Even if you don’t have tickets there are plenty of fun ways to get the Michigan football gameday experience. Check out our ways to experience football Saturdays in Ann Arbor without tickets while celebrating the mazie and blue. If you are going to the game at the Big House, be sure to check out our tips for attending a game with kids.
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Michigan Marching Band Pregame Events
The UM Marching Band typically has public practices Mondays-Thursdays from 4:45-6:15p. This year they are at the new Elbel Field at Madison and Fifth. There are limited bleachers available for spectator seating.
The Michigan band pregame starts with an early rehearsal on Elbel Field. Don’t miss their percussion step show at Revelli Hall. The band will exit Revelli Hall 55 minutes before game and walk to the stadium. You can follow the band on the walk or line up on their route.
A typical schedule before a noon game is:
- 7a Rehearsal on Elbel Field
- 10:30a – Percussion Step Show at Revelli Hall
- 11:05a – Revelli Exit – walking to stadium
- 11:45a – Pregame Performance (In the stadium – tickets required)
For a 3:30p Kickoff:
- 10a Rehearsal on Elbel Field
- 2p – Percussion Step Show at Revelli Hall
- 2:35p – Revelli Exit – walking to stadium
- 3:15p – Pregame Performance (In the stadium – tickets required)
For a 7:30p Kickoff (Add 30 minutes for an 8p game)
- 2p Rehearsal on Elbel Field
- 6p – Percussion Step Show at Revelli Hall
- 6:35p – Revelli Exit – walking to stadium
- 7:15p – Pregame Performance (In the stadium – tickets required)
Game Day Ann Arbor Eats
Washtenaw Dairy typically makes Go Blue donuts on University of Michigan game days. They’re only a couple of blocks from the stadium. It would be easy to grab your donuts, walk over to Elbel Field to see the band, and then walk down to the stadium.
Mr Spot’s is a favorite among the athletic department. We have often seen members of the football team and athletic department having lunch or dinner there – but not on game day.
Most bars and restaurants that have televisions will be showing the Michigan game. Consider a place like Pizza House, Pretzel Bell, Conor O’Neills, and more.
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Experience a Tailgate
In 2018, my daughter and I volunteered with her class to collect cans at the University of Michigan Golf Course from tailgates. We were assigned a night game, so our original afternoon slot ended up being during the tailgate. Even though we were working, it was a festive atmosphere. If you have friends on the Ann Arbor golf course tailgating at the game, make sure to walk by.
There are tailgates at the UM Golf Course, Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club, Briarwood Mall, and smaller lots adjacent to the stadium.
Joining a tailgate? Check out this UM chair and backpack cooler.
Watch the TV PreGame Live
Most seasons Ann Arbor will host at least one of the major college football pre-game broadcast crews. Broadcast locations can vary from central campus (often Ingalls Mall) to the Pioneer lot to outside the stadium.
The second game when they host Texas is a big game. Both ESPN College GameDay and FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff are in Ann Arbor. GameDay will be on Ferry Field with special guest Michael Phelps. Big Noon Kickoff will be across from the stadium at Pioneer High School. Barstool Sports will be broadcasting from 1300 S Main St, across the street from the Stadium.
With the new Big Ten this year, it is possible we will see crews in town for the USC or Oregon game. And of course the Ohio State game is always a possibility.
Watch the Skies
The Goodyear blimp is often in Ann Arbor on game day. You can sometimes catch a glimpse of it at the Ann Arbor airport before or after the game.
You can often see small planes flying banners over the tailgate crowds.
Typically there are a few flyovers by military planes at the start of the game. As of August 23, I didn’t see any listed for the 2024 season. The August 31 home opener will have a pregame parachute jump show by a team of veterans.
Logistics
If you decide to head to campus, make sure to plan how to get there and where to park (if driving).
If you are driving, I have found that the main routes from the highway are the worst roads to take. If you are local, secondary roads usually have less traffic. Also, remember that as of a couple of years ago, Main St is closed to vehicle traffic alongside the stadium.
Take note of game day parking restrictions near the stadium. If you are a UM employee with a Blue Pass (my husband has one), we have found that main campus lots will honor the blue permit, but those near the athletic campus will not. We’ve parked in the Thompson St Garage before with a blue permit at no charge. I believe this is the closest blue lot to the stadium, but they do charge non-permit holders.
Celebrate at Home
Even if you stick closer to home on game day, kick off the game with a driveway tailgate and invite your neighbors. We shared at home tailgate tips a couple of years ago.
Celebrate the Return of College Football with An At-Home Tailgate Party
No tickets for the game? Find out how to #ShareYourSpirit for College Football with an At-Home Tailgate including Barbe-Coke Shredded Chicken
Check out these items great for a Michigan Tailgate
Watch the Game
Don’t forget to watch the game at home. For night games, I am considering using our projector to watch the game outside.
