Generic stadium experience
Haven't had a chance to listen to current Ace podcast yet but I see that one of the topics is "the increasingly generic stadium experience"
I am anxious to here his take on this because I whole heartedly agree with this premise.
Sitting in Michigan Stadium is increasingly a pro stadium experience with the blasting music covering up every other sound that used to be there, stupid video board things like "Make Some Noise!" and a seeming deemphasis on the actual collegiate atmosphere (band, cheerleaders) that used to make a game at Michigan Stadium a pleasant and unique experience.
October 10th, 2019 at 10:44 AM ^
Wait..we don't believe in championship football? I'm confused.
October 9th, 2019 at 1:27 PM ^
My opinion may not be popular, but I think that we need to appeal to the recruits, in regards to the experience in the Big House. The more crazy and loud the atmosphere is, the better. If that means a "reminder to stand up and make noise" than so be it. If that means putting freaking strobe lights in the tunnel with smoke like Nebraska or OSU, then fine. Loud music to pump up the kids before the game or during, sure. I don't want to abandon some of the great traditional experiences but lets also adapt and change with the times.
October 9th, 2019 at 1:43 PM ^
We call ourselves the leaders & best so that means certain types will say we can’t copy what other successful teams are doing even though they didn’t invent it and are profiting off of it.
You know what’s more important than being the leaders & best? Being the champions of the West again.
If Blue endzones and Maize uniforms help, do it. Wear the alternates more than once. I know for a fact that we still have those uniforms from 2017 just sitting there waiting to be used again.
October 9th, 2019 at 1:56 PM ^
I am originally from Michigan and live outside of Columbus, and to the non Michigan fan, the stadium experience is a joke. They joke about it on local sports radio when the annual conversation comes up about best Big Ten Stadiums to experience. The consensus is that the Penn State and OSU experience is far more fun and crazy then the Big House.
October 9th, 2019 at 2:11 PM ^
If fans in their 30s and 40s think our stadium is a joke. I wonder what 17-18 year old kids think?
October 9th, 2019 at 2:04 PM ^
To a certain extent, I do agree with this... we need to be flexible and adapt with the times if we want a winning program. That means changing how we play, how we coach, and our image.
October 9th, 2019 at 1:42 PM ^
My perspective:
I was just at the Notre Dame/Bowling Green game over the weekend. Have been to many ND games and Michigan games, but haven't been back to ND since their renovations. (Mgo wife is an ND fan, and we live in South West Michigan, 45 min from Notre Dame stadium so yeah) But I have to say, Michigan stadium is by far better than Notre Dame stadium.
ND does the exact same thing with the loud music, constant video clips from their new to them jumbo screen, and the band was quiet overall. A very generic stadium to say the least.
The bleacher seating for example, holy touchdown Jesus! I went to ND games back in high school and though the seating sucked! Nope, still the same in 2019!
ND has the tiniest, most uncomfortable seating ever. It Sucks. My son, who is 8, flat out said the stadium sucked and he hated being there. I took him to the Western vs UM game last year and he had a blast. Loved it. Also, Michigan is 10 times cleaner as a university /city.
Just my opinion.
October 9th, 2019 at 6:28 PM ^
Other than that, how was the play Mrs. Lincoln?
Sounds like you really hate ND's stadium experience. Don't candy coat your thoughts next time...
October 9th, 2019 at 1:48 PM ^
Looks like every football thread topic is going to include digs at the program, fun place to be visit these days
October 9th, 2019 at 1:55 PM ^
Give me a drumline performance during every TV timeout. Every one. MOAR PERCUSSION!
October 9th, 2019 at 2:05 PM ^
It is likely that the "stadium experience" would not have seemed nearly as "generic" if the offense had not left the stadium about half-way through the first quarter.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:03 PM ^
Or for once, the fan base could actually help by rallying behind the offense and supporting. But ok...
October 9th, 2019 at 2:12 PM ^
Michigan Stadium is great but the fanbase tends to be rather mediocre. They have to pump in sound because half the time the place is quiet due to 75,000 people sitting down while we’re on defense.
Don’t want pumped in sound? Be as loud as LSU/A&M/Ohio State/Penn State etc etc.
