The Michigan Wolverines have a long and storied history of success on the football field, but their home stadium is also one of the most unique places in America. Here are 17 tips for making your game day experience at the Big House as special as possible.
The michigan stadium capacity is the official seating capacity of Michigan Stadium. It is currently listed at 109,901 people.
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The University of Michigan is known for its stunning campus, academic rigor, and Big Ten football. On Saturdays, the University of Michigan community and the whole town of Ann Arbor prepare for game day at The Big House.
Are you fortunate enough to have tickets to one of Michigan Stadium’s eight regularly sold-out football games, dubbed “The Big House”? Michigan’s devoted supporters travel from all across the Midwest and beyond to fill the 109,701 seats.
Here are 17 insider recommendations for the greatest game day at the Big House, collected by an Ann Arbor native who has sat in the stands and served fans from the concession stands. You’ll be prepared for the game if you have the following questions answered:
- Purchasing tickets
- Where are we going to stay?
- Where are we going to park?
- Is there parking for those with disabilities?
- Ann Arbor Restaurants
- Getting to Know Michigan Stadium
- What should we put on?
- What may we be able to bring in?
- Is there anything we can’t bring in?
- How about our handbags?
- What about wearing a mask?
- Isn’t tailgating a good idea?
- Suggestions for concession stands
- What kind of meals can you get inside?
- Obtaining free drinking water
- What about beer and other alcoholic beverages?
- Restroom advice from the pros
The Big House is the epicenter of Ann Arbor on game weekends. The town goes out of its way to welcome the Michigan faithful in a joyful manner. The inside scoop from an Ann Arbor resident is right here! The study has been completed in order for you to enjoy the greatest football weekend ever. Let’s go Blue!
Welcome to Ann Arbor – Get Ready to Have Fun!
1. Purchasing Tickets
U-M (pronounced “U of M”), which can be found online at MGoBlue.com, is the finest way to purchase Michigan sports tickets. You may purchase them in person at the Michigan Ticket Department at the South Sports Complex on South State Street, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In 2021, all tickets will be digital.
The following is a list of ticket prices for the 2021 season:
- Ticket prices range from $55 for endzone seats to $100 for Victors seats in Western Michigan and Northern Illinois.
- Endzone seats range from $70 to $110 for Rutgers, Northwestern, and Indiana.
- Seats range from $145 in the endzone to $190 in the Victory Zone for Washington and Ohio State.
2. Where Are We Going to Stay?
For game weekends, the Ann Arbor area offers over 74 hotels, many Airbnbs, and other properties. Many hotels provide shuttle service to Briar Wood Mall, where you may board school buses that operate loops around the stadium. For game weekends, lodging rates may be higher, with many places demanding two-night stays.
The downtown hotels are 1.1 miles distant if you want to stroll to the game from your hotel. The gaming shuttles at Briar Wood Mall are available to the 11 hotels surrounding the mall. Walking is a simple 2.1 miles and is frequently preferable due to the lengthy wait for the mall shuttle.
3. Where Are We Going to Park?
Near Michigan Stadium, the parking lots are mainly permit-only. The nearest accessible public parking is across Main St. and Stadium Boulevard from Michigan Stadium at Pioneer High School (typically $50).
Many residents and businesses in the stadium’s immediate vicinity provide parking on their lawns and parking lots. The price varies from $20 to $30.
Parking in the downtown area near the main campus is $10, with some free street parking available. On game day, obey all parking signs since city parking monitors will be out in force issuing fines. Special event parking (typically $15) may be available in downtown parking garages for all-day game parking. The charges at other garages are standard.
4. Is There Accessible Parking?
Some areas of parking near Michigan Stadium and the adjacent basketball arena, Crisler Center, are designated for individuals with U-M mobility-impaired single game permits, as well as a limited number of day-of spots available for purchase in cash ($50).
Here is the most up-to-date information on how to apply for a single-game parking permit, along with contact information.
5. What to Eat in Ann Arbor
Each game weekend, Ann Arbor prepares to welcome all of the guests for the football game. There are approximately 400 eateries in the region, serving every kind of cuisine conceivable.
