Depending on who you ask, The Michigan - Ohio State rivalry is the biggest rivalry in all of college football and maybe all of collegiate athletics. These teams have met 111 times with the first meeting taking place in 1897. Michigan currently holds the series lead 58-46-6 and will look to expand on it in the coming years. This rivalry has gained significant traction over the past forty years due to it normally determining the Big Ten Conference champions, which it has done 22 times. The game has even had National Championship implications as in the past both teams have come into the game with National Championship in their grasp.The matchup is also a border war, making it one of the most exciting games to watch in all of college football.
The in-state rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State also holds high importance for Michigan fans and is the biggest game of the year right after The Game. The Wolverines and Spartans have played 107 times since 1898 and even though Michigan State has been winning more over the last few years, Michigan still dominates the all-time series 68-34-5. Michigan’s dominance has led to fans nicknaming Michigan State as “little brother,” which has not sat well with State fans.
When the Gophers and Wolverines meet they play for the Little Brown Jug. The two teams first met in 1892 when Minnesota took down Michigan 14-6. However, the Little Brown Jug didn’t enter the equation until 1903. Michigan head coach Fielding H. Yost was afraid the Gophers might contaminate the Wolverines’ water, so he had a student manager buy a 5-gallon jug. The game was called early due to severe weather and the jug got left behind. Ever since then the winner of this contest has been awarded the Little Brown Jug.
If you want to experience a Michigan tailgate to the max then arriving early in the morning is recommended. Some people begin to gather around the stadium as early as 6 am during the warmer months to get the best spots. Although you may want to get here even earlier if College Gameday on ESPN is being broadcast from Ann Arbor.
When you set up for your tailgate make sure to grab some of the local Ann Arbor brews as the state of Michigan has become rich with micro and craft breweries. Some notable local brews are the Wolverine State Brews, Arbor Brewing, and Jolly Pumpkin line of beers which you can find in most liquor stores in the town. Grab some of these local favorites before heading out to the game to add a more flavorful experience to your tailgate.
The newly renovated Towsley Family Museum inside Schembechler Hall is the place to be for U-M football fans. The state-of-the-art facility links Maize & Blue history with modern technologies for an experience like no other!
Step Show - One of the great Michigan pregame traditions is the drum line’s “Step Show.” The show takes place about an hour and a half before the game on the steps of Revelli Hall and shortly after, the entire band does the musical March to the Stadium down Hoover St, turning left on Greene before entering the Big House. You’ll love the “Step Show” as it is a great way to get your heart pumping before you take in one of the best football experiences in the country.
Two hours before the game the coaches and players make a 200-foot walk to the stadium. Stop by to cheer on the Wolverines and give them a little bit of extra encouragement before the game starts.
Pioneer High School and Golf CourseThe best spots to set up and tailgate if you want to be near the stadium and want to have the best pre-game party are at the Pioneer High School and golf course, you will pay about $40-50 for a spot, but the locations are well worth the price.
Lot’s adjoining Michigan StadiumThe lots closest to Michigan Stadium are where all the long time season ticket holders tailgate. If you want to see the larger tailgate vehicles and RVs, then this is the place for you. These lots do require a special parking permit, though.
Ann Arbor Golf and Outing ClubAcross the street from Michigan Stadium you’ll find some of the largest and more extravagant tailgates Ann Arbor has to offer. Here you’ll be able to set up elaborate tailgate parties for all your friends and family.
Corner of State and Hill (Student Tailgate)For those of you looking to let loose and get wild at the tailgate then the student tailgate is where you’ll want to be. You’ll find plenty of cheap beer, loud music, and dancing so doesn't be shy and join in on the fun.
