Michigan Football: 8 Reasons Why Ann Arbor Is the Best Game Day Experience

Regardless of the weather, the opponent, or the type of season Michigan is having, you'll be a part of the largest college football crowd in the nation that day.

With the recent expansion, most of the games draw no less than 112,000, by far more than Tennessee, Ohio State or Penn State.

In fact, Michigan is already planning its next expansion in the south end zone. When that's completed in the next year or so, attendance at the Big House will surpass 120,000.

Don't be alarmed by the enormity of the experience. Michigan has been hosting huge crowds for many, many years.

The town has game day logistics down to a tea. Let's take a glance at a typical football Saturday in Ann Arbor.    

Awake to the Best Breakfast in Town

Fleetwood Diner: An Ann Arbor tradition

For the early riser, you can find a great made-to-order breakfast at the Fleetwood Diner. The short stack will do just fine, but if you're really adventurous you'll probably enjoy the hippie hash.

For the brunch crowd, Weber's Inn is the sport. They serve up a classic buffet in the neighborhood of $10. You might be interested in returning for dinner. They have the best prime rib in town.    

Getting There: Three Great Choices

Tailgating on the golf course has always been my favorite. As a child I'd like to race across the fairways in my bare feet. For some reason, they kept me away from the cold beer. 

If you're looking to navigate the crowds with no fuss, the city operates shuttles from most of the hotels in the area. For the round-trip fare of $3-4, they'll pick you up at your hotel and drop you just beyond the south end zone.

Limousine service is also available. We've always used Metro Cars, if you like to travel first class.  

The New Big House: 113,090

Walking into the stadium you'll wonder where they put all the fans. The stadium is built in a bowl, so much of it is hidden from view.  While the new towers are magnificent, your first steps into the stadium are breathtaking.

Michigan set the national attendance record at the season opener last fall. That record of 113,090 still stands, but they'll probably figure a way to squeeze 114,000 into the stadium for Notre Dame, September 10th.

Before the towers were built, the Big House was known as the quietest 100,000-seat stadium in the country. It should be very loud this fall.      

Michigan Marching Band: M Fanfare

Well before the game begins, you'll notice the famed Michigan Marching Band's high-stepping entrance. After a dose of M-Fanfare, it won't be long before the Band plays The Victors, one of America's most recognizable college fight songs. If you're not in the spirit by then, you'll never be.

The band always produces spirited halftime shows, and if that's not enough, you'll can also enjoy the mini-concert after the game.  

Michigan Traditions

The Michigan Helmet (photo: Malinaccier (talk))

From their iconic winged helmet to the large crowds, a Michigan football Saturday is one to behold. The Wolverines normally win, too.

In fact Michigan has won more games (884) than any other college team. It's .735 winning percentage is also tops in the land. 

Like any other successful team, Michigan has just suffered through a difficult few years. But, new coach Brady Hoke and innovative athletic director Dave Brandon promise a return to their winning ways this fall.. 

Not a Bad Seat in the House

The stadium seats are close to the field, the sight lines are good, and there are no posts anywhere in the house. Every seat is a good one. 

The recent expansion added more concessions and restrooms. There are new concourses and plenty of handicapped accessible seating.

Other than defense and kicking, the Wolverine athletic department gets few complaints.  

The Game

Part of the excitement of a Michigan football Saturday is anticipating The Game. 

Ohio State, of course, is the opponent, and the game alternates between the Big House and the Horseshoe every year.

It's played the last weekend of the regular season and has often determined the Big 10 title.

ESPN identified it as the best rivalry in sports just a few years ago.

The Game has taken on new meaning since the conference has added Nebraska and split the teams into two divisions. For the first time, the Big 10 will conduct a championship game.

With Michigan and Ohio State in separate divisions, it's actually conceivable that the two teams could meet again.

A Formal Dinner

It's worth the ride (photo: Benlmoyer)

Should you not get enough of the area on game day, you can always stick around. Chances are you can enjoy the day after just as much.

Take a leisurely canoe ride down the Huron River or find another stadium to visit. During college football season, the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings and Pistons are all competing.

And what better dinner can a sports fan ask for than an authentic Coney Island hot dog. Sure you can get reasonable facsimiles in Ann Arbor, but the originals are at Lafayette or American, just a 45-minute drive to Detroit.