Arriving early for breakfast at Nick’s House of Pancakes or Angelo’s before the customary noon start time adds to the excitement of game day.
Come in early for a 3:30 p.m. or a night game to soak up the town’s excitement. Palio’s or the Jolly Pumpkin are both good places to have lunch on Main Street. Alternatively, try a local favorite like the Blue Nile’s Ethiopian food or The Original Cottage Inn’s fantastic pizza. Reservations are strongly advised.
6. Getting to Know Michigan Stadium
The gates open two hours before the start of the game. Come at least an hour before the game to avoid having to wait in line with the rowdy supporters who arrive just before kick-off.
At the entrance, you’ll go through metal detectors, and then employees will read your tickets from the ticket app on your phone. On download the official Michigan Stadium Map to your phone, click here.
The Big House has how many sections and rows?
The stadium is divided into 44 sections, each with up to 98 rows. Because the majority of the stadium is below street level, you enter at Row 54. Lower rows should be accessed through the stairwell, whereas upper rows should be accessed via the stairwell. Elevators are available, although they are in short supply. Inquire for assistance from the staff.
The sections of the stadium are arranged in a clockwise direction within. To go to a higher-numbered sector, turn left. Make a right for a segment with a lower number.
Locations of Seating Sections
- The Crisler Arena side has Section 1 all the way to the 50-yard line.
- Along Stadium Boulevard, Section 12 leads to the Endzone.
- On the Main Street side, Section 24 extends to the 50-yard line.
- The Student Section is comprised of Sections 25 through 33.
- The Endzone’s Section 34 faces the university.
- Crisler Arena has Section 44 all the way to the 49-yard line on one side.
7. How Should We Dress?
The usual colors are maize (yellow/gold) and navy blue. Some games will feature a maize out, in which the whole stadium will be dressed in corn. Always dress in layers since the weather may vary dramatically from the start of the day to the time you return to your vehicle. During late-fall games, blankets may improve the game.
If you aren’t supporting those two teams, don’t wear Michigan State Spartan green or bright red/scarlet (we won’t identify the team from Columbus). In such hues, most people will overlook you. Some will engage in some lighthearted teasing. A few people may be obnoxious.
Note that there is security in each seating area wearing maize windbreakers who will assist you with anything.
8. Is There Anything We Can Bring In?
You may bring in the following items:
- Seat cushions made of foam
- Seat cushions with no pockets and no storage slots
- There are no cases for binoculars.
- Pagers and cell phones
- Cameras that are small (those with a lens shorter than 6 inches)
- Radios for small spaces
- Blankets
- Clothing for the rain (no umbrellas)
9. Is there anything we can’t bring in?
Here’s a list of things you should leave in your vehicle or at your hotel. When preparing for game day, always check the most recent list:
- All of the bags (including purses, fanny packs, etc.)
- All of the bottles (including all types of water bottles)
- Beverages containing alcohol
- Profane or obscene language is shown on clothing or signs.
- Any kind of container (including coolers, thermoses, cups, cans, flasks, etc.)
- Any kind of food
- Projectiles are a kind of weapon (including footballs, frisbees, and beach balls)
- Metal-containing seat cushions, as well as those with pockets, storage holes, seat backs, armrests, or other types of attachments
- Strollers
- Selfie sticks, video cameras, and tripods
- Umbrellas
- Weapons
What About Our Handbags?
Fanny packs, purses, and student bags are all prohibited. For any personal things, a compact transparent gallon bag may be used instead of a conventional handbag. Thankfully, stadium-approved transparent handbags are now available.
Take a look at this Amazon alternative.
You may discuss any required medical supply packs with the admission personnel at the gates. Come early so the personnel can be thorough and courteous before the crowds get too big.
11. What about Covid-19 Face Masks?
All individuals will wear a mask or face covering over their mouth and nose inside and at concession booths starting in 2021 (as of September). People are urged to conceal their faces at their seats.
All employees and volunteers must wear masks at all times.