October 9th, 2019 at 2:15 PM ^
Amen
October 9th, 2019 at 2:40 PM ^
Don’t want pumped in sound? Be as loud as LSU/A&M/Ohio State/Penn State etc et
Except that those stadiums do the same as us. PSU was one of the first college stadiums to go full NFL.
October 9th, 2019 at 2:51 PM ^
For all Michigan has done wrong, they at least make an effort with the MMB. Penn State pretty much put the Blue Band out on the curb when they went full NFL.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:00 PM ^
EXACTLY!!
as impressive as 115k people in one stadium can be visually, it’s quieter than most 40k seat soccer stadiums in Europe and certainly a LOT of other college football stadiums in the US.
October 9th, 2019 at 2:18 PM ^
I’m a senior at michigan. I’ve never missed a game. holy shit, can the band play more than 3 songs? I understand people want more band and less piped-in music, but can we compromise and have the band play something from this century? it seems like it happens once a year where the band plays something from the charts and it sounds amazing every time.
and don’t get me started on the media timeouts. 16 media timeouts against iowa, not including injury timeouts and end-of-quarter TOs. I’ll be glad to graduate and just watch the games on TV.
October 9th, 2019 at 2:37 PM ^
I've never disliked it more. Completely asinine choices to minimize what makes Michigan Stadium special, from the desire to be just like everyone else.
Homecoming is a prime example. You have the pageantry of the MMB, the alumni band, the alumni cheerleaders, and everything else that makes Michigan's rich tradition immediately apparent.
And we're unleashing t-shirt cannons and having kids catch punts and blasting music at every single damn opportunity so that no moment goes without some form of distraction. And at the expense of the entities that have provided the in-game experience for decades.
Do not enjoy, and it's getting to the point where I'd rather have my memories of what made Michigan Stadium such a special place for me, and enjoy those memories at home.
October 9th, 2019 at 3:42 PM ^
You sound like the oldest man alive.
All 3 of those things are geared towards “millennial” fans. The students seem to like all of that stuff, especially the punt catching. It’s fun and similar to the half court heave at Crisler. Heaven forbid there be lightheartedness at a game.
It’s not 2006 anymore. No amount of yearning for yesteryear is going to bring it back.
October 9th, 2019 at 3:47 PM ^
It's interesting how you spend so much time extolling Michigan traditions, yet have so much contempt and derision for older fans and/or people who appreciate the way things used to be.
Yawn.
October 9th, 2019 at 8:10 PM ^
I'd be happy with almost no piped in music and agree with you on the lack of Homecoming in Homecoming (and I'm not even an alumnus). However, seeing Woodson smiling while shooting the t-shirt cannon (and his disappoint when he was out of ammo) was great.
October 9th, 2019 at 2:49 PM ^
I was going to write about being that guy who goes to the games to watch the game. But I'll simply stop here :)
October 9th, 2019 at 2:59 PM ^
OK, but you're not watching the game during the 56 minutes they have added to each game in order to show commercials to people watching on TV.
(4 timeouts per quarter x 2 minutes 45 seconds x 4 quarters + 2 quarter breaks x 3.5 minutes + 5 minutes added to halftime).
October 9th, 2019 at 3:17 PM ^
yuppies only get loud when fans stand in front of them
October 9th, 2019 at 4:18 PM ^
This reads like such a "Michigan" thread: "Back in my day..."
The stadium experience has evolved ever since the thing was built. There is no such thing as a "traditional stadium experience" because each generation of students has had a completely different and - hopefully - better time at the games. This often comes to the chagrin of older generations who believe their experience was somehow better than everyone else...
To be completely honest though, I never found my particular experience all that amazing. Granted, I graduated some time ago, but the typical stadium experience included: Day games with no hope for a night game in sight, 100K fans who mostly sat on their hands and / or were yelled at for standing up, the marching band playing 1-2 songs over-and-over for three hours, no replays or ability to actually see what was going on on the field (especially if your seat location sucked), the food options were terrible, the line to the bathroom took forever, cell service was non-existent, etc.
Having gone back for one of the UTL games and a handful of day games, the experiences now have been infinitely better than when I was there. Personally, I like the piped in music, especially if it means I don't have to hear the 10th rendition of the same song that the band learned that week. The jumbo screens are awesome for replays and reviews, especially if - like me - your eye sight isn't exactly what it once was! The food options now are way better than when I was there; and, I don't have to wait in line for an hour to take a piss.
