Tips for tailgating on the UM Golf Course
I looked at the tailgater's guide under "useful tips" but the info isn't super extensive on the U of M golf course section.
I have some people coming into town and we are going to get a spot on the U of M Golf Course rather than the AAGO because were staying close to the State St entrance. Anyone that has tailgated on that course rather than the AAGO, I'm hoping you can help me. What time would it open for a noon game? What time should we aim to get to the course to ensure we get a spot. Any logistical tips for getting to the course etc.?
Any help is much appreciated!
October 4th, 2019 at 9:30 AM ^
Get there early, by 7am is what I've always been told. There is a line to get in, though I don't usually park at the golf course.
October 4th, 2019 at 9:43 AM ^
https://mgoblue.com/news/2009/8/26/U_M_Football_Parking_Inventory.aspx
The golf course opens at 7am for noon games. The officers usually won't let you get in line before 7, so no reason to show up any earlier. If it rains heavy the night before or the morning of the game be careful, because the golf course will sometimes close down and not allow parking.
October 4th, 2019 at 9:45 AM ^
It opens at 7am, and there will be a line to get in. You'll get a spot there if you show up around that time, but the later you arrive, the longer the line will be to get in.
October 4th, 2019 at 9:57 AM ^
Hate to piggyback on this thread but didn’t want to start a new one: my first game IN the Big House tomorrow, any cheap(ish) parking or recommendations for an overall good experience? Any help is appreciated, plan to be in the area at 9:00am
October 4th, 2019 at 10:02 AM ^
It's a longish walk, about 1.5 miles, but I typically park on Northbrook Dr (on the other side of AA-Saline Rd than Whole Foods). It's free parking and super easy exit to the highway.
October 4th, 2019 at 10:03 AM ^
For noon games I don’t dump the cash for the golf course. I come in on state from 94 and park of the left which makes an easy out after the game. It’s around $20. I don’t know the address but it’s a house on a hill that has a field behind it. Pretty chill atmosphere but plenty of room to bbq and throw a ball or set up cornhole boards. Pretty much anything down through there’s gonna be $20.
October 4th, 2019 at 10:03 AM ^
I usually park in the public garage off 5th between William and LIberty. Easy in, easy out, just about a mile walk to the Big House. Less than $15, and that's grabbing breakfast at Fleetwood before the game, or grabbing a burger and a beer at Arbor Brewing after. There are a lot of options closer, but it works for me and the only time it's been full is when sharty or ohio come to town.
October 4th, 2019 at 4:45 PM ^
Bit of a walk, but I'd recommend hitting Fraser's on Packard before the game. Park there or at the bank across the street for free, enjoy some food and a beer, and walk on over ~30 minutes before kick-off.
October 4th, 2019 at 10:07 AM ^
pro tip: find robf's tailgate and park yourself there. he is way too nice to shoo you away, and it is highly likely he'll have food, adult beverages, and he'd share them.
(i am in big trouble now)
October 4th, 2019 at 10:08 AM ^
Tip: it will likely be closed this week. Driving range has already been closed.
October 4th, 2019 at 10:50 AM ^
Just saw this on the UM Golf Course twitter. Any suggestions on what to do if the rest of it is closed? I'm planning a pretty large tailgate and wouldn't know where to go with it otherwise. Don't Pioneer/AAGO usually sell their spots in advance? Other suggestions?
October 4th, 2019 at 11:18 AM ^
Both places have prepay spots, but public can usually get in pretty easy. AAGO hasn't announced its closed yet, but Pioneer almost never closes.
October 4th, 2019 at 11:20 AM ^
You can get Pioneer pass in advance (I don't know how to), but you can pay at any of the entrances also. The only stipulation to this is, like last weekend when it is too wet, Pioneer limits tailgating to pre-passes only. The other thing I should mention is that RV pre-passes are sold out through the year, so if you have an RV, Pioneer might not be an option.
October 4th, 2019 at 12:16 PM ^
No RV. Just a sedan packed to the brim.
October 4th, 2019 at 12:46 PM ^
Pioneer is the closest in atmosphere to the golf course.
If thats not an option, there are lots of places right off of State St by the golf course. Theres a car wash across the street next to the CVS that is pretty popular with the golf course people when the course is closed.
October 4th, 2019 at 2:01 PM ^
Community Car Wash - was there last week. Got the last spot at 8:45 am. Cost is $30. They have bathrooms (clean) with running water. If coming from State Street / I-94, enter off of Industrial Drive. Lucky's Market is right across the street - good place for forgotten food and extra beer. It's our go-to tailgate spot - highly recommend.
October 4th, 2019 at 10:15 AM ^
drink beer not wine, eat BBQ and don't run over Shea
have a cornhole tournament with your friends
October 4th, 2019 at 11:06 AM ^
We got there between 8:30 & 9:00 for the Army game this year, and there was no line. We got a spot super close to the entrance.
October 4th, 2019 at 11:29 AM ^
Last weekend, when all the big tailgate areas were shutdown due to weather, I went with my alternative to tailgating for noon games.... (I come from NW of Ann Arbor, so I never want to be east of Main St, that way I can sneak out the back roads and avoid the heavy traffic congestion). On the corner of W. William St. & S. Ashley St., there is an outdoor lot that costs around $10-$12 for say 8 hours and it's about a mile to the Stadium. Get some brunch and drinks at Cafe Zola and then go next door to Grizzly Peak for a couple beers. Grab a roadie for the mile walk and good to go. You'll spend less than the amount of money you'd pay for tailgating spot and beverages/food for tailgating. Good luck! Go Blue!
October 4th, 2019 at 12:09 PM ^
If Zola is in the mix, I think your tailgating dollar equation goes right out the window. I was there before the Army game . . . Belgian waffle, bacon, and a bloody Mary, plus tip? $40.
October 4th, 2019 at 1:05 PM ^
Fair point. My bill at Zola was between $50-$60 after tip and I spent around $30 after tip at Grizzly Peak. When tailgate parking costs me $50, I could easily spend $30-$40 on beverages and food for tailgating. I could also drink a lot cheaper stuff at Zola or limit it to 1 drink and spend less time at Grizzly Peak...etc. The possibilities are endless, but the people I'm entertaining usually dictate my day...especially when it's my wife with me....yikes!
October 4th, 2019 at 2:45 PM ^
If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Do what you gotta do!
October 4th, 2019 at 1:18 PM ^
If you want to park at Pioneer, here’s where to get a parking pass but you should hurry. They sell out fast. As wet as it’s been, they may limit parking there to pass holders only.
October 4th, 2019 at 1:25 PM ^
Arrive at 5:45. Start drinking. Everything else will fall into place.
October 4th, 2019 at 4:54 PM ^
Another option for parking or tailgating is Arbor Bridge Church, 2500 S. Main St., just south of Busch's. Paved parking lot, indoor restrooms before the game, $15/car. One mile walk to the stadium. Lot opens at 9:15 this Saturday.
October 5th, 2019 at 12:14 AM ^
C’mon man!