Wolverines Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh

Team Mascot: none

Year Opened: 1927

Capacity: 107601

City / State: Ann Arbor / Michigan

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

The Game

Rival Team: Ohio State Buckeyes

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.

Paul Bunyan Trophy

Rival Team: Michigan State Spartans

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.

Little Brown Jug

Rival Team: Minnesota Gophers

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.

Wolverines Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

University of Michigan fans take tailgating very seriously. Here you’ll find a very traditional tailgate atmosphere that featuring tents, grills, drinks, and tailgate games. On game days you’ll see lots of very intricate setups hours before kickoff as  students, alumni, and even kids come together on game day to celebrate a Wolverines game day.

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.  

Traditions

Schembechler Hall's Towsley Museum

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

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.

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Victor's Walk

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

 

Things to check out

Winged Helmet

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.

Tunnel Walk and Go Blue Banner

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.

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"Key" Play

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.

The Wave

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.

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Seat for Crisler

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.

Block M Formation

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

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

    Let’s go, Blue!
    Let’s go, Blue!
    Let’s go, Blue!
    Let’s go, Blue!

  3. It’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine

    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!

  4. 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.

    “You, Suck!”

Wolverines Bars & Restaurants

  1. Brown Jug

    Bar Bordertown Grill

    Along with the brews, their bar features a full food menu with most items named after well-known Wolverine alumni.

    1204 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Conor O’Neill’s

    The Fat Frogg Bar and Grill

    Traditional Irish pub built with imported wood & stone features regular trivia nights & live music.

    318 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  3. Dominick’s

    Wine

    Cozy spot for traditional Italian eats & pizza with cocktails in Mason jars & a patio with fountain.

    812 Monroe St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  4. Bill’s Beer Garden

    bar drink

    Seasonal beer courtyard features local craft brews & wine in the evenings with picnic table seating.

    218 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. The Ravens Club

    Octopus

    Choice speakeasy-style joint for farm-to-fork American-fare small plates & old-fashioned cocktails.

    207 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Heidelberg

    German Food

    It is much more than a German restaurant – it’s actually three floors of dining, drinking, dancing, and entertainment!

    215 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  7. Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery

    The Fat Frogg Bar and Grill

    Warm brewpub offers house craft beers paired with BBQ, smoked meats & biscuits amid live music.

    207 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  8. Good Time Charley’s

    beer glass

    Casual indoor-outdoor canteen with multiple TVs, daily specials, karaoke & trivia nights.

    1140 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Alley Bar

    Skewers Bar Grill Ts Lounge

    Only serves the the freshest and coldest cocktails anyone deserves.

    112 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Grizzly Peak Brewing Company

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, Ann Arbor’s landmark brewpub and premier place students and friends to gather.

    120 W Washington St #1, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery

    cafe coffee machine

    Local chain known for truffle fries serves upscale pub fare & pints of rustic craft beer.

    311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  12. Ashley’s

    Bootys Wings Burgers and Beer

    Busy Irish pub offers a jumbo beer list, microbrews, scotch aplenty & eclectic grub.

    338 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  13. Score Keepers

    burger McGrearys Restaurant Celestial Cafe

    Boisterous hangout featuring draft brews, American plates & many sports TVs, plus DJs & dancing.

    310 Maynard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  14. Rick’s American Cafe

    beer

    The best dance floor in Ann Arbor. A favorite of many Wolverines.

    611 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Blue Leprechaun

    beer Billy Jacks Wing Draft Shack Roost Great American Pub

    A savory menu of appetizers, salads and main dishes to pair with a good drink and good company.

    Ann Arbor Plaza, 1220 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    Bar website

    european - sportsbar - $$

  16. Isalita

    Isalita

    Mexican standards served in a rustic space with painted-brick walls & a festive streetside patio.

    Handicraft Building, 341 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734.213.7400

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  17. No Thai!

    NoThai

    Local chain spot doles out classic menu of Thai food & lets diners choose their level of spiciness.

