Michigan Tailgating Help Please.

Submitted by Lakeyale13 on

My fellow community, going to the game this weekend (Penn State) as a 40th Bday gift from my awesome wife.  We live in NC and I have been to 4 other games, but never have experienced a Michigan "gameday" experience.  Each of the 4 games, family in Jackson took me and all they were interested in was simply parking an hour before the game and walking in.  Beggars cannot be choosers and I was just thankful to be able to see my Maize and Blue play in person.  This weekend will be totally different.  I want the experience and want to tailgate.  So, where and what time should one show up to tailgate.  It seems like the golf course is the most popular.  Furthermore, are people fairly friendly, as we won't really have food, just alcohol and a friendly disposition.  Lol  We would probably need to mooch a burger / dog off someone.    Also, feel free to suggest any bars, restaurants, etc that would be cool to go to.  Thank you so much.

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Tate

September 18th, 2016 at 6:42 PM ^

Was getting ready to post something similar this week, so thanks for that! I'm from MD, and will be up this weekend too, this is only my 2nd UM game. Any tips would be appreciated!

Joined: 01/11/2013

MGoPoints: 10027

LSAClassOf2000

September 18th, 2016 at 7:45 PM ^

Even in my younger days, not being a morning person, there was pretty much no way I was going to be alive and well enough at 7 AM to tailgate that early. Now, with two kids in the latter half of elementary school, I can get up early because they do and won't shut up until I get out of bed, but the problem is getting them motivated enough at 7 AM to get out the door. In the end, it's the same problem, I get to Ann Arbor at about the time the stadium opens and use the "I know people" system to find parking and walk. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

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Lakeyale13

September 18th, 2016 at 7:10 PM ^

Ignorant question regarding the Golf Course..is there only one entrance or several?  Any suggestions as to what entrance to go in and what exit to get off to get there?

Joined: 11/16/2014

MGoPoints: 27401

MGoGrad11

September 18th, 2016 at 8:21 PM ^

It's often glazed over, but there are actually 2 courses. U of M course and the Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club (AAGOC). The AAGOC tends to have the more lively atmostphere and is closer to the stadium, but with a slightly higher cost, if parking ($50 v. $40, worth it IMO).

I always use the Stadium blvd. entrance for the AAGOC course. I believe the UM course has its main entrance on State St. I'm not sure if either courses have any other entrances, as those are the only ones I have used. State street exit off of 94 for the UM course and the Ann Arbor-Saline exit for the AAGOC. Although you could make it to either course from either exit, they are not that far apart.

Joined: 09/18/2016

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Goggles Paisano

September 19th, 2016 at 5:24 AM ^

They are next to each other so you really don't notice that there are two separate golf courses. Especially after a good 8 hour tailgate. I predict this will be the funnest day of your year. The tailgate, the positive energy from everyone and the anticipation for the game is just as fun as the game itself.  

Joined: 07/30/2011

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I dumped the Dope

September 18th, 2016 at 7:30 PM ^

I really like to have subs/cold cut-based sandwiches on hand.  They travel pretty well with the exception of the veggies which over-humidify the bread, if kept fully-assembled.  So keep those separate.  Also, waiting for the sub shop to open on Sat is not a good idea, the roads leading to Stadium + Main will be jammed by the time you get your subs.

AAGO (Golf & Outing) seems to have bigger, more organized, and more rockin' tailgates than the UMGC.  Also more wide open space at UMGC to throw the ball around.  The bathroom situation kinda sucks at UMGC, there are about 30% of the porta johns needed for the volume of people needing to discharge their used beer.  Sometimes I venture into the woods to look for lost golf balls ;-)

Joined: 09/22/2013

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rwilb

September 18th, 2016 at 7:44 PM ^

Threateningly challenge people to beer chugging games. The prospect of competition will distract them from the fact that you're drinking their booze for free

Joined: 10/03/2015

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HenneGivenSunday

September 18th, 2016 at 8:02 PM ^

My best advice is as follows:
1) Get there early. Doesn't have to be right when the golf course opens, but I recommend before 11am for a 3:30 kick.
2) Keep an eye on the weather and/or pre-pay for a parking pass at Ann Arbor Golf and Outing. Yes, more expensive to pre-pay, but it is nice to have a guaranteed spot, regardless of weather.
3). As others have suggested, go with sandwiches or other cold food if you do not have access to a grill. I do this from time to time even though I have a grill to tailgate with.
4). Make friends with those around you. This is really part of what makes tailgating (specifically at Michigan) special
5). My personal preference is to beat the rush to the entrance. I try to get there about 35-45 mins before kickoff. This allows you to see the band and enjoy a little leg room before the game. Also, bathrooms with running water!
6). Enjoy!



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Joined: 10/24/2011

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Charmandar

September 18th, 2016 at 8:15 PM ^

As for restaurants for after the game:
-Hopcat on Maynard near Liberty. They have over 100 beers on tap. The crack fries are awesome.
-Ashley's on State and North University. Another great craft beer place. They have over 100 beers with a great set of rotating taps.
-Palio - decent Italian restaurant on Main.
- Grizzly Peak - good American restaurant serving good craft beer
-Jolly Pumpkin - another brewery. Specialize in sours. The truffle fries and JP Burger is amazing.

Of course there is always Zingermans. I always suggest going to the Zingermans roadhouse over the cafe.

Joined: 08/24/2016

MGoPoints: 1391

jmdblue

September 18th, 2016 at 10:21 PM ^

Ashley' s lines are often dirty. Grizzled peak' s beer is regularly unthinkable, and its difficult to get less for more than at Palio (without going next door to Real Seafood).

 

Want pricey/ fancy? Pacific rim or West End.  Raven' s Club is also great.  Want cheaper and still good?  Frita' s or Tomukun.  Drinkin bar with food?  Old town.  Trouble?  Downstairs at Heidelberg

Joined: 12/01/2010

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MGoBender

September 19th, 2016 at 6:41 AM ^

All your suggestions are good.  But Ashley's and Peak aren't bad options.  It's really tough to go too wrong.

But, I'd avoid ABC if you're coming from out of town. Their service has always been slow and if you want to make a few stops, the last thing you want is to wait 25 minutes for your first beer.

Joined: 03/26/2010

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MGoPatio

September 19th, 2016 at 12:43 AM ^

Anybody discovered this one yet?

Slows Bar BQ is parking their food truck at the railroad tracks at E Hoover Ave, adjacent to Elbel Field. There's a warehouse in the back serving as the home for a charity beer garden with ten taps serving up craft brews, covered seating for 60+, and two large big screens with games on all day.

It's just one block from the Big House.

Open to the public.

Family friendly--kids welcome, even a corn hole game out back.

The Michigan Marching Band lead fans into the stadium (pre-game) and out again (post-game).

Oh, yeah...and bathrooms!

 

Beer and BBQ for charity. What's not to like?

Joined: 07/31/2012

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MGoPatio

September 19th, 2016 at 2:28 PM ^

It's the former Purchase Radio Supply building at 327 E. Hoover. Google Maps and streetview here.

There's a fence around the property (required for beer service) but the Slows truck is hard to miss. It's west of the RR tracks, kitty-corner from Revelli Hall. Last year, Campus Den was selling shirts, etc. on the site.

The warehouse is at the back of the property, grab some food and drink and sit down inside to watch the early/late/pre-game!

Cash and credit cards acepted. To buy beer, you have to show ID and buy a drink ticket ($6/pint).

Joined: 07/31/2012

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