Michigan State Spartans Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Tom Izzo

Team Mascot: Sparty

Year Opened: 1989

Capacity: 16280

City / State: East Lansing / Michigan

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Michigan vs Michigan State

Rival Team: Michigan Wolverines

Michigan State and Michigan have a fierce rivalry that transcends sports, so it should come as little surprise that there is no love lost between these two on the hardcourt. The two Big Ten Conference rivals first met in 1909 when the Spartans defeated the Wolverines 24-16, but Michigan holds an edge in the all-time series 90-80. The rivalry has heated up in the last decade with both teams being ranked in seven of their past 14 meetings. You’ll be in for a good game when the Spartans and Wolverines square off, so get your tickets today.

Michigan State Spartans Stadium Guide

In Game

The Breslin Center is home to one of the best student sections in the nation making a Spartans game a must attend for any college basketball fan out there. The Izzone is full of crazy die hard students who go all out to show their support for the team. No matter what the weather or opponent you’ll find Michigan State students lined up hours before the game.

Once inside the Breslin Center, the students create a truly one of a kind atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. Unlike a lot of schools where the student section is at one end of the arena, the Izzone wraps around almost the entire lower level allowing the students to have a strong influence on the game. The support from the students over the years has helped make the Breslin Center one of the toughest place in the nation for opposing teams to play, so if you’re coming to support the visitors don’t expect a W.

In addition to the incredible Izzone, the Breslin Center also features several tributes to past Spartans greats. Hanging above the court, you’ll see banners celebrating MSU’s national championships and Final Four appearances as well as some of the best players in Spartans history including Magic Johnson. Another nice feature of the Breslin Center is the fact the Spartans play on the same court that they won their 2000 national championship on. There is even a plaque commemorating it, so if you arrive early, take a minute to check it out.

You’ll have an excellent time attending a Spartans basketball game at the Breslin Center where the raucous crowd makes it an unforgettable experience.

Things to check out

Championship Court

One of the coolest features of the Breslin Center is the fact that the court the Spartans play on is the one that they won their last national championship on. After their victory in 2000, the Spartans bought the court from the NCAA and installed it at the Breslin Center giving them a special court to play on.

Retired Numbers and Championship Banners

Hanging from the rafters of the Breslin Center are banners honoring the best in Spartans history. The banners honor the 1979 and 2000 national championship winning teams as well as Spartans legends such as Magic Johnson and Morris Peterson, so make sure to check them out.

Izzone

The Izzone is named after Spartans head coach Tom Izzo and is one of the best student section in college basketball. The student section wraps around the lower bowl as well as the upper bowl and provides one of the most raucous atmospheres in college hoops. Enjoy the incredible atmosphere provided by the Michigan state students when attending a game at the Breslin Center.

play Watch video

Sparty

The Spartans mascot, Sparty, is one of the most entertaining mascots in college sports. No matter what your age you’ll enjoy the antics of Sparty on game day, so keep your eyes peeled for him during the game.

play Watch video

Kissing the Floor

Senior players at MSU kiss the floor as part of the Senior Day festivities. The tradition dates back to 1995 when Shawn Respert kissed the court and is still going strong today. Don’t miss Senior Day and your chance to see your favorite Spartan kiss the floor.

play Watch video

Fight Songs

  1. Fight Song

    On the banks of the Red Cedar,
    There’s a school that’s known to all;
    Its specialty is winning,
    And those Spartans play good ball;
    Spartan teams are never beaten,
    All through the game they fight;
    Fight for the only colors:
    Green and White.
    Go right through for MSU,
    Watch the points keep growing,
    Spartan teams are bound to win,
    They’re fighting with a vim!
    Rah! Rah! Rah!
    See their team is weakening,
    We’re going to win this game,
    Fight! Fight! Rah! Team, Fight!
    Victory for MSU!

  2. MSU Shadows (Alma Mater)

    M.S.U., We love thy shadows,
    when twilight silence falls,
    flushing deep and softly paling,
    o’er ivy-covered halls.
    Beneath the pines we’ll gather,
    to give our faith so true,
    Sing our love for Alma Mater,
    and thy praises, M.S.U.

