or can I carry her in and have her sit on our laps? (Proud to say that this is her second Michigan game - she attended the Michigan-Florida Citrus Bowl as a three-month old. Didn't buy her a ticket then.)
Thanks for any guidance!
August 31st, 2017 at 11:11 AM ^
Why not get her a sitter and enjoy yourself? The weather could be any number of not good things for a little one in the fall...
August 31st, 2017 at 11:16 AM ^
We're already taking our two boys (9 and 6), both of whom are huge fans, so enjoying ourselves sans kids isn't really an option. We're willing to risk the weather - mid-September shouldn't be too bad. (Famous last words.)
August 31st, 2017 at 11:22 AM ^
Lots of people will discourage you from bringing your little one, and they make good points.
That said, I was 6 months old (1985) for my first Michigan Football season and have only missed a handful of home games since. My parents say it wasn't bad and I slept most of the time. I think I turned out ok?
August 31st, 2017 at 11:47 AM ^
Out of curiosity, which game did you go to in 1985? My first game was in that season as well, but I was eight and I got to see us beat Bobby Ross' Maryland team and Stan Gelbaugh's arm (I think it was 4 INTs that he threw in that game, if I recall).
August 31st, 2017 at 1:18 PM ^
I went to every home game in '85, and I'm blessed to have gone to almost every home game in my 32 years.
Never once did it dawn on me the challenges my parents must have endured to bring me. I'm told we never left early either, a tradition I have no choice but to continue. (we did technically leave early for the delayed Utah game)
My parents look back on those memories fondly, never heard anything negative.
August 31st, 2017 at 4:26 PM ^
My first kid is due in late September - so I don't think I have a shot at taking him to any games this year, but thanks for sharing. I was curious when people start. Sounds like he'll be of age next season.
I had tickets for the Utah game - but my flight got cancelled that morning due to the weather. I think with a delay like that one - you still get credit for a full game.
August 31st, 2017 at 4:27 PM ^
Ibid
August 31st, 2017 at 1:31 PM ^
Even in 1985, I needed a ticket for every game. My first stadium memory of an actual football play was Desmond's catch against ND. I was trained before I can remember that we leave the seats at halftime and that's it - I knew better than to complain to dad. Paper airplanes from the free guide kept me occupied as far back as I can remember. My brother, four years older started going in '85 as well. Cant wait to get back to the Big House!
August 31st, 2017 at 1:24 PM ^
Bringing my one-year-old this year. Depends on your parenting style, I guess, but I recommend bringing your kids for sure.
August 31st, 2017 at 1:44 PM ^
Good for you - we've brought our kids to plenty of games without issue once we're inside the stadium. It's always been a lot of fun.
August 31st, 2017 at 3:43 PM ^
I don't recommend it. It is not good for their little ears. Do you remember those shots of Michael Phelps' little boy at the Olympics? They had sound eliminating earphones on him.
August 31st, 2017 at 11:24 PM ^
I'd be interested to see some literature on that. Have never had anything but great experiences (and no deaf kids so far).
August 31st, 2017 at 3:25 PM ^
Tickets and Admissions
Michigan Stadium gates will be open two hours prior to kickoff. Suites and Club Level Areas open two and one-half hours prior to kickoff. Suite and Club Level ticket holders may access these areas at that time through their designated entrances on the east and west sides of the stadium. Tickets cannot be refunded or replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed. Children of all ages must have tickets for admission. Please hold on to your ticket stub at all times.
August 31st, 2017 at 11:13 AM ^
yes, you need to get her a ticket
August 31st, 2017 at 11:19 AM ^
"Children of all ages must have tickets for admission."
LINK: http://www.mgoblue.com/news/2009/6/1/Michigan_Stadium_Information.aspx
August 31st, 2017 at 12:56 PM ^
even airlines let under twos fly free.
August 31st, 2017 at 1:29 PM ^
no offense, but there isn't enough room for 1 person in a seat. i don't want you to try to fit yourself and your 1yr old in s seat next to me.
August 31st, 2017 at 3:26 PM ^
BEHIND me. I hate getting continually kicked in the back.
August 31st, 2017 at 11:19 AM ^
"Michigan follows the Big Ten policy of requiring a ticket for everyone regardless of age including infants being carried and/or in back or front packs."
August 31st, 2017 at 11:26 AM ^
and tuck your kid in there as you walk in. No one will suspect anything and problem solved!!
August 31st, 2017 at 11:32 AM ^
Thanks - this seems like the best solution.
(And thanks to everyone else who responded.)
August 31st, 2017 at 11:32 AM ^
Sounds like a good way to suffocate the little one.
August 31st, 2017 at 4:01 PM ^
Allegedly, Fugitive?
August 31st, 2017 at 11:39 AM ^
Not sure if that works but link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeQZpX6Gj4g
August 31st, 2017 at 11:50 AM ^
I mean, people will suspect lots of things, but they probably won't suspect that you're bringing a toddler in.
August 31st, 2017 at 11:31 AM ^
Baby sitter.
August 31st, 2017 at 11:44 AM ^
Your question is answered above...chiming in to offer one contrary experience re: toddlers at the game (maybe you saw the thread earlier this summer where the topic got swarmed).
I took a 10-month-old and had a great time (Maryland last year). He is an easy kid overall, though, and obviously you've seen the differences between your kids and can make a good judgment. Don't worry if everyone tells you it's impossible.
