I was in the first line, too. I respect your commitment to staying in line despite being threatened. After the cops showed up, I bailed to the second line (what can I say, I got scared), but kudos to you guys for sticking it out. It's because of you guys that there is a case that can be used to make a difference in the future. Sorry you didn't get bleachers, but congrats again on sticking it out! Go Blue!
Thank you for the post to share my story. Like I said, I'm upset, but it was hard to be angry after a game like that. I just felt bad for my friend because he has to buy his tickets game-to-game and paid $70 for his ticket. It was just a bad situation that I hope will help lead to a better future for students. Go Blue!
Like many other students that have already shared their experiences, I too was in the initial line. I showed up with one of my friends around 6:45, thinking 15 minutes was not going to be that big of a deal. I saw the mass of people run through the parking lot from the bus stop, but decided to walk behind them as I was still going to be in the bowl.
My friend and I got in line, probably about 150 people back from the start of the line. We lined up in the same spot that we have for every other game (in front of the student gate, up a flight of stairs by the Big House tunnel) and just stood there peacefully, assuming we would be freezing, like usual, until we were let in at 10:30 or so.
About 20 minutes went by, when a car pulled into the parking lot. About 5 people got out and started talking to the security guard, as previously described. After talking, the group formed a mass at the bottom of the stairs leading into the line where we were standing. The girl shouted, "You guys aren't in line! This is the actual line." (Excuse me if that is paraphrased.) Some rushed to that line, as an instinctual reaction.
My friend and I did not because we believed that she was trying to trick people to cut in line. No security guard before her said anything to us about trespassing, being too early, etc. (There were security guards standing around us before 7 a.m. - none of them said a word before that girl got there.)
For about 20 minutes, we just stayed in line, assuming that this would all just pass, as we were doing nothing wrong. One security guard said to me and my friend, "You guys should get in that line. This apparently isn't the line anymore." (Again, excuse my paraphrasing.) No official announcement was made, though, and the second line had already grown to about 300, so we did not want to risk losing our spots (which definitely would have been in the bleachers).
About 5 minutes later, a security guard went to the front of the line and made the announcement to everybody that we were all technically trespassing and that, if we did not get in the other line, they would call the police and we would be arrested. We were all outraged, as we thought we did nothing to prompt getting arrested. We waited about 5 more minutes when, not surprisingly, a cop car sped into the parking lot.
The cop announced to us that if we did not follow their orders and go to the end of the second line (which was now at about 400 or so students), we would be arrested or prevented from entering the game.
Now, I can talk a mean talk, but when it comes to getting arrested, I abide by the law. My friend and I gave up our fight and headed to the back of the second line. The brave souls that stuck it out did end up getting into section 130, but there was no way of us knowing that before we left the line. As I said, we thought we would get arrested.
When going down to the second line, we asked if we could go to the front of the line as a feeble attempt to maintain our good standing in the line. We were told no, and headed to the end. My friend and I ended up sitting in the upper bowl for the game.
While it is hard to complain about this situation because of the amazing game we got to watch, I am still disappointed in the entire situation. There were Maize Rage core members in the first line with us that were threatened, just like me and my friend. However, as the core, they ended up getting in the bleachers anyway, so I doubt they will complain to the Athletic Department. Furthermore, as I said, no security guard said anything to the students that arrived too early before the girl in question spoke with them.
What makes me the upset, however, is that we were threatened to be arrested for standing in line for a basketball game. Of all the illegal activities and dangerous behaviors college students partake in, standing in line 15 minutes too early seems to be low on the priority level of the police. However, we were threatened and, as a law-abiding citizen, I left the line. Those that had more courage than me were rewarded with decent (though not bleacher) seats to avoid PR trouble.
My view was not nearly as good as those courageous few. Like I said, it is hard for me to be upset after such an amazing game, but it is also hard for me to hold my tongue after such an injustice. For about three freezing hours of my Sunday, it was hard for me to be proud to call myself a Michigan Wolverine.
As a side note, there is obviously no way for me to prove to the Athletic Department that I was in the first line, as I left before the 119 students were talked to by the University. The only proof I have is a screenshot of a Snapchat my friend sent out of us standing in line. The only proof I have is my word.
Like DCAlum, I too was in the initial line. I showed up with one of my friends around 6:45, thinking 15 minutes was not going to be that big of a deal. I saw the mass of people run through the parking lot from the bus stop, but decided to walk behind them as I was still going to be in the bowl.
My friend and I got in line, probably about 150 people back from the start of the line. We lined up in the same spot that we have for every other game (in front of the student gate, up a flight of stairs by the Big House tunnel) and just stood there peacefully, assuming we would be freezing, like usual, until we were let in at 10:30 or so.
