Bringing 9 year old daughter for her first game at TBH and wanting suggestion on pregame tailgate experience.
Last year I took my 12-year-old daughter to her first game and now I will be taking my nine-year-old to her first game against SMU.
I live out of state so I'm not plugged into any specific pregame ritual. Last year I just took my daughter and walked around Ann Arbor and we walked through the golf course tailgate and then followed the band out.
I was hoping somebody could have a good suggestion of a place that we could actually spend some time at before the game this time. We will still walk with the band beforehand, but I'd like to have her experience one specific area or group of people if possible prior to that.
Thanks in advance.
September 12th, 2018 at 1:26 AM ^
Maybe check out the childrens museum (hands on museum), walk down main street, walk around campus, etc. It's a 3:30 game so you'll have a long day ahead of you if you get to AA early in the day.
September 12th, 2018 at 8:50 AM ^
I've taken my kids to a 3:30 PM game and this is precisely what we did - we did kid-friendly things first, and we timed it so there wasn't so much open space between getting to town (only 20 minutes away for us, but still a bit of a challenge especially when they are younger) and the game so they could stay for at least most of it.
September 12th, 2018 at 1:53 AM ^
As far as tailgating goes, if you have no specific place to be just walk around Pioneer and take in the beautiful thing that is Saturdays in Ann Arbor...
September 12th, 2018 at 4:19 AM ^
Allmendinger Park is a nice place to picnic. Has playground equipment and restrooms. 2 blocks west of the Stadium and adjacent to the north entrance.
Kelsey Museum (of Archaeology) is open 1-4 on sat. on State St. just south of William.
September 12th, 2018 at 6:44 AM ^
I hope to be bringing both of my daughters, age 4 and 6.
September 12th, 2018 at 7:33 AM ^
Why would you hope to do that? Unless you want to leave after the first quarter.
September 12th, 2018 at 7:50 AM ^
I took my 4, 6 and 8 year old along with my friend's 6'2" 16 year-old a couple of years ago. The game is way too long to capture the attention of kids that young. I wouldn't have survived without my friends son, who carried the 4 year old to and from the stadium and went to buy $80 worth of candy and concessions for me to keep the kids occupied in the second half.
I think a good litmus test is if your kid can watch a game with you at home before you take them to the big house. That said, going to the big house really helps indoctrinate them. Few advice tidbits:
1. Bring lots of snacks (expect to spend money at concessions.)
2. Get an aisle seat so you can get in and out and/or have a second adult.
3. Tailgate at the Golf course or somewhere with lots of people. Bring cornhole, a football or some other games to play.
4. Bring a spare phone/tablet as a last resort if you want to watch the game.
5. Go to SMU or another "lesser" opponent so that A. they have good experience winning and B. It is less crowded and people are less intense. and C. You'll get to do the wave and bullwinkle and that sort of stuff that makes the game fun.
6. Pay attention to the weather and be super-prepped. Anything that is annoying to you when watching a game will be 100x as annoying to you when your 9 year old is experiencing it.
September 12th, 2018 at 7:51 AM ^
... and make sure your kids know "The Victors" and whatever we call the bump, bump.... Let's Go Blue! thing.
September 12th, 2018 at 12:05 PM ^
Haven't gotten to Michigan Stadium with kids yet, but having gone to other sporting events, I'm going to add 5 D and E. Go to a lesser opponent so that:
D. So it's not so painful to leave when it's time to go. Bringing kids to sports is a long-term project, if they enjoy it, you get to keep bringing them back. That means when they've hit their limit, it's time to go. If they're not going to sit through the whole game, it's better for you if it's a game you don't mind leaving.
E. So you're shelling out a reasonable amount of money for half of a game (or whatever portion they make it through).
September 12th, 2018 at 8:31 AM ^
My kids are more well trained than yours, apparently. =)
In all seriousness, we go to 3-4 HS games every year and they do well.
September 12th, 2018 at 8:56 AM ^
i'm with walt. 4 yrs old was the starting age for all of our kids. a couple of times we did leave fairly early, but i was not put out by that and didn't take them to a big game like OSU. the experience for the kids and the time together is what counts. now they are older and all of our kids bleed maize and blue and will never waver from that, barring a nassar-like holocaust in AA.
September 12th, 2018 at 9:23 AM ^
When I was that age I felt lucky when my dad took me to the 4th quarter of a blowout, back when they used to open the gates for that. I think I'm gonna send my kids to work on your farm next summer, XM, so they can appreciate the good things in life!
September 12th, 2018 at 10:13 AM ^
careful EYB, we might not give those kids back. i do anticipate needing more labor as our kids get older and start to leave the nest. we'll call it the XM farm intern program? start 'em out with some training and go from there. and we don't have video games of any type, or TV for 8 months/yr. could be culture shock for the EYB youngins'
on a related note, i am hopeful that scanner blue and wife stop in this weekend for a visit. it is in the planning stages. i am luring him with promises of farm fresh eggs and some of our beef to take home with him. we'll see if i can set the hook....
September 12th, 2018 at 1:17 PM ^
That sounds amazing. We had a friend who worked on a farm when my wife was in vet school who sold us a half a steer and a whole pig. We ate well that summer.