August 31st, 2017 at 12:18 PM ^
10 months olds are infinitely easier in that setting. I've done both. 2 yr olds are too mobile for that setting imo.
August 31st, 2017 at 11:49 AM ^
Don't take your two-year old to the game. Nobody - least of all the child - will enjoy themselves.
Maybe I spend too much time here, but this is one of those topics that gets posted 10x/season.
August 31st, 2017 at 11:59 AM ^
when little kids come to the game. They take up very little room and don't have the dreaded leg spread problem.
August 31st, 2017 at 12:02 PM ^
Better than the heifers that take up 2 seats each in my row
August 31st, 2017 at 12:09 PM ^
This by far the exception to the rule.
August 31st, 2017 at 12:20 PM ^
Because those families are gone by the end of the first quarter.
August 31st, 2017 at 11:51 AM ^
Several answers above correctly state you need a ticket for her to get into the stadium, however, don't worry about finding an additional ticket with your group (ie. 5 together instead of 4). For her, just buy the cheapest ticket you cand find, regardless of location; you will only need her ticket to get into the stadium.
Conversly, being a larger individual, I alwas appreciate any additional room I can get, so maybe the 5 seats together for 4.25 people would be a good idea, if it isn't too much of a premium.
August 31st, 2017 at 11:59 AM ^
I encourage you to get a babysitter. A 2-year old is a world of difference from boys who are 9 and 6. They can enjoy and occupy themselves. They will be entranced by the sounds and sights and the food.
Your 2-year-old will feel cramped. She'll want to move around and won't be able to. She'll get upset. She'll spend time content and time completely inconsolable. There is too much going on--it will be hard to get her to sleep with so much stimulation, and hard to keep her that way if she ever drops off. Someone in your family (or multiple people in your family) will devote copious amounts of energy and attention to keeping her occupied and miss chances to enjoy the game, either by focusing on her in the stands or having to take her to the concourse to let her move around.
I am a big fan of family activies and I take my family to lots of things when I can, including sporting events. But younger kids have a hard, hard time enjoying something like this and you will have a harder time enjoying it with the younger kid there.
And, yes, you'll have to buy a ticket, though if you can find a cheap single you can get that just to get her in the building. Though it's nice to have the extra seat space reserved, as the bleachers are rather cramped.
August 31st, 2017 at 12:36 PM ^
Co-sign.
Toddlers typically have very sensitive ears and the noise may prove to be too much. (A good test is how do they feel about a vaccuum or hair dryer? If they don't care for that noise, then 110k+ people...)
August 31st, 2017 at 1:22 PM ^
I don't understand some of these babies at all. Mine (at 8 months) is completely unfazed; she used to only sleep if a hair dryer is on next her. We've taken her to see 4th of July fireworks (completely fine), an action movie (she slept literally for the entire 2 hours), etc, and she's actually more soothed by loud noise than disgruntled.
I think people are being ninnies about their childrens' ears. If they're not acting in distress, they're probably fine. Of course, this is probably different from baby to baby, but maybe trust that OP knows their baby better than others? Mine is going to the Florida game, and I don't expect she'll care about the sound at all.
August 31st, 2017 at 12:12 PM ^
Sorry, but taking a two-year old to a football game is ridiculous.
August 31st, 2017 at 1:46 PM ^
Sorry, but your take on taking a two-year old to a football game is ridiculous.
August 31st, 2017 at 12:26 PM ^
What most people said is correct. I took my daughter to her first game when she was a year old, and she has a September birthday.
Go in with realistic expectations. Dont expect it to be a great game watching experience for you. She may not like it. It is pretty boring for a little one. Bring a bunch of snacks to keep her occupied. If you make it to half time consider it a win. The game will be decided by then anyway.
Good luck!
August 31st, 2017 at 12:58 PM ^
Have a blast, fellow competent parent of a cool child.
August 31st, 2017 at 1:02 PM ^
He asked if he needed to buy a ticket for her. He didn't ask for parenting advice.
August 31st, 2017 at 1:46 PM ^
Thank you for this. Glad someone understood the question.
August 31st, 2017 at 2:13 PM ^
you sure can't bring a two year old (for free).
Have fun with your daughter!
August 31st, 2017 at 2:22 PM ^
you can bring in a diaper bag.
My son was 2, my daughter was 2, my youngest was 4 at their first games. no real issues for us or seatmates. Realistically it's about the kid and how parent handles it that makes difference.
August 31st, 2017 at 2:14 PM ^
If you have not already purchased your own seats, I can highly recommend seats as high as possible in the SW sections, 18-19 and the like.
Rationale: there is a family bathroom up there that is rarely occupied. You can go from "daddy I need diaper" to back in your seat in a single time out or just one-two plays.
The upper concourse is a good dogrun for one parent to chase squirmy toddler around without messing with crowds. Likewise the food vendor lines up there are not too bad.
If you are in row 93 or above you will have shade from the very beginning even if it's a noon game. If it rains and you are that high you will mostly stay dry.
August 31st, 2017 at 3:05 PM ^
leave the 2 year old home. They won't want to be there for 4 hours, the cute factor will ware off fairly rapidly among the people around you after you get up 400 times to go do whatever you have to do with a 2 year old.
Seriously leave the kid home and enjoy the game. Kids won't have fun at a game until theyre 8
August 31st, 2017 at 3:18 PM ^
i hope that one day the mgoboard can simply replace google wholesale. imagine the $$ Brian and co. will make then???!!!