Wolverines Stadium Guide
In Game
Michigan Stadium, affectionately referred to as the Big House, has the largest capacity of any college football stadium in the country. The crowd at Michigan Stadium on game days is so large that when in the stadium on game day you’ll be part of the 4th largest city in the state. A capacity crowd of 107,601 is so loud you’ll feel the stadium vibrate through your bones. The passion from the fans, students, and alumni bleeds through the stadium on game day making it one of the best atmospheres in all of college football. You’ll have a fantastic time at a Michigan game as the incredible atmosphere makes the trip to Ann Arbor a once in a lifetime experience.
It’s not just the team and fans that make attending a Michigan game a must for any college football fan. The marching band at Michigan is one of the best bands in the NCAA, and even during a blowout game, most fans don’t leave until after the band plays at halftime. You’ll also get to witness their incredible in-game music that does a great job of accompanying the situation going on in the game. The band makes their presence well known as you can hear them clearly through the screams of the largest crowd in the NCAA.
You’ll also love Michigan’s iconic chants and fight songs. Here in Ann Arbor, you’ll find not only some of the most famous chants and songs in all of college football but also some that are a bit more obscure and known mainly only to Wolverines fans. The song and chants at Michigan really enhance the game as they’ll get you and the rest of the crowd up and on their feet to cheer on the Wolverines.
The winged helmet may have be born at Princeton, but it became world famous at Michigan where the team has worn it since 1938. The design was brought to Michigan by legendary Wolverines head coach Fritz Crisler, who introduced the design to aid his team’s passing game.
Before every game, the players run out onto the field at the 50-yard line. On the way out every player will try and touch the banner as they enter the field. It’s done to give the Wolverines a little bit of extra luck and has been very successful over the years as the Wolverines have the most wins in the history of college football.
On key plays like 3rd down or towards the end of the game, the crowd will pull out their keys and jingle them simultaneously in order get loud and distract the opposing team.
A staple of athletics as a whole but college athletics especially, Michigan Stadium is no different. This tradition involves one section of the crowd standing up vertically while raising both the hands, while the section directly next to them follows suit until it goes around the entire stadium.
Every game the Wolverines holds a seat for Fritz Crisler who served as Michigan head coach from 1938 to 1947. The tradition has even lead to the official capacity of Michigan Stadium ending in 1 whenever the capacity changes.
The Block M-Formation is a game day staple at Michigan. The iconic routine is part of the marching band’s pregame performance and takes place right as the band enters the field at the 50-yard line.
Fight Songs
Hail to the Victors
One of the most iconic fight song in all of college football. You’ll never forget this song after just one game at the Big House. There is also a customary fist pump at every “HAIL” and 2 fist pumps at “GO BLUE” in the song that the whole crowd will do as the marching band plays this song.
Now for a cheer they are here,
triumphant!
Here they come with banners flying,
In stalwart step they’re nighing,
With shouts of vict’ry crying,
We hurrah, hurrah, we greet you now,
Hail!
Far we their praises sing
For the glory and fame they’ve bro’t us
Loud let the bells them ring
For here they come with banners flying
Far we their praises tell
For the glory and fame they’ve bro’t us
Loud let the bells them ring
For here they come with banners flying
Here they come, Hurrah!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan
the leaders and best
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
the champions of the West!
We cheer them again
We cheer and cheer again
For Michigan, we cheer for Michigan
We cheer with might and main
We cheer, cheer, cheer
With might and main we cheer!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
the champions of the West!
Let's Go Blue!
Probably the 2nd most frequent tradition behind only the fight song, this quick chant starts with either the band or a random fan with a cowbell, playing a beat and the crowd answers by chanting “Let’s Go Blue!” in a similar way for a few repetitions.
Used in intermissions or other stoppages in play, the crowd will sing “It’s great, to be, a Michigan Wolverine”
It’s Great to be, a Michigan Wolverine!
It’s Great to be, a Michigan Wolverine!
It’s Great to be, a Michigan Wolverine!
It’s Great to be, a Michigan Wolverine!
You Suck
If the opposing team fails to convert one of their “key” plays or commits a costly mistake, the whole crowd will chant “You, Suck!” complete with the Wolverine claw (simply an open hand) towards the opposing team as they chant.
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