12. What do you think about tailgating?
Tailgating for Michigan football games is an art form in Ann Arbor. Many family and friends’ groups have been tailgating at the stadium’s parking lots, at the Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club across Stadium Boulevard, and at houses around the neighborhood. The setting includes televisions, barbecues, corn hole (a bean bag game), and music.
Permits for overnight RV parking and tailgating are available at Pioneer High School for $250 per car spot. These are ordered in advance.
13. Suggestions for Concession Stands
Because the stadium is constantly full out, each food booth is typically crowded. Here are some expert suggestions for concession booths after guiding up to 18 employees in a large stand:
How to Place an Order/Pay
- Each cashier has his or her own line.
- The cashier with the shortest queue is the one to choose.
- Avoid going during halftime since the lines are very lengthy.
- To get a head start in lines, go to concessions during the other team’s offensive.
- When you go to the cashier, know what your whole family/friends want.
- One person should place the order and pay.
- In 2021, no cash will be accepted.
- You may use credit or debit cards, as well as Google or Apple Pay, to pay.
Obtaining Food and Drinks
- Typically, pizza stands do not offer french fries.
- Bottled soda is not sold at stands with soda vending machines.
- You may order a Coke with or without ice, but don’t specify how much ice you want.
- Please don’t complain to concession employees since they have no say in the pricing.
- If you need one, request a cardboard carrying carton. They aren’t always accessible, however.
- A small cup of water is available at all stands for free.
- You can’t get a full-size cup of water at a soda stand without paying the soda price.
- Straws, ketchup, relish, mustard, and napkins located on islands across from the concession booths on the concourse.
14. What kind of food can you get inside?
At various refreshment booths around Michigan Stadium, different items are available. Only one or two of the 90 vendors provide specialty dishes like a pulled pork sandwich, waffle fries, or a Philly cheesesteak.
Machine Coke, personal pizzas (pepperoni or cheese), hotdogs (normal and Kosher), salted or plain pretzels, popcorn, and sweets are available at the long stands. Burgers (normal and black bean), french fries, machine soda or bottled soda (not both), popcorn, and sweets are available at the shorter stands.
Other vendors sell baked and boiled nuts, ice cream, and bottled Coke.
15. How to Get Free Water
Anyone may get a free little plastic cup of water at concession booths. They are unable to get free water by using a soda cup. Look for free water fountains at the stadium’s outside rim corners. You are welcome to consume as much free water as you like.
Remember to deposit the cups in the appropriate recycling bins.
16. What about beer and other alcoholic beverages?
Because the University of Michigan is an alcohol-free school, no beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages are sold at the stadium’s concession stands. Beer kegs or cases, as well as other kinds of alcohol, are available for purchase around the stadium.
You are not permitted to bring alcohol inside the building. Some concession booths may sell canned beer and wine for non-U-M events like as National Hockey League games or big professional soccer matches. These events are listed on the Michigan Stadium website.
17. Restroom Suggestions
The towers were built to Michigan Stadium in 2007, along with large new toilets under the Crisler Arena side concourse. There are over 100 stalls for ladies and a new facility for men down the large steps (or use the elevator on the outside wall).
Here are some more restroom suggestions.
- On the main concourse, in the stadium’s four corners, there are 11 family restrooms.
- There is a breastfeeding room with six chairs. For instructions or an escort, ask the personnel wearing maize windbreakers.
- During halftime, do not take youngsters to the restroom.
- Before you locate your seats for the game, go to the restroom.
- After the game, use the facilities since you may have a long trek ahead of you and will be stuck in lengthy traffic queues.
In conclusion
It’s a real communal experience to watch a football game with over 100,000 people dressed in maize and blue. The secret to a successful Saturday in Ann Arbor is planning ahead, so you know where to stay, park, dine, and what to wear to the game. Find a seat and prepare to chant, “Go Blue!” alongside the Michigan supporters.
The michigan football gameday experience is a unique atmosphere that can only be found at the Michigan Big House. With 17 tips, you will have the best game day experience ever!
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