There was a point - my senior year - when it was just as fun watching the game from home or a bar because: 1) it was cheaper and I was poor; 2) I could have a conversation with people around me without getting yelled at; 3) I could drink; etc etc etc. Basically, there was a time when the experience of watching the game on TV was at least equal to going to the game. Now, it's totally different. I'd much rather go to the game than watch on TV. Kudos to the Athletic Department for making some great investments to make the experience better.
October 9th, 2019 at 4:45 PM ^
I will add there seems to be a difference in "experience mindsets" between those fans who were born-and-raised with UM football. If you grew up going to games, and have fond memories of "the way it used to be," I can understand why the change may be frustrating. While I may not totally agree with the concerns, some people like changes more than others...
Whereas, for me, I had no particular relationship to UM until going to school there. And - upon graduation - I find myself returning to Michigan maybe once a year to attend reunions with friends. Given my albeit infrequent trips to the Big House these days, I love the modifications because it's much more "modern." On the same token, I don't have a childhood nostalgia that's tethering me to the past. So, I guess I get it...
October 9th, 2019 at 6:51 PM ^
I completely agree with you. How often have we complained about how quiet the stadium is? It’s not just because it’s an open bowl, Michigan fans really are quiet and stuck in the past. Oh and Don’t think for a moment the coaching staff and the players don’t know that. It is noticeable how quiet it is when the opposing offense is on the field for the majority of games.
I was talking to a co-worker who is a season ticket holder and the eye roll and sighs I saw and heard when I mentioned I expected and was looking forward to going to the ND game at night. But ‘leaders and best’ right?
October 9th, 2019 at 10:36 PM ^
I do miss the piss troughs. The lines seemed quicker.
October 9th, 2019 at 6:41 PM ^
but the crowd was actually engaged and made noise when iowa’s offense was on the field, and not JUST on fourth downs. A bunch of people stood up and I didn’t hear a single “down in front” for once. Also, the “Iowa’s offense appreciates your silence, please respond” was clever and made a difference.
Half time was meh but besides that it was a very enjoyable football experience, for me at least.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:11 PM ^
So I haven’t been around very long but man do I have some stories.
Once there was a man in front of us who criticized the team the entire time-then turned around and started screaming to make noise while we were on offense.
Then once I just asked (rhetorically) “what the heck are we doing?” And this old man (very loudly) yells “we’re taking a TIME OUT!” I just stared at him and was like “....yeah I know.” What I really wanted to say was “I know I’m a women so you think I might not know things-but believe it or not I know my football.”
The absolute best story, however, is also the grossest. There was a man in front of me who kept getting very close and was clearly touching or picking something up off the ground (or so I thought.) The next play I happen to look down and this guy has HIS SHOES AND SOCKS COMPLETELY OFF. Just bare feet right on that concrete. He kept them off the entire game, and also walked up the steps with shoes and socks in hand.
October 9th, 2019 at 10:23 PM ^
I had seats in the south endzone at the 1997 Michigan/Notre Dame game. I was standing in front of my seat while the team came out of the locker room before the game, clapping and singing along with the fight song. An old guy - maybe 75 - was sitting in the seat directly behind me. He angrily asked me to sit down so that he could see. I kindly obliged, even though there was nothing happening on the field, other than the team touching the banner. Quite a while later, second quarter or so, Griese threw a deep pass into the near end zone, and the Michigan receiver caught the ball for the go-ahead touchdown. Every single person in front of me in the section stood up to see the catch and to go crazy when the ref signaled the TD. I also stood. The old dude pushed me and told me he was going to kick me in the head the next time I stood up. We were both wearing Michigan shirts.
October 9th, 2019 at 10:33 PM ^
Shoulda said I’d like to see you try.
October 10th, 2019 at 12:25 AM ^
Wow. Like if you want to sit the entire game, watch it from your couch. You’re in a stadium with 100,000 people, you’re not the only one who matters. People are ridiculous.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:42 PM ^
I got a survey after this weekend’s game and shared this sentiment plus the awful media timeouts. Nothing will happen and I’m leaning hard towards hanging up the ‘ol season tickets after this year. Negatives have caught up to the positives and are about to pass them up. My kids don’t even want to stay the whole game anymore.
