Ohio State and Michigan continue their storied rivalry on Saturday in Ann Arbor. If you’re planning to be one of the 100,000+ in attendance, or the thousands of other partiers watching the game on TV, here are five things you should know as you prepare your tailgate near The Big House.
1) STORIED RIVALRY
Ohio State has won the past seven meetings with Michigan, with the Wolverines’ last win coming in 2003. The past four meetings haven’t been close, as UM has scored a total of 27 points. But Michigan has a new head coach in Brady Hoke and the team is in the midst of a wonderful season. The Wolverines are 9-2 and have reached 30 points eight times this year. Ohio State is 6-5 on the season, has the third-worst passing game in the nation, and is 1-3 in road games. If Michigan can’t win this year, it might never beat the Buckeyes again.
2) STATE AND HOOVER
The biggest pregame party before Michigan games occurs on the intersection of State Street and Hoover Street. Here you will find hundreds, if not thousands, of rowdy fans charging each other up for the big game. Music and merriment fill the streets and as long as you’re not in a hurry or overly claustrophobic, this is definitely the place to be if you’re attending a game at the University of Michigan.
3) JOIN THE BAND
Even in years the Michigan football team has been subpar, the Michigan Marching Band is always top-notch. At 11:10 a.m. on Saturday, the band will do it’s traditional March to the Stadium from Revelli Hall. For a preview of what you can enjoy, check out this You Tube clip.
4) FUN FOR ALL AGES
Three hours before kickoff, Michigan always holds Fan Fest. Located across from the stadium on the southwest corner of Main Street and Stadium Blvd., this is a family-friendly way to have some good, clean fun prior to the big game. FanFest features interactive games and an eight-foot bobblehead of one of the all-time great Michigan players, Charles Woodson. Prizes and free samples from local clients can also be had here.
5) THE BIG HOUSE
Michigan Stadium is where the games take place, but most people refer to the gargantuan playing field as “The Big House.” Constructed in 1927, the stadium now holds 109,901 people! Since the stadium was built on an underground spring, nearly 75% of The Big House was built below ground level. The moist ground during construction actually engulfed a crane, which still remains buried under the stadium to this day. Michigan is a perfect 7-0 at The Big House this season, outscoring its opponents by a whopping 26.4 points per game!
