Air Force Game - Do I Need A Ticket For My Not-Quite-Two-Year Old?

Submitted by Blue2000 on

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!

MGoBluegrass

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.

UESWolverine

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. 

MGoBluegrass

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!

Yo_Blue

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.

MGoViso

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.

CRISPed in the DIAG

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.

UM2k1

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.

stephenrjking

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.

uniqenam

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.

ptmac

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!

notYOURmom

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.

BlueinLansing

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