Need some advice on game day selection

Submitted by SportsBrewKings on

South Carolina resident here. I would like to get some feedback on game day atmosphere for "crappy" home games.

Here is un-important backstory: I've been a die-hard Michigan follower since '91, after watching Desmond strike the pose. I'm 24. Since my parents were are NOT Michigan fans, they didn't necessarily want to drive their child 12 hours to take me to the Big House (Yes, my parents are both fart sniffing nut-jockeys. Screw you Mom and Dad). I didn't attend my first game until 2006 (Ball State). Since then, I go annually. (Ohio State 2007, Utah 2008 and Penn State 2009).

Here is my dilemma: I want to go to the Michigan State game but if I choose Bowling Green instead, I can catch a game at Comerica (vs. Twins) the day before, PLUS get much better seats at a much cheaper price for the Michigan game. Is the atmosphere as much fun for less important games such as this?

I've had the pleasure of attending 3 straight losses and would be nice to go to a game which is basically a guaranteed win. Try to remember that I only make it to MI once a year. With all that said, if YOU were a Michigan and Detroit fan living in SC, what would YOU do? Thanks in advance.

rman247

February 25th, 2010 at 9:57 PM ^

Comerica is fun but not great. State games are a crazy atmosphere, a lot different then when we play mac schools. You truly can see most places in the big house. I think everyone should try to make it to at least one state game in the big house.

MGoShoe

February 25th, 2010 at 10:02 PM ^

1. There are no "less important games" in 2010 (are there ever?).

2. Attended WMU and PSU last year. Atmosphere at WMU was tremendous. Atmosphere at PSU was great until the infamous south end zone "drive". The crushing loss plus the crappy weather made the experience less than stellar.

3. Still, IMO, BGSU + Tigers = MSU.

I guess you can't go wrong.

SportsBrewKings

February 25th, 2010 at 10:08 PM ^

I probably shouldn't have used "less important". I think we all know what I mean by that though. Driving half a day to watch Michigan State is much different than driving half a day to watch Bowling Green.

I'm feeling the MSU game based on reactions.

BTW, being at the Penn State game this past season was absolutely miserable. I had an absolute blast tailgating but we were still recovering from the long drive and the game was just...awful. Simply awful.

MGoShoe

February 25th, 2010 at 10:20 PM ^

Concur opener makes a difference in the atmosphere.

I drive from Virgnia to games, so I understand the effort it takes.

MSU is the game to go to this year given the requirement to end the two game losing streak.

How about a Tigers-Orioles game at Camden Yards? The Tigers close out the regular season there with a four game series from 30 Sep - 3 Oct.

FreetheFabFive

February 25th, 2010 at 10:46 PM ^

I was born and raised in MI, if I moved to another state, I would definitely try to make it to the BG and Tigers game just so I could enjoy my time back in MI. So my situation would be a little different.

The atmosphere for State will be crazy though compared to BG. If you want a guaranteed win, I don't think you can go wrong with BG. Just depends on which is more important to you. The win, or the atmosphere. But, if you've never been to Detroit, I'd definitely suggest the BG/Tigers game. The best times I have in the city are going to a Tigers game. Get there early, bar hop, then enjoy the game. I would suggest you get a cheap seat though since half the fun of Comerica is wandering around the park and getting different views of the field.

MaizeNBlue

February 25th, 2010 at 10:51 PM ^

You should go to the MSU game. There is a massive difference between "normal" games and rivalry games, it's like two different Michigan crowds entirely. Let's face it...it's just hard to cheer loudly when Brown breaks a 90 yard run against Eastern Michigan. That's like beating up a kid 50lbs lighter than you.

hailtothevictors08

February 26th, 2010 at 12:53 AM ^

All games are fun and bgsu will be good weather.

However, state weekend is my favorite weekend on campus bar none (yes much better than ohio state). Part of it stems from being an instater and parting with seemingly everyone you know from the pig field in elansing.

Zonereadstretch

February 26th, 2010 at 3:31 PM ^

BG's only (2) weeks before the MSU game so the weather factor should be a mute point, but then again this is the Midwest, and I only really count on the weather being prime for the 1st 2-3 weeks of the season. I think it's worth noting though that the MSU game has a better chance to be 3:30 kickoff than the BG game, which just means more time for pre-game festivities, which with your drive probably is a main priority to factor in.

davelewis21

February 26th, 2010 at 8:15 AM ^

You can't go wrong with either game. The bighouse will be sold out and you'll feel like you are apart of something bigger than yourself, it's a truly great experience. Let's hope for a great season

mvp

February 26th, 2010 at 8:44 AM ^

First, I agree with davelewis21 -- any game is a good game and will be special for different reasons. Another positive for the BGSU game is that there might be more offense, which could be exciting.

That being said, I have to lean toward the MSU game. I'm *really* looking forward to the day we get to quiet sparty down.

JeepinBen

February 26th, 2010 at 8:45 AM ^

I'd say go to the state game. I made it to every game 2005-2009 and I have to say you'll have a good time no matter what, but the feeling after the game for your drive home, you'll want that to be the excitement of State vs. the "we should win" from BG

This past year I made it back for western, ND (best game) PSU, and Ohio sucks.

Voting with everyone else here - go to the state game

Johnnybee123

February 26th, 2010 at 12:21 PM ^

I actually grew up in SC, so I understand. It's hard to duplicate the gameday environment down south, but the UM experience is far better I think. First, let me say that unfortunately, you picked had some pretty crappy games to go to. 2006 Ball State was a little panicky. 2007 OSU was probably the worst game I've ever seen live. 2008 Utah was, well, 2008 Utah. And 2009 Penn State was only a game for like the first quarter.

That being said, every year, there is at least one memorable game at the Big House. Going back to 2002: '02 Washington, '03 OSU, '04 MSU, '05 PSU, '06 Iowa (though the away game at OSU overshadowed this), '07 PSU (though The Horror was probably more memorable), '08 Wisconsin, '09 ND. You get the point. So basically, there will be at least one exciting UM game at home each year.

Based on my experience, going to cupcake games at Michigan is kind of boring, just like it would be anywhere else. The win isn't as exciting b/c it was expected, but if we lose, it really sucks. Go to a big game...the anticipation for it is awesome, and when we win, it's a sweet celebration afterwards.

I'm heading to the Iowa game next year, banking that it will be the most exciting home game. Maybe Wiscy, but the weather might suck for that.