Michigan Football Saturday: Changing Traditions For Better Or Worse?
Odds and ends as we prepare for kickoff.
Back in the late 1960's the ritual remained the same. Wake up in Markley Hall was always at nine. And that meant everyone, because huge speakers regularly blasted “The Victors” throughout the courtyard and down towards the arboretum. On Football Saturdays, no one missed breakfast.
The long walk to the stadium began as a group around noon for the regular 1:30 kickoffs. Backpacks were filled with Frisbees, beer, and other refreshments. The crowds (except OSU and MSU) were normally around 65,000 and security was loose. Sneaking in a beverage of choice was hardly a challenge.
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Things began to change in 1969 when newly appointed athletic director Don Canham hired relative unknown Bo Schembechler as head football coach.
Canham brought along his marketing savvy, Bo produced victories, and within a few years Michigan football became a national brand.
By 1975 you couldn’t buy a ticket, and by 1982 starting times changed to accommodate the explosion of cable television. The nine o’clock wake up and the 1:30 kickoff were things of the past.
In fact prime time television is coming to Ann Arbor next season for the playing of Michigan’s first night game at the Big House. Notre Dame will provide the opposition. The contest is scheduled for September 10, 2011.
The night game will also be played under permanent lighting--the first major project of new athletic director Dave Brandon. Like Canham did years before him, Brandon brings a wealth of marketing genius from his days as Domino's Pizza CEO.
The project will cost the athletic department some $1.8 million, but Brandon sees it as just another good investment. Michigan has been forced to use temporary lights for its late season 3:30 games, and now the football team will have the opportunity to practice in the stadium for road night games.
The lights will be installed later this fall in time for the first ever outdoor hockey game at Michigan Stadium.
Called the “The Big Chill at the Big House,” more than 100,000 fans are expected for the battle between national powers Michigan and Michigan State. Game time is 3 p.m. December 11. (Below is a link to an earlier Bleacher Report article).
Of course, Michigan is just putting the finishing touches on a $226 million renovation of the Big House.
Kickoff for today's game is scheduled for noon at Michigan Stadium. This is the first meeting between Massachusetts and Michigan. Odds makers won't touch it.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
