OT:Parking/Tailgating for Ohio State game

Submitted by TrueMaize on November 10th, 2021 at 11:02 AM

A quick sort of “cool story, bro” before I get to my initial question.

I’m getting married next year at Wellers Carriage House (in Saline, on a Saturday in October::sad face::). I’ve asked my grandfather to be my best man!


I got all my groomsmen gifts but wanted to make his special. So I got us sideline tickets to the Ohio State game ( row 2, near the 20 on the visitors side). There’s a chance we suffer the same soul crushing defeat we are all too familiar with. But it’s not about the outcome, it’s about spending a day with my best bud. The guy who taught me to love this university. The guy who taught me to swim as a little dude at the UofM Flint Rec center while he was working on his masters. The guy who pushed me to strive for a better life than he had. Pushed me to do my undergrad at UofM. Pushed me to pursue a graduate degree. And is pushing me to begin applying to behavior analysis doctoral programs next fall.
 

There is no one I look up to more than this man. He has spent his life giving his family the life he never had. He has spent his late adult years giving back to his community. Never thinking of himself, always thinking how he can make a difference. He did his undergrad work at UofM  and did his masters at UofM-Flint. But he has never been to a single game. Mostly because he was busy in his younger years raising a family and later adult years being a great grandfather.

So I’m making a small dream come true by taking him to the Ohio State game this year. He helped give our family a great life and now I’d like to give him something he missed out on. I want to give him the full experience. Bought him some Jordan gear, stadium cushion and hand warmers. This brings me to my question: Where is a good place to park and tailgate?I’m not worried about post game traffic. Just looking for a good time. 

Thank you in advance!

TL:DR Taking my hero to his first Michigan Football game. Help me find parking and a good spot for tailgating.

 

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Sione For Prez

November 10th, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^

This is a great idea. I wish I would have had a lot more time with my own Grandfather before he got sick when I was in elementary school. I am grateful for the time my brother and I did have with him as my sisters were not as lucky. Cherish that day.

The best parking spots for tailgating are the golf course or Pioneer, in my opinion. You'll have to watch the golf course as they close it if there's bad weather that day or the week leading up to the game. Be ready to get there very early. I'm sure someone who parks at those spots regularly will have some better specific advice for you.

Joined: 11/16/2015

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1989 UM GRAD

November 10th, 2021 at 12:06 PM ^

What a lovely story.  

Kudos to you for going out of your way for your grandfather!

You didn't mention his age, but if he's older, you might want to park as close as possible to the stadium.  I believe there are some houses on Greene that park cars on their lawns. 

Instead of worrying about tailgating, I'd focus on the area on Hoover near the stadium where the band puts on a little show before the game...and then follow the band as they walk toward the stadium.  I'm not sure exactly when this happens, but I'm assuming someone on here will know...or you can find the info somewhere online.  

There is a lot of action on State Street as you go from campus and get closer to Hoover...and especially on Hoover between State and Main.  Tons of students and alums walking around, tailgating, etc.  Tons of action in the parking lots off of Hoover and near Crisler Center. It's really the best area to take in the "sights and sounds" of a Michigan football Saturdays.  

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TrueMaize

November 10th, 2021 at 12:15 PM ^

Oh that’s an awesome idea! He is 70 this year, but he is in good physical shape. Hits the gym and trains for the Crim race in Flint every year!

I like the idea of setting up somewhere for a couple of drinks and snacks. Then walking around and just enjoying the atmosphere. It would be great if we can get Game Day for The Game!!
 

Thank you, so much, for all the advice!

Joined: 09/06/2015

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LSAClassOf2000

November 10th, 2021 at 12:25 PM ^

I've been to many a reception at Weller's - very cool place and a great choice indeed. My best friend was married there in 2016, as a matter of fact. 

As for taking your grandfather to his first Michigan game, that's awesome really. I really didn't know my grandparents as well as I would have liked - one was gone by the time I was born, another passing when I was four, and still another passing when I was eight. My mother's father lived until I was 20, but we rarely spoke because my mother had some profound "disagreements" with him - I will put it like that. I am honestly rather jealous that you have such an opportunity. 

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TrueMaize

November 10th, 2021 at 12:43 PM ^

LSA, thanks buddy, I appreciate it. It is a very beautiful venue, I’m excited.