September 12th, 2018 at 4:33 PM ^
we sell beef and chickens. but they are sold by the whole animal. most folks will combine with another family or two to get enough appetites together to buy a cow. we slaughter and custom butcher them.
September 12th, 2018 at 8:58 AM ^
Probably. I took my (then) 6 year old to the Scott Frost's mom game back in 16. The only thing he cared about was the camera flying over the stadium and hearing them call Jake Butt's name on the PA. By the 2nd quarter he just wanted to go home and play Minecraft. It was a dark day for me.
September 12th, 2018 at 9:08 AM ^
Ahem - with the right training they can stay the whole game. Took my 5 year old to the 2015 MSU game and told her well in advance that we'd stay to the end because the game will come down to the last play.
Boy did it ever. But I was proud as hell of her.
September 12th, 2018 at 7:58 AM ^
Godspeed. I’m bringing 6, 4, and 1 this weekend. We will have three adults to match that though.
Just hoping that they have fun and get to see a win.
September 12th, 2018 at 11:56 AM ^
We'll be there with my 4 & 6yo boys... My parents will be there too, so we have a 2:1 adult:kid ratio. I expect they won't be in their seats the whole time, and if we leave early (or some of us leave early) we're okay with that.
Want to do it while everyone's healthy and we still can... Hopefully that will be the case for many years to come, but why wait?
Go Blue!
September 12th, 2018 at 8:08 AM ^
Have fun with your daughters! Don't let the naysayers concern you. You'll have a great time, even if the girls get a little antsy (or sleepy) in the second half.
September 12th, 2018 at 9:09 AM ^
Right on!
September 12th, 2018 at 7:28 AM ^
Just give her a tablet.
September 12th, 2018 at 7:32 AM ^
Take her to Rick's and Skeeps.
September 12th, 2018 at 8:24 AM ^
Find a cotton candy vendor. That's what nine year old want at a sporting event!
September 12th, 2018 at 8:39 AM ^
Just for the record ... my 2 1/2 grandson went with us last week and had a great time. Just realize it will not be the same gameday experience for you. His parents were with us - so we each took a turn taking him out of the stadium to walk around, get a snack .. etc. The key to remember - if you want the kid to want to come back - the experience needs to be fun for them (NOT YOU). SMU should be good - crowd will be in a great mood and the blowout should begin early. So visit MDen during the game (no one else will be there ... and they do have TV's so you can still see the game action. Indoctrination is easy ... if you just make the game fun for them.
Go Blue!
September 12th, 2018 at 1:59 PM ^
Just FYI ... they do have official First Michigan game certificates available for free. I thought I heard it was around Section 9 entrance ... but just ask any of the "official" helpers at the stadium. Yes - my grandson got one and they're going to affix his ticket to the certificate. Way cool !
Go Blue!
September 12th, 2018 at 7:24 PM ^
The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security offers a Child and At-Risk Adult ID Wristband Program during large-scale events held at Michigan Stadium. Important information, such as a contact number and seat location, can be written on the wristband. This program helps security and law enforcement personnel to reunite a loved one if they become separated from their parent or guardian. Wristbands are available at gates 1, 2, 4, 8 & 9.
Also: https://annarborwithkids.com/articles/attending-michigan-football-game-with-kids/
September 12th, 2018 at 8:42 AM ^
Catch the percussion pre-game show at Revelli. Not sure of the official time (obviously before they march to the field - maybe 1.5 hours before kickoff?), but it's always spectacular.
September 12th, 2018 at 8:57 AM ^
I was going to suggest this. To me, this is better than tailgating, especially if you have time for both.
September 12th, 2018 at 8:50 PM ^
From the Marching Band's weekly e-newsletter:
10:00 AM Rehearsal - Elbel Field
12:00 PM Brunch
2:00 PM Percussion Step-Show - Front Steps Revelli Hall
2:00 PM Visualization Inside Revelli Hall
2:35 PM MMB – Victors in the Street
2:40 PM Leave for Michigan Stadium
2:50 PM Arrive at Michigan Stadium
3:10.PM M Band Pre-Game
3:30 PM Kick-off
September 12th, 2018 at 8:46 AM ^
I am also going to my first game with my wife. Neither of us have been, I am a life long fan so super excited. Any good places for two 24 year olds to go? We aren't big drinkers, would prefer to get to take in all the sights and sounds of a Saturday in Ann Arbor. (We're from Ohio I am trying to convert her).
September 12th, 2018 at 9:10 AM ^
Must do - is walk to the Stadium with the band. Be at Ravelli around 2:15 (Hoover and Division) Try to stay in front of the band ... start near the RR tracks on Hoover, so you can see and hear them march to the stadium. The Michigan Union is shut down for renovation (I think), but visits to Law Quad, Diag, Burton Tower and MDen should keep you busy. Enjoy !
Go Blue!
September 12th, 2018 at 10:12 AM ^
Thanks for the advice! next question best place to grab a good lunch as well?
