2100 Club Parking
So, after 50 years on this Earth, I've finally graduated from buying single game tickets sporadically to a 4 game ticket pack. The last time I parked in a lot, other than the golf course, was when the Red Lot was still open. Loved that location.
I am looking to find a parking spot that can be reserved, is close to the stadium, has as easy access as possible(I know traffic is everywhere), and has bathrooms.
I found the 2100 Club on Parknparty(Right where Main St. splits. Pretty much SW corner of golf course) and it seems to meet most of my needs. Looks like a fairly easy shot from the 94 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. exit. It's been a few years since my last game, but I think we almost always came in on the 94 State St. exit. The A2-Saline exit is more west, so I'm hoping it's at least a little less congested?
It's not cheap, but I'm ok with that. Anyone have any experience with this spot, or suggest any others that would be better?
Thanks!
August 23rd, 2021 at 1:22 PM ^
I wasn't familiar with the location you mentioned so I went to Google Maps to take a look and see it's at the stoplight on the curve where Saline Rd and S Main intersect, just a couple hundred yards before you reach the Scio Church Road intersection where the U of M golf course begins.
I have an alternative idea for you that's nearly the exact same distance from The Big House, it's likely still substantially cheaper (to my recollection Lindy's was $25/game back in 2019) and it's just a couple hundred yards west of the intersection on Scio Church Road: Lindy's Lot. EZ In ,EZ out and approachable from both I-94 and also from the west via Scio Church Road.
The only downside I know of is they don't allow tent canopies, so that may or may not be a deciding factor. Though I only park there occasionally when the golf courses are closed due to inclement weather, years ago it was our go-to lot for several seasons until our tailgate bunch outgrew that location (we have anywhere from 15-30 in our tailgating party per week and set up tables and a wet bar, Lindy's doesn't have that kind of space unless we get there at or before dawn and set up in one of the back corners of their lot). Oh, and also well-maintained porta-potties rather than restrooms.
Whenever I do occasionally park there I always run into a group of tailgaters that have loyally parked there for decades because Lindy and his family maintain the place very well---its a well-drained grassy lot with many shade trees and is well protected from the cold November winds. (BTW, there are two adjoining grassy lots, one on either side of Lindy's---both of those have a tendency to get quite waterlogged and muddy in spots during heavy rain while Lindy's doesn't).
Lindy's is also quite lenient post-game. I've sometimes stopped by there to visit friends after leaving AAGO (the golf courses strictly limit post-game tailgating to 2 hours after the final gun) and partied for another hour or two.
August 23rd, 2021 at 1:26 PM ^
LAZ Parking now runs the Pioneer HS lot for game days. I purchased a season pass with reserved spot. Not cheap. Hope it works out. https://www.michigangamedayparking.com
August 23rd, 2021 at 1:38 PM ^
Check with Hoover Street Auto, which, true to its name, is on Hoover Street. The only way you could get any closer to the stadium is if you had parking in the official U of M lots.
They've got a bathroom and a nice group of people who've been parking there for many years.
I'm not exactly sure of the per-game cost. Maybe $30-40? I happily send them a check every year for whatever it is.
August 23rd, 2021 at 5:07 PM ^
I also park there. It is a great spot, but it seems you have to get on the list pretty early every year as returners get 1st option.
August 23rd, 2021 at 2:01 PM ^
OP, I find this topic fascinating. You mentioned bathrooms, so I have no useful suggestions. (Subtract that key element and I'd say drive in any direction until you stop seeing "Park here for $" signs, park, and walk. It's what I've always done but my usual tailgate location -- with bathroom -- has very little parking.)
As far as traffic is concerned, I think there's a significant difference between Ann Arbor Saline Road, State Street, and everything else. Because Ann Arbor isn't a huge city, I'd suggest avoiding those exits. If there are alternatives to the W / NW / N / NE / E of the stadium (no idea) I'd choose them instead.
If I ever get endless free time (ha) I'm going to formally study the football game parking situation (maps, etc.).
August 23rd, 2021 at 2:16 PM ^
Honestly, you could probably write a book on it. I'd buy it.
August 23rd, 2021 at 3:17 PM ^
There are alternatives if you don't mind an adventure through the lesser travelled parts of town (unless you live around here like me, then you see it every damn day basically) and aren't particular about where your journey ends in terms of available parking.