I fully understand how lucky I am. My fiancé just lost her last grand parent here last winter. She understands how much my grandfather means to me. So when I told her he was going to be my best man and that I’d be taking him to  his first game she cried. 
 

 

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brose

November 10th, 2021 at 12:36 PM ^

This is great!!!!  I have no advice as I have not lived in Ann Arbor in 21 years, but wanted to comment that I thought this was awesome and I hope you all have a great time....LOVE TO SEE A "W" 

Joined: 02/19/2009

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Gree4

November 10th, 2021 at 1:14 PM ^

Man you are an awesome dude! I truly wish I could have spent more time with all of my grandparents. Im just 35, and unfortunately they are all gone. They all spoiled me so much, and I can only imagine what they would do for my own kids now. Cherish both days, as I am sure your grandpa will. 

Also congrats on your marriage

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GPCharles

November 10th, 2021 at 2:06 PM ^

It sounds like you are sitting on the east side of the stadium, but if you are actually sitting on the west side of the stadium, there is quite a bit of lawn parking in the neighborhood to the west of the stadium. i.e. west of the stadium towards 7th street, north of Stadium Blvd. and south of Pauline.  Some lawn parkers allow a bit of tailgating.  Although you can't park there, a lot of people tailgate at Allmendinger Park.  Parking in that area for OSU will probably run around $75, although each block farther away the price tends to be a bit lower.

Enjoy the game!

 

Joined: 01/11/2011

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House Mother

November 10th, 2021 at 2:32 PM ^

As others have stated, the parking fees at the golf course and Pioneer will be at least $70 and possibly more. If you are still interested in Pioneer, go to Michigangamedayparking.com and make a reservation as it will be sold out…probably prior to game day.  

Joined: 11/05/2016

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yooper_blue

November 10th, 2021 at 2:42 PM ^

Awesome! Great grandson you are.

 

I have tailgated in several different spots and the golf course (AAGO) has always been my favorite. We will  be attending the OSU game as well and we are planning on parking there. It is usually 60 bucks per car. Could be a little more for OSU.

As someone else said previously, the golf course is sometimes closed if the weather is not great. Particularly if it is rainy. If the golf course ends up being closed, we are going to do pioneer as a backup. I will likely check the weather the week of and if it isn't looking promising we will plan for pioneer. 

Great seats. Have fun and go blue!!

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Mgopioneer

November 10th, 2021 at 3:42 PM ^

Would offer the same advise as many others with pioneer or the golf course.

Just wanted to say good luck on your marriage! Enjoy your time with your Grandfather!  I could only imagine the high that man is on being your best man and attending his first Michigan game with you! Cheers to both of you and Go Blue!

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TrueMaize

November 11th, 2021 at 11:21 AM ^

Wow thanks for the kind words buddy! I think. He’s pretty stoked… he framed my letter I wrote him asking him to be my best man. Haha and told his entire church! 
 

He doesn’t know yet… but my fiancé and I are doing a bachelor/bachelorette cruise to the western Caribbean. We bought him a room for the trip! This will be his first international vacation, aside from visiting Puerto Rico (where he was born). Should be a fun time!:)

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T Bone

November 10th, 2021 at 6:02 PM ^

I love your story! I am a young grandpa, and my wife and I have been hosting a tailgate for many years on Hoover Street, which sees most of the students flow by on their way to the  game. You and your grandpa are welcome to join us, and I could reserve a parking spot for you there at a much lower cost than the golf course or Pioneer. Plus, we have bathroom privileges.  If you are interested, you can reach me at [email protected]

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saveferris

November 11th, 2021 at 10:20 AM ^

If you're committed to tailgating then the standard answer is to either park at Pioneer HS or the U of M Golf Course.  Both venues are pretty expensive, you'll spend somewhere around $60 - $70 per vehicle.  If you want a more economical option, the West Side United Methodist Church provides game day parking for around $20 and they let tailgaters use the restrooms in their basement.  It's located on 7th Street, just north of Pauline and it's less than a 10 minute walk to the Stadium.  They can get a little finicky about drinking, so keep your beer in a cup.

Myself, I usually roll into town and park at one of the garages around campus and then let Pizza House cater my tailgate

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