Each year the Minnesota Golden Gophers play the Wisconsin Badgers for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The rivalry began in 1890 when the Gophers crushed the Badgers 63-0 and is the most played rivalry in FBS history. The two schools had played for the Axe every year since 1948 when it replaced the Slab of Bacon, which was stolen by Wisconsin in 1943. The Gophers lead the all-time series 59-57-8 and hope to hold off the Badgers and extend their slim lead this coming season.
Floyd of Rosedale is awarded to the winner of the annual Minnesota-Iowa football game. The trophy dates back to 1935 when Minnesota Governor Floyd Olson made a bet with Iowa Governor Clyde L. Herring of a prize pig. The Gophers won 13-6, and Herring personally delivered Floyd of Rosedale to Olson. The Gophers lead the all-time series 62-44-2 and will look to extend their lead when these two teams meet this year.
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. The Gophers won last year’s meeting in Ann Arbor 30-14 and look to win their first game against the Wolverines in Minneapolis since 1977 when these teams play this season.
These two rivals have played fairly regularly in the past. However, things had really heated up between these two when Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten in 2011. The rivalry has even seen the addition of a semi-official traveling trophy in the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy. The trophy is the first traveling trophy created over the internet as the trophy came as a result of banter over Twitter between Goldy Gopher and a parody account for former Nebraska head coach Bo Pellini, “Faux Pellini.” The Gophers look to extend their current two-game winning streak over the Huskers when they meet at Huntington Bank Stadium this year.
Gophers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Minnesota offers a great tailgate atmosphere that provides plenty beer, grilled sausages, and tailgate games. The tailgate atmosphere at Minnesota is laid back and friendly as everyone is very welcoming, particularly to fellow Gophers fans. When tailgating in Minnesota make sure to dress for the weather. It can be quite warm in early September, but once it hits October, you’ll want to make sure to dress warmly as it tends to get rather cold.
The Jerry Killwagon is one of the can’t miss tailgate locations, so if you get a chance check it out. This bus is equipped with grills and adorn with pictures of Jerry and his coaching staff. There is also a DJ set up in front of the bus and the band even stops by before the game. If you want to get the most out of your Gopher tailgate, check out the Jerry Killwagon.
If the bar scene is more your thing, then Dinkytown and Stadium Village have you covered. Typically the alumni and older fans tend to congregate in Stadium Village where as the students pregame in Dinkytown and at apartments near campus. Regardless of where you tailgate before a Gophers football game, you’ll surely have a magnificent time.
Gophers fans lineup at the Tribal Nations Plaza two before the game to watch the players walk into the stadium. The atmosphere surrounding this tradition is electric, so make sure to be a part of it during your trip to Minnesota.
Immediately following the Gopher Victory Walk the band plays their pregame concert, which consists of many Gopher favorites as well as pieces that will be played in that week’s halftime show. If you want to get a sneak peak of the Gophers band before the game then the Tribal Nations Plaza Concert is a can’t miss.
Check out the McNamara Alumni Center Pregame Party before heading into Huntington Bank Stadium. Admission is free for everyone and there are a variety of booths and tents to see here.
Maroon and Gold LotsThese are the parking lots closest to the stadium, which also offer RV parking and are home to the Jerry Killwagon. You’ll have a great time tailgating with fellow die hard Gophers fans in these lots.
Victory LotIf you’re a student looking to set up a tailgate this is the place to be. There will also be plenty of tailgates for different student organizations here, so don’t be afraid to stop by and join in on the party.
Frats on UniversityIf you’re looking for a wilder pregame party check out the Frat houses along University Ave.
Gophers Stadium Guide
In Game
Minnesotans are famous for being nice, and Gopher fans are no different as here you’ll find some of the nicest and friendliest fans around. As long as you’re wearing Gophers gear, you’ll fit right in as everyone will be happy for you to join in on the chants and cheers. However, just because the fans are super friendly, that doesn’t mean that Gophers fans aren’t very passionate. Gophers fans can get really loud especially for rivalry games and night games.
The fans here love to cheer on their Gophers particularly Goldy who is one of the best mascots in college sports. Goldy’s signature move is the ability to spin his head, which riles up the crowd and gets everyone going. If attending a Gophers game make sure to look for Goldy as his antics are worth the price of admission all on their own.
Huntington Bank Stadiumitself makes the trip worthwhile on its own as it is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country. It provides great sight lines as well as plenty of legroom meaning you’ll enjoy the game no matter where you’re sitting. The open end of stadium offers a great view of Williams Arena and downtown Minneapolis, so you’ll get not only a great view of the action on the field but also a beautiful view of Minneapolis.
Between the third and fourth quarter everyone rises to their feet to ““Do the Gopher.” The Gopher energizes the crowd and gets everyone ready to cheer on the Gophers through the final quarter.
The Battle Hymn of the Republic is a staple of the University of Minnesota pregame band show, which features its famous swinging gate formation. While the band performs everyone in the crowd swings their right hand back in forth to the tune of the song.
Played various times throughout the game including after every Gophers score.
Minnesota, hats off to thee,
To thy colors true we shall ever be,
Firm and strong, united are we.
Rah! Rah! Rah! for Ski-U-Mah,
RAH! RAH! RAH! RAH!
Rah for the U. of M.
Minnesota, hats off to thee,
To thy colors true we shall ever be,
Firm and strong, united are we.
Rah! Rah! Rah! for Ski-U-Mah,
RAH! RAH! RAH! RAH!
Rah for the U. of M.
M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A!
Minnesota! Minnesota!
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah GOPHERS!
Hail! Minnesota
After every game the players and coaches gather in the east end zone and sing the school’s alma mater
Minnesota, Hail to Thee! Hail to Thee, our College dear! Thy light shall ever be A beacon bright and clear. Thy sons and daughters true Will proclaim Thee near and far. They will guard Thy fame And adore Thy name; Thou shalt be their Northern Star! Hail to Thee our Prexy, Sire, Thou hast made us all Thine own, And our hearts one boon aspire. That our love may be Thy throne. Throughout our future years Naught can e’er Thy memory mar. We will guard Thy fame And adore Thy name, Thou shalt be our Northern Star.
Go Gopher Victory
Go! Gopher victory, Minnesota go! Go Gopher victory, hit them hard and low! Rah! Rah! Rah! Go! Gopher victory, we can always win,
(yell) With a rah, rah,
rah, ski-u-mah! Hurrah, hurrah, Minnesota! We can fight! fight! fight! and fight! Come on Minnesota, Let’s go.
Minnesota March
Rah! Rah! Ski-U-Mah. Rah! Rah! Rah! March on, March on to Victory. Loyal Sons of Varsity. Fight on, Fight on for Minnesota For the glory of the Old Maroon and Gold. March on, March on to win the game. Down the field, fighting every play. We’re with you, team, Fighting team! Hear our song, we cheer along To help you win
a victory.
Our Minnesota
On you Gophers! You fighting Gophers! Break that line, and win this game! Fight it through men, win the Big Ten, Make them sorry that they came! For the glory of Minnesota! For the honor that’s her due! For maroon and gold, be warriors bold! For dear old “U”.
Minnesota Fight
Minnesota! Come on! Let’s go! It’s a loyal crowd that’s here. With a Sis-boom-ah, and a Ski-U-Mah. For the varsity we cheer, Rah! Rah! Rah! The old fight gang! On your marks, Slam! Bang! Hit ’em hard and hit ’em low. So Fight, Minnesota, Fight! Minnesota! Come on let’s go!
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