October 9th, 2019 at 9:32 PM ^
Right there with you M-jed. Filled out the survey but I doubt it will make much difference. We are giving up tickets that have been in the family for 30 years. At least 5 other families at our tailgate are doing the same. The timeouts, ever-increasing ticket prices and over all game experience have declined to the point where it's just not that much fun anymore. Our plan is rotate viewing home games at each other's homes. Cheaper food/drinks, easier access to bathrooms, and a little extra cash in the bank account.
October 9th, 2019 at 8:17 PM ^
They ought play this song nonstop every time the offense comes on the field ...
October 9th, 2019 at 9:57 PM ^
About time. It’s better than hearing the sounds of hips and knees gone bad. BTW. Michigan is a long ways away from being an NFL experience or even a rowdy college atmosphere, and I’d rather see the jumbo tron (if that’s what you wanna call it) say “make some noise” over a bunch of decrepit old fucks shaking their Chrysler keys. Well now we have key fobs so there’s that.
October 9th, 2019 at 10:15 PM ^
I was back at Yost for the first time in a decade to watch a hockey game last winter. I felt the exact same way about the game experience there. Does not hold a candle to the Yost atmosphere that I remember from the 4 years that I held season tickets there in the '90s.
October 10th, 2019 at 11:26 AM ^
Yost is flat-out sad. Pretty much all of the character was sucked out of the building with the Brandon renovation, with the exception being the windows being opened up. Which is wonderful. The rest... nope.
October 9th, 2019 at 10:28 PM ^
One thing I liked was when the video board showed a player telling the fans to make some noise, as long as it was genuine. I think maybe it was Kemp who seemed the most genuine in the video. Just something I noticed. Like, if the player was lazily trying to pump me up I’d think it was cheesy.
October 9th, 2019 at 10:46 PM ^
Beating Iowa with 13 total points scored by both teams?
Yup, pretty generic Michigan Stadium experience.
October 9th, 2019 at 11:01 PM ^
First game was the Army game, here is my take comparing it to some SEC environments that I've been to:
1. Michigan fans are classier than other fans on the whole. That is usually a positive, but can take away from the environment. SEC games I have been to always have a fair share of drunk rednecks that are annoying but certainly provide noise/energy. SEC students also take the game a lot more seriously than Michigan students. They plan their entire weekend around the games/dress up, etc. I think there is more to do in Ann Arbor.
2. Michigan fans are constantly nervous about the team and who could blame them? Would help if they played with some confidence.
3. We actually loved the band and some of the other programming. Had less piped in music than most environments I have been to.
4. FOX has been horrible since taking over Big Ten games. They have the worst media time out policy of all the networks. I have never been to a game in any sport with more delays and that really kills the energy in the stadium.
October 10th, 2019 at 5:37 AM ^
FOX sucks. Who agreed to that? Delaney? His replacement in 2021 needs to revoke this. If I am wrong, then sorry, Mr. Delaney, may you enjoy your retirement.
October 11th, 2019 at 6:31 AM ^
If for no more than not seeing Urabans pompous ass on my pre game I agree.
October 10th, 2019 at 9:57 AM ^
IMO, Some quick fixes to enhance the experience:
-Add numbers/player names to the luxury suites (Edwards, Hart, Howard, Woodson, Law etc)
-More MMB, but with a larger selection of songs
-Update piped-in music more frequently, but play it a little less to make more time for the band.
-T-shirt cannons are always badass.
-At least 1 real night game per year. I am talking about Penn State, MSU, OSU, Wisky...And look into strobing the lights like Georgia did vs. Notre Dame a few weeks ago. That intro was electric. You can add smoke too in the tunnel run-out as well, while still having it far away from the banner touch.
-More afternoon games as well. IIRC, this is mostly determined by broadcasters, but 11 am/noon kickoffs, though traditional, sorta suck. By moving the time to 3 PM, you can also get more students who have had enough time to get their sleep in after boozing the night before, get some food, and some more drinks.
-Get the scoreboards to amp up fan more effectively.
Harder fix:
-Get off of Fox somehow when the contract ends. Fox has a solid gameday crew but is terrible for games in terms of commercial breaks.