In Game

Spartan Stadium is the home of the Michigan State Spartans football team. It’s the sixth largest stadium in the Big Ten and 23rd largest in the country. The stadium is built to accommodate 75,000 fans but on more than one occasion, has seen upwards of 80,000 fans – a far cry from the 14,000 the stadium held when it opened in the 1923.

You’ll know right where you are the minute the Spartans take the field accompanied by their intro video that features scenes from the film 300. The atmosphere from that point on is one of the best in the Big Ten as Spartan fans love to show off the love and pride they have for MSU. The fans at Michigan State are great and if you want to feel the buzz from the crowd then sitting in the upper deck right above the student section is the place to be. No matter where you sit though you’ll have an excellent view of the action on the field and be able to experience the infectious energy the crowd provides. 

Traditions are a big part of any Big Ten game day, and Michigan State is no exception. The Spartans pride themselves on tradition and a deep love for college football. With traditions such as Zeke the Wonder Dog and battle cries from the movie 300, it’s hard not to enjoy yourself at an MSU game, regardless of who they’re playing. While MSU hasn’t been able to duplicate their period of domination (seven national championships between 1951 and 1966), the spirit of the Spartans remains fully intact, and their pride is undeniable.  

Things to check out

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Concessions

Spartan Stadium offers a little bit different items in their concessions, as well as the traditional offerings. Near the student section, you’ll find local favorite Sparty’s Pizza for a more traditional food item. One of the more notable, and unique, places inside the stadium is the Turkey Man Stand, offering items such as large smoked turkey drumsticks, turkey ribs, turkey sausage, turkey wings, basically anything and everything you can make out of turkey.

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300

In 2007, clips from the movie 300 were added to the Spartans opening video sequence. Also, if the opponent is in a third down situation, a clip of Spartan King Leonidas is shown shouting “Spartans! What is your profession?” to which the crowd responds with “Ha-Ooh! Ha-Ooh! Ha-Ooh!” while thrusting their fists in the air as if they were holding spears. These video clips get the crowd pumped and ready to cheer on their Spartans, so join in the cheers when you see these clips.

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Zeke the Wonder Dog

At halftime of every Spartans game, Zeke entertains the crowd by showing off his frisbee catching abilities. The tradition dates back to 1977, however following the original Zeke’s retirement the tradition went on hiatus until 2001 when it was resurrected. Don’t leave your seat at halftime or you may risk missing out on this fantastic Michigan State game day tradition.

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Spinning S

One of the signatures of the Michigan State marching band’s in-game performance is the spinning S. While performing the school’s fight song the band forms a block S and rotates 360 degrees. Don’t miss this piece of Michigan State game day tradition if you want to get the full Spartan football experience.

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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’ll 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 Shadow (Alma Mater)

    MSU, 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 MSU.
    When from these scenes we wander
    And twilight shadows fade, Our memory still will linger Where light and shadows played; In the evening oft we’ll gather And pledge our faith anew,
    Sing our love for Alma Mater
    And thy praises MSU.

  3. Thunderstruck

    This AC/DC hit is played as the Spartans storm the field led by Sparty, to the thunderous screams of fans.

    Thunder [x10]
    I was caught
    In the middle of a railroad track (thunder)
    I looked round
    And I knew there was no turning back (thunder)
    My mind raced
    And I thought what could I do (thunder)
    And I knew
    There was no help, no help from you (thunder)
    Sound of the drums
    Beating in my heart
    The thunder of guns
    Tore me apart
    You’ve been
    Thunderstruck

    Rode down the highway
    Broke the limit, we hit the town
    Went through to Texas, yeah Texas, and we had some fun
    We met some girls
    Some dancers who gave a good time
    Broke all the rules
    Played all the fools
    Yeah yeah they, they, they blew our minds
    And I was shaking at the knees
    Could I come again please
    Yeah them ladies were too kind
    You’ve been
    Thunderstruck

    I was shaking at the knees
    Could I come again please

    Thunderstruck, Thunderstruck, Thunderstruck, Thunderstruck
    It’s alright, we’re doin’ fine
    It’s alright, we’re doin’ fine, fine, fine
    Thunderstruck, yeah, yeah, yeah
    Thunderstruck, Thunderstruck
    Thunderstruck, baby, baby
    Thunderstruck, you’ve been Thunderstruck
    Thunderstruck, Thunderstruck
    You’ve been Thunderstruck

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