    When from thy scenes we wander
    and twilight shadows fade,
    Our mem’ry still will linger
    where light and shadow play;
    In the evening oft we’ll gather
    to pledge our faith anew,
    Sing our love for Alma Mater
    and thy praises, M.S.U.

  3. YES! Chant

    During games, Spartan fans perform WWE’s Daniel Bryan’s YES! Chant. Everyone in the Breslin Center chants, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” in unison, so join in on the chant and cheer on the Spartans.

    Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

  4. Signature Cheer

    The signature cheer for the Spartans comes in the form of the “Go Green! Go White!” chant. The chant works with one side of the stadium belting out “Go Green!”, calling for the other side of the stadium to respond with “Go White!”

    Go Green! Go White!

    Go Green! Go White!

    Go Green! Go White!

Michigan State Spartans Bars & Restaurants

  1. FieldHouse

    Tap

    Inspired by the Great American Sports Clubs of the Past, FieldHouse is the perfect place for you and your friends to gather and watch a game.

    213 Ann St, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Troppo

    beer glass

    Inspired by the great American Supper Clubs of the past, Troppo is known for distinctive comfort food served in an exuberant environment.

    111 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  3. Dusty’s Cellar

    Souris Saloon Silhouette Lounge

    American bistro with upscale food & wine served in a relaxed setting with exposed wood beams.

    1839 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Harpers

    Souris Saloon Silhouette Lounge

    Family-owned sports bar & microbrewery with a sizable dance floor also features American fare.

    131 Albert Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Hop Cat

    HopCat bar

    Woodwork-filled brew pub with a massive beer list offers creative pub fare & brunch items.

    300 Grove St, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. PT O’Malleys

    Phase Dining Entertainment beer

    Loud, basic watering hole attracting a fun-loving college crowd for beer, mixed drinks & dancing.

    210 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Crunchy’s

    Caravan Lounge

    Watering hole in old-school digs famous for its burgers & long-running weekend karaoke nights.

    254 W Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Dublin Square Irish Pub

    beer

    Upscale Irish pub with a hand-carved mahogany bar offers a pub-grub menu plus live bands & DJs.

    327 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  9. Peanut Barrel

    Peanut Barrel

    American bar & grill featuring burgers & sandwiches with an outdoor patio & river views.

    521 East Grand River Avenue E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, United States

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Pablo’s Old Town

    Pablos MSU

    Informal Mexican restaurant featuring classic taqueria fare & outdoor seating options.

    311 E Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906, USA

    517-372-0887

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  11. Fleetwood Diner

    Fleetwood Diner MSU

    Offering great food at all hours of the day.

    2211 S Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48910, USA

    517-267-7606

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Soup Spoon Cafe

    Soup Spoon Cafe MSU

    Colorful & cozy cafe offers homemade soup, a diverse menu of homestyle eats & regional beer.

    1419 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912, USA

    517-316-2377

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  13. Aladdin’s Restaurant

    Aladdins Restaurant MSU

    Middle Eastern fare, including vegetarian options, in a folksy space with occasional belly dancing.

    300 N Clippert St, Lansing, MI 48912, USA

    517-333-8710

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  14. MSU Dairy Store

    MSU Dairy Store

    Cozy, upbeat outpost with homemade cheeses & ice cream in creative flavors, plus soups & sandwiches.

    474 S Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

    517-355-8466

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  15. Golden Harvest

    Golden Harvest MSU

    Wall-to-wall kitsch & generous plates of morning favorites greet guests at this buzzy brunch stop.

    1625 Turner St, Lansing, MI 48906, USA

    517-485-3663

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Steakhouse Philly

    Steakhouse Philly MSU fries

    Relaxed bar & eatery with sports on TV serving classic & creative cheesesteaks, plus Greek fare.

    3020 Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48912, USA

    517-337-2210

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  17. Harrison Roadhouse

    Harrison Road House MSU

    Casual tavern in a renovated gas station with 20+ draft beers, cocktails & a broad pub-grub menu.

    720 E Michigan Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA

    517-337-0200

    Bar website

    american - $$