In my experience, it has never been quite as bad to exit at US-23 / Plymouth Road (NE corner of the city) or at Main / M-14 (directly N of downtown). You are eventually going to run into game traffic regardless as you head towards campus of course, and this strategy is better if you don't mind parking downtown and walking the last mile south.
Washtenaw Avenue is going to be awful on game days, so if you're using US-23, do NOT exit there (for non-locals, Washtenaw Avenue becomes E. Stadium about 1.5 miles W of that interchange, which of course takes you right to the foot of you-know-what).
August 23rd, 2021 at 2:01 PM ^
Is the 2100 Club really 3 times better than Pat Robertson's 700 Club? Asking for a friend.
August 23rd, 2021 at 2:43 PM ^
To clarify, the reason bathrooms are a priority is because I have Crohn's disease and sometimes flareups make me have to use the bathroom fairly quickly. The anxiety of waiting in gridlock can actually sometimes trigger the flare up. That's the reason I'm also trying to find a place that's fairly easy to get to.
I get it, I'm asking a lot when 110k people are waiting to get in. Just trying to find my best option. I'm aware of the shuttles and stuff. It's possible I do that. But, I'd rather just park, and have a reserved spot, somewhere that's fairly easy to get it in.
I'm aware it may be possible for me to get a handicapped parking sticker, but I'm not even close to going to those lengths for something I usually manage.
There, I said it. It sucks, it's a little embarrassing, but I figure it's easier to get good suggestions if you guys know my situation.
P.S. I have an osu shirt, in my trunk, in case I have to clean up after an accident.
August 23rd, 2021 at 3:17 PM ^
Another place I just remembered (this one with indoor restroom facilities) is Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church on W Stadium Blvd west of The Big House. We've moved our tailgate there a couple times that inclement weather prevented us from using our regular AAGO Golf parking, but I'm guessing it's strictly first come first serve. It's roughly equal distance as your walk from the 2100 Club and from the Lindy's Lot I earlier described.
Also just a guestimate, between the parking spaces & their drives and perimeter they have room for somewhere between 150-175 vehicles (fully paved) and enough grassy areas to allow for tailgating and using canopies. A quick look at Google Maps satellite view clearly shows the size of their lot.
You may be able to Google their church office to get contact info and get the rest of their GameDay policy and price and whether special need reservations are available.
August 23rd, 2021 at 4:50 PM ^
+1 for your candor and for knowing the only thing those god awful t-shirts are good for. Good luck in your search.
August 23rd, 2021 at 2:50 PM ^
We've been parking at the Washtenaw News Building, 1935-1939 S. Industrial, for some time now and really enjoy the location. You may find it too far to walk but they do offer nice, clean restrooms up until kickoff. They also have waste containers on site. Up until last year, Lucky's was right next door and that was a real bonus! I'm not sure what if anything is in this location now. There is also a carry-out across the street. We also come 23 to 94 to State, then Eisenhower east to Industrial north to this location. For reference, they are located across from the bowling alley. You pay on the first day for a reserved location for all home games, doesn't matter if you're a little late, the spot is yours and will be there for you. Here is a contact if you're so inclined.
Pam 734-668-1329
August 23rd, 2021 at 3:02 PM ^
That looks like about the same distance as 2100 Club. Just a couple blocks away from our old Red Lot spot.
The first game we have tix for is NIU on Sept.18. You think they would still have spots available, or am I out of luck if we don't show for season opener?
Thanks
August 23rd, 2021 at 3:41 PM ^
Can't speak to that, I would call to see what they may arrange for you.
August 24th, 2021 at 6:03 AM ^
Without hijacking the thread, I was always curious, who gets the spots right by the stadium (like just east of the stadium/north of Crisler)?
August 24th, 2021 at 9:05 AM ^
I know of a couple of well-aged alumni who have tailgated in that lot for quite a while. Not sure how they originally got in there.
September 6th, 2021 at 1:20 AM ^
So, I think this is my plan for the first game we have tix for. We are coming from Westland. Plan on taking Michigan Ave. west to US-23N. US-23N to the Washtenaw Ave. exit. Washtenaw Ave to Stadium Blvd. and parking at Lucky's Market. I guess there's a bar in the bowling alley across the street. Figured we might stop in there for a beer and use the bathroom if needed. Looks like a short walk from there to the stadium.
Any glaring problems with this route? From some of the other posts, it looks like this might be better than my earlier idea of parking at 2100 Club and getting of I-94 at A2/Saline Rd exit.
Can't thank you guys enough!