Question About Opponent Fans at Michigan Stadium
So, this is a very random question but something that I've always wondered about...
I'm re-watching the 1995 OSU-Michigan (Biakabatuka) game, and seeing the sea of red in the stands reminded me about how many OSU fans always show up to OSU-Mich games at the Big House... while I don't recall there being as many Michigan fans in the stands when these games are played in Columbus.
My question: Does Michigan have a policy of allowing more visiting fan tickets than Ohio State allows at their stadium? If so, why give them that advantage?
December 17th, 2020 at 11:57 PM ^
Without reading the comments... NO... OSU cares more about beating Michigan in football that we do about beating OSU. It's a cultural thing with OSU to beat Michigan in football. We don't have that same passion.
December 18th, 2020 at 12:27 AM ^
Double post
December 18th, 2020 at 1:20 AM ^
O$U fans will sell children to get tickets to the game (really, any game), thus blowing that and all of their amphetamine-earned trucker pay to boot. Meanwhile, M fans understand supply and demand and a warm bar in November at which to spend 20% of the sold ticket revenue while pocketing significant profits, even after PSLs and Victors Club dues.
Doesn't make it right. Every home game should be an opponent shut-out.
December 18th, 2020 at 3:17 AM ^
It's been discussed multiple times;
1. UM fans, by the thousands, sell tickets on the secondary market specifically to OSU fans.
At 2-10x face value.
2. OSU fans buy season tickets, selling all but the Game.
It's been going on for 35+ years.
December 18th, 2020 at 8:14 AM ^
I’ve been to Columbus for The Game and will never go back. For many, their fandom of OSU is more important than their job. Wear maize and blue and your chances of being physically assaulted are probably around 40-50%.
December 18th, 2020 at 8:42 AM ^
I've been to every game in Columbus for 35 years. I have never seen anyone assaulted. I think a few things happened over the years and people hold onto it. I've also never had issues anywhere else. The worst fans I have encountered though, the 2018 OSU/PSU game. PSU fans were on a different level that night, tailgating and walking in. Then we got seated next to a group of them during the game, PSU went up big, they were louder than ever. They quickly disappeared with about 2:00 left in the game though, after running their mouths for about 4 hours.
December 18th, 2020 at 9:33 AM ^
I generally find if you go to a visiting game to be a jackass expect to be treated like one. The only recommendation I'd make going to Columbus is don't wear Michigan gear and don't be a jackass. I went for 20 years, never personally assaulted, but saw some and heard much verbal abuse and the classic baiting tough guys who try to goad you into a fight. But in most cases its someone giving back what they're getting.
Beat Ohio State regularly and they'll stop coming to Michigan Stadium in massive numbers.
December 18th, 2020 at 11:25 AM ^
If you have to avoid wearing your team's gear and sit on your hands to avoid being abused by the OSU fans, then I think that tells you all you need to know. Michigan fans know that it is still just a game (albeit an important one), and for OSU fans it is life and death. One could argue that the players feel the same way, but I still wouldn't trade positions with OSU. There are more important things in life.
December 18th, 2020 at 9:38 AM ^
nope, their fans just care a lot more historically and are willing to pay more of their disposable income to buy Michigan tickets off 3rd party websites. Their entire lives revolve around OSU football and beating Michigan. That's why so many more of them travel to AA every other year, makes them feel good about themselves.
Also, much more dangerous for Michigan fans to watch games in Columbus than the opposite.
December 18th, 2020 at 10:27 AM ^
Maybe we should start being dicks to opposing fans like OSU so that people are reluctant to come to AA for games. Seems to work well for the Buckeyes.
December 18th, 2020 at 11:15 AM ^
They do come in much larger numbers than we do to Columbus, but red also stands out a lot in a crowd. Posters here often claim that they are like 40-50 % of the crowd here. I've gone to all the OSU games at Michigan Stadium and it's definitely never been that high. It's been more like 20-25 %. But that red jumps out at you, much more than the mix of mostly dark colors that our fans wear when it's cold out.
December 18th, 2020 at 12:30 PM ^
I have been to 12 Mich-OSU games in the Big House and 3 at the Horseshoe.
1) Red stands out more visually, so the discrepancy is slightly overstated.
2) They do however buy many more tickets on the open market than we do.
3) At one time they also got a bigger official allotment than we do, not sure if this is still the case.
4) Their fans are more rabid, without a doubt and ticket demand in general both for the game and any OSU home game is higher. A non season ticket holder has a far better chance of getting a ticket to the game in A2 than in Columbus.
December 18th, 2020 at 12:43 PM ^
The couple of years I had student tickets there was Fraternity that sat in the same area I did. When it came time for THE GAME not a single one of the frat brothers were there instead the whole section was full of OSU fans. I assume they all sold the tickets to pay for the rest of their season tickets.
December 18th, 2020 at 1:19 PM ^
December 18th, 2020 at 12:52 PM ^
They obviously come here more than we go there. However another factor is that the red will always stand out more than blue, or even maize.
December 18th, 2020 at 1:29 PM ^
I was at the HeWasShort game, and nervous / worried / afraid most of the time.
That was true though I was with my OSU friend, bedecked in his usual red, AND in his great seats just behind the Michigan bench, presumably with a less mob-like gathering around me. Still scared.
I've mentioned before that I totally understand why the refs so often favored OSU, to the end. I doubt I would have had the nerve to defy that howling, screaming mob either. Especially knowing I'd have to go through them to get out of the stadium and out of town.