Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Michigan State on game day is one of the best in the Big Ten. Here you’ll find an exciting, festive, and celebratory atmosphere that is sure to leave you wanting to come back for more. Spartan fans are a lively bunch and their tailgates, and energy levels, on game day speak to that notion.
No matter what kind of tailgate you’re looking for you’ll find it at Michigan State, which offers a wide variety of tailgate options. Michigan State University allows tailgating on campus in all public parking areas, including the consumption of alcohol for those over 21. They also offer a family-friendly, alcohol-free tailgating zone at Munn Field for those with families or who want a calmer tailgating experience. Whether you’re looking to let loose and party hard or if you’re taking your kids to their first Spartans football game there is a place for you to enjoy the pregame festivities at State.
One of the more unique aspects of tailgating at Michigan State is the fact that Spartans fans have their own brand of beer pong known as Spartan Beer Pong. Rather than just throwing the balls through the air and trying to sink them in the cup like regulation beer pong, you have to use actual ping pong rules. The table is set up with the ping pong net on it, and you have to use your hands as paddles to bounce it off the table before sinking it in a cup otherwise, it doesn’t count. The defensive team cannot hit the ball until it passes the cups otherwise a cup is deducted for interference. You’ll love this variation of beer pong, which is sure to get you into the Spartans spirit.
MSU operates on a 7/9/1 rule for tailgating/parking on game days. If the game starts at noon, the tailgating lots open at 7 am; if the game starts at 3:30 or any late afternoon time, the lots open at 9 am; for a night game (7 pm or later), the lots are open at 1 pm. Regardless of what time the game is, there is ample opportunity to tailgate with other Spartan fans.
Traditions
Gate D Tribute
At Gate D you can find the full roster of all the Spartan players to play on Big Ten winning teams. The tribute offers a great way for fans young and old to pay respect to greats of the past and to reminisce about great moments in Spartan football history.
Spartan Beer Pong
Spartan Beer Pong is a bit different from traditional beer pong, in Spartan Beer Pong the table is set up with the ping pong net on it, and you have to use your hands as paddles to bounce it off the table before sinking it in a cup otherwise it doesn’t count. The defensive team cannot hit the ball until it passes the cups otherwise a cup is deducted for interference. Look for a game of Spartan Beer Pong if you’re looking to have a great time at an MSU football game.
Spartan Statue
The statue located on the corner of Kalamazoo and Chestnut is a part of one of the largest Spartan pre-game traditions. Before every game the football team and band walk past the statue and touch its foot for good luck. Help bring the Spartans good luck by touching the statue’s foot yourself before cheering on the Spartans to victory.
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Band Shows at Adams Field
Approximately two hours before kickoff the band performs a show at Adams Field. Each section of the band arrives separately and practices in different parts of the field while fans gather around to listen and take pictures. After the concert, the band takes a parade block formation to march across the river.
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The Spartan Walk
After the band’s performance in Adams Field, they gather into their parade block formation while the percussion sections start playing “The Series” as they march across the river. Once across, Sparty joins in with the band and leads the fans down Red Cedar Road to the stadium as fans line the street to show their support. The football team joins the walk from the Kellogg Center and make sure to pass the Spartan Statue where each member of the team to rub its feet for good luck and leaves pennies to bring home an MSU victory. To truly get into the game day spirit and show off your Sparty pride make sure to check out the Spartan Walk.
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Where to tailgate
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Tennis CourtsThe tennis courts just south of the stadium is where the majority of students go, and tends to be the rowdiest area for tailgating. Passes for parking in this lot are sold by the Student Government, so get one from them if you’re a student looking to party with the wildest fans out there.
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Munn FieldMunn Field is a designated NO alcohol zone and is more of a family friendly environment for tailgating. It is the only alcohol-free zone on campus, so if you’re with the family, this will probably be the best place for you
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Adams FieldThe Michigan State University Marching Band puts on a show for fans one and a half to two hours before game time. Fans gather at Adams Field with their friends, families, and even their dogs for a picnic-esque style of tailgating. Each section of the band arrives separately and practices in different parts of the field while fans gather around to listen and take pictures. After the concert, the band takes their formation of a parade block to march across the river.