September 12th, 2018 at 10:18 AM ^
i don't know about 'best' if that is defined as fancy, etc. but a really good place to go is pizza bob's right on state st, near packard. after a 33 year hiatus i took a couple of groups of our kids and they all loved it, as did i. get a sister ann with meat (a calzone) and maybe try a milk shake - chocolate chip and coffee mixed is my favorite.
September 12th, 2018 at 10:26 AM ^
Could care less about "fancy" more wanting best testing food. Wife and I are big calzone fans so I will put that on the list. Thanks!
September 12th, 2018 at 10:26 AM ^
Pizza Bob's is great. We always do the Brown Jug prior to games because parking is easier that side of town and the walk is still only about a mile. Plus you get the added bonus of walking through frat row and seeing a ton of super drunk college students - always a nice trip down memory lane. Dominick's is another good spot right by the business college, again parking near there is easy and its a quick walk up to state street from there.
September 12th, 2018 at 10:29 AM ^
Thank you! also thanks for throwing in easier parking places too! this is all new to both of us so want to avoid as much stress as possible and we all know finding parking with a S/O can be pretty stressful lol.
September 12th, 2018 at 8:47 AM ^
As always for kids (& adults), the drum line show outside Revelli Hall an hour + before kickoff.
September 12th, 2018 at 9:11 AM ^
I'll be out on AAGO on the hole closest to Stadium Blvd. Will be there with my 73 year old mother and my 8 year old daughter.
If you see an Audi wagon (probably white, though we may bring the black one), come over and say hello. Bring some beers and I'll trade you some burgers & dogs.
My daughter has made tailgate friends that she hangs out with while we're up there.
Can be a great experience for a kid if you manage it right.
September 12th, 2018 at 9:30 AM ^
I had my 11 year old niece and 7 year old nephew with me at last week's game against Western. They too absolutely loved walking with the band to the stadium. (Though it was kind of a task for the 7 year old to walk up 75 steps out of the stadium after the post-game performance.)
My niece took it upon herself to start rooting for MSU about three years ago. I suspect it was desperation to be unique since the rest of the family roots for Michigan. She had a blast on Saturday though and I could see the twinkle in her eye. I think she's finally going to come over from the dark side.
September 12th, 2018 at 9:37 AM ^
Last year, I took my son around South U and then to Main St. we went to a couple of bars and got light food and drinks.
I don’t think kids enjoy actual tailgating, unless there are a few kids their own age and they like playing the games.
September 12th, 2018 at 9:37 AM ^
Took my 8 year old daughter to her 8th game last week. We had a fantastic daddy daughter day!!!!
Pre-Game- Take her over to the "fan-zone" at Pioneer for some free swag and then walk over to Crisler Arena for some new tattoos, pom poms and gear
Get to the game about 20 minutes before so you can watch both the band and the players come out of the tunnel. .
1st quarter...pretzel 2nd quarter right before halftime...buy frozen lemonade
halftime...hang out on the grass hills in north end zone and enjoy lemonade and people watch
3rd ..cotton candy and doing the wave 4th quarter ... giver her your phone and have her take pictures
My MGodaughter's eyes light up at the mere mention of her going to a game. Sept 22nd we celebrate her birthday at TBH per her request.
Good Luck and Enjoy!!!
Go Blue!!!
September 12th, 2018 at 2:51 PM ^
Bringing my 5 year old to his first game at TBH as well.
Is the "Fan-zone" (I assume this is in the Pioneer HS parking lot) the same thing as the Meijer FanFest at the corner of stadium & main? If not, is one better than the other?
Where would you suggest for parking? I know I want to take him to MDen - he's so excited to get the Michigan transformer looking toy.. But I dont know if I should go to MDen first and park downtown and then walk from there, or park somewhere closer to the stadium.
Is the band/percussion rehersal at Revelli Hall or Elbel field ? Does the band perform at one, and the percussion at the other?
Is the Crisler thing a pay to play kind of thing, or giveaways to young kids?
September 12th, 2018 at 9:54 AM ^
She's going to want to drink no fewer than 10 beers. Remember, you can't buy beer in the stadium so you gotta get really juiced up before heading in to keep the buzz alive.
September 12th, 2018 at 9:57 AM ^
The band always walks by the Grey Lot (off Hoover by the railroad tracks) and when my kids were younger they liked to mess around on the track and field area.
September 12th, 2018 at 10:10 AM ^
Blue Lep has some really great shot specials. I would take her there and get lit!
September 12th, 2018 at 10:32 AM ^
Arby's. They provide "educational" toys in their kids' meals.
September 12th, 2018 at 11:41 AM ^
https://mgoblue.com/sports/2017/6/16/fanzone-towsley-museum-html.aspx
September 12th, 2018 at 11:56 AM ^
I'd say do the same thing with your 9yo that you did with your 12. Also provided all the stuff is there, over in the corner of Pioneer near the stadium there are activities that she may enjoy.
I'd agree with others, fill the earlier part of the day with the fun kid-type activities and it'll keep her engaged longer. :) Something the two of you could do is hunt A2 for the fairy doors.
September 12th, 2018 at 12:33 PM ^
Depends on what she likes. Band practice, the step show, Towsley Museum, State Street, activities at Pioneer.