    1300 S University Ave #3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-369-2604

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  18. Tios Mexican Cafe and Tequila Bar

    TiosAnnArbor

    Mexican joint offers late-night eats, a massive hot sauce collection & homemade salsa.

    401 E Liberty St #2, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-761-6650

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  19. Mr. Spots

    Mr Spots Ann Arbor

    Mr Spots is the undisputed heavyweight champion of wings and cheese steaks in Bowling Green, OH & Ann Arbor, MI.

    808 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    (734) 747-7768

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. Panchero’s Mexican Grill

    Panchers

    Burritos, tacos & quesadillas are made with freshly pressed tortillas at this Mexican chain outpost.

    1208 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-996-9580

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  21. Maize and Blue Deli

    Gus Bar & Grill Sandwich Fries Pioneer Diner Sandwich Paul Reveres Family Restaurant Sandwich Wild Magnolia Sandwich

    One of the more famous sandwich joint and a definite must-try.

    1329 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-996-0009

    Bar website

    american - $$

  22. Angelo’s

    Exit 62 Truck Stop and Restaurant Breakfast Overlook Restaurant Breakfast Murphys Loft Breakfast Eggs Ken Marys Sunrise Family Restaurant

    Family-run eatery serves diner-style breakfasts & light lunch, plus bread baked daily in-house.

    1100 Catherine St #1, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-761-8996

    Bar website

    american - $$

  23. Pizza House

    Pizza House Ann Arbor

    Spacious eatery with comfy booths & fancy tile work offers Italian fare & late-night bites.

    618 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-995-5095

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  24. BurgerFi

    Burger Fi Ann Arbor

    Stylish, eco-minded chain serving grass-fed beef burgers, plus hot dogs, craft beer & wine.

    18801 Traditions Dr, Northville, MI 48168, USA

    734-929-5605

    Bar website

    american - $$

  25. The Fleetwood Diner

    Fleetwood Diner MSU

    Retro-style venue dishing American classics including its signature "hippie hash" 24/7.

    300 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-995-5502

    Bar website

    american - $

  26. BTB Burrito

    BTB Burrito Ann Arbor

    Monster portions, ridiculous speed, and dedication to our customers– that’s what makes them Ann Arbor’s favorite.

    1140 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-222-4822

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  27. Slurping Turtle

    Slurping Turtle Ann Arbor

    Industrial-chic Japanese choice with long communal tables for tapas, noodles & sushi, plus sake.

    608 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-887-6868

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  28. Fritas Batidos

    Fritas Batidos Ann Arbor

    Stark white space with picnic table seating serves colorful cuban street food & tropical cocktails.

    117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-761-2882

    Bar website

    american - $

  29. MANI Osteria & Bar

    MANIOsteria and Bar Ann Arbor

    Wood-oven pizza & Italian small plates plus bar with old-world wines & local beer in an open setup.

    Handicraft Building, 341 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-769-6700

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  30. Zingerman’s Delicatessen

    Zingermans Deli Ann Arbor

    Locals line up for generous deli sandwiches at this funky, longtime market with specialty groceries.

    422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-663-3354

    Bar website

    american - $$

  31. HopCat

    Hop Cat Ann Arbor

    Always what you deserve at the end of a stressful day.

    311 Maynard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-436-2875

    Bar website

    american - $$

  32. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger

    Blimpy Burger Ann Arbor

    Whether you opt for a starter-sized double or you go right for the gut-busting quintuple, you will not find a more unique or tasty burger experience.

    304 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-663-4590

    Bar website

    american - $

  33. NY Pizza Depot

    New York Pizza Depot Ann Arbor

    Casual pizzeria known for its New York & Chicago-style pies delivers classic chow until late-night.

    605 E William St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

    734-669 6973

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  34. Hello Faz Pizza

    Hello Faz Pizza Ann Arbor

    Unassuming pizzeria offering specialty pies, including deep-dish varieties, plus chicken wings.

    2259 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA

    734-741-7777

    Bar website

    pizza - $$