SMU game golf course tailgate questions

Submitted by username on

I’ve tailgated on the golf course a number of times, but it’s been a few years since I last did it. 

For tomorrow’s 3:30 game, if we show up at 9:30-10:00 am will we be able to get a decent spot on the course? We’re indifferent to UM or AAGO courses. 

Also, at that time, what’s the best entrance to use?

Thanks for any input. 

will

September 15th, 2018 at 9:49 AM ^

This is not worthy of its own thread but if anyone is going to be in Ann Arbor today and has 5T size Michigan clothes for boys or girls I would love to buy some hand-me-downs..  driving up from Columbus and the selection is pitiful here.

username

September 17th, 2018 at 10:24 AM ^

I'll answer my own question to close the loop for others that find this via a search.

We decided on a two car tailgate at AAGO instead of the Stadium course.  The AAGO website said their gates opened at 7:30, though we showed up at Gate 2 (on Main St across from Pioneer) around 7:10 and pulled right in with no line.  There were already a number of cars parked and in the process of setting up, so they must have opened at 7 or even earlier.  I expect some or most of these were season pass holders.  We were told that Gate 3 (also on Main St., but a little further south) opened at 7:30.  We had initially gotten in a line of cars on Main St. that we thought was gate 3 for the AAGO, but was actually the gate for the University course entrance which is south of the AAGO gate 3.  A nice guy in a pickup in front us told us we were off by a few gates.

When we pulled in to Gate 2, the attendant initially told us to head in the "next car" direction (like parking in the United Center parking lot).  Given it was expected to be a hot day, we said we'd like to be under some trees for shade.  They then directed us to a different area and gave us vague instructions on where to park, but really let us make our own space.  We ended up with a great spot under a few big trees that were very welcome once the sun came out.

We set up our site from our arrival around 7:10 until 7:45 and then had a friend pick us up to head back to the house to retrieve the kids and rest of the group.  We got back to the golf course around 10:15, and even then, there was still a decent amount of space available at AAGO and no line to get in.  At that point, Gate 2 was closed and all cars were entering at Gate 3.  The university course looked even more wide open.

Despite the actual game being a slog of commercials, reviews, and injuries, we had an awesome time tailgating.  We made sure to introduce ourselves to our tailgating neighbors early which helped add to the friendly vibe in our area.  

I'm sure there are many other awesome places to tailgate in the country, but on the golf course in AA on a nice September Saturday is about as good as it gets.