About 20 minutes went by, when a car pulled into the parking lot. About 5 people got out and started talking to the security guard, as previously described. After talking, the group formed a mass at the bottom of the stairs leading into the line where we were standing. The girl shouted, "You guys aren't in line! This is the actual line." (Excuse me if that is paraphrased.) Some rushed to that line, as an instinctual reaction.
My friend and I did not because we believed that she was trying to trick people to cut in line. No security guard before her said anything to us about trespassing, being too early, etc. (There were security guards standing around us before 7 a.m. - none of them said a word before that girl got there.)
For about 20 minutes, we just stayed in line, assuming that this would all just pass, as we were doing nothing wrong. One security guard said to me and my friend, "You guys should get in that line. This apparently isn't the line anymore." (Again, excuse my paraphrasing.) No official announcement was made, though, and the second line had already grown to about 300, so we did not want to risk losing our spots (which definitely would have been in the bleachers).
About 5 minutes later, a security guard went to the front of the line and made the announcement to everybody that we were all technically trespassing and that, if we did not get in the other line, they would call the police and we would be arrested. We were all outraged, as we thought we did nothing to prompt getting arrested. We waited about 5 more minutes when, not surprisingly, a cop car sped into the parking lot.
The cop announced to us that if we did not follow their orders and go to the end of the second line (which was now at about 400 or so students), we would be arrested or prevented from entering the game.
Now, I can talk a mean talk, but when it comes to getting arrested, I abide by the law. My friend and I gave up our fight and headed to the back of the second line. The brave souls that stuck it out did end up getting into section 130, but there was no way of us knowing that before we left the line. As I said, we thought we would get arrested.
When going down to the second line, we asked if we could go to the front of the line as a feeble attempt to maintain our good standing in the line. We were told no, and headed to the end. My friend and I ended up sitting in the upper bowl for the game.
While it is hard to complain about this situation because of the amazing game we got to watch, I am still disappointed in the entire situation. There were Maize Rage core members in the first line with us that were threatened, just like me and my friend. However, as the core, they ended up getting in the bleachers anyway, so I doubt they will complain to the Athletic Department. Furthermore, as I said, no security guard said anything to the students that arrived too early before the girl in question spoke with them.
What makes me the upset, however, is that we were threatened to be arrested for standing in line for a basketball game. Of all the illegal activities and dangerous behaviors college students partake in, standing in line 15 minutes too early seems to be low on the priority level of the police. However, we were threatened and, as a law-abiding citizen, I left the line. Those that had more courage than me were rewarded with decent (though not bleacher) seats to avoid PR trouble.
My view was not nearly as good as those courageous few. Like I said, it is hard for me to be upset after such an amazing game, but it is also hard for me to hold my tongue after such an injustice. For about three freezing hours of my Sunday, it was hard for me to be proud to call myself a Michigan Wolverine.
As a side note, there is obviously no way for me to prove to the Athletic Department that I was in the first line, as I left before the 119 students were talked to by the University. The only proof I have is a screenshot of a Snapchat my friend sent out of us standing in line. The only proof I have is my word.
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https://www.tilt.com/campaigns/the-return-up-welcome-week-2014-video
This is the same kid that tried to run a crowd-funding campaign for a party video. Please, let him handle replacing our fight song. It'll be great.
I was in the first line, too. I respect your commitment to staying in line despite being threatened. After the cops showed up, I bailed to the second line (what can I say, I got scared), but kudos to you guys for sticking it out. It's because of you guys that there is a case that can be used to make a difference in the future. Sorry you didn't get bleachers, but congrats again on sticking it out! Go Blue!
Thank you for the post to share my story. Like I said, I'm upset, but it was hard to be angry after a game like that. I just felt bad for my friend because he has to buy his tickets game-to-game and paid $70 for his ticket. It was just a bad situation that I hope will help lead to a better future for students. Go Blue!
Like many other students that have already shared their experiences, I too was in the initial line. I showed up with one of my friends around 6:45, thinking 15 minutes was not going to be that big of a deal. I saw the mass of people run through the parking lot from the bus stop, but decided to walk behind them as I was still going to be in the bowl.
My friend and I got in line, probably about 150 people back from the start of the line. We lined up in the same spot that we have for every other game (in front of the student gate, up a flight of stairs by the Big House tunnel) and just stood there peacefully, assuming we would be freezing, like usual, until we were let in at 10:30 or so.
About 20 minutes went by, when a car pulled into the parking lot. About 5 people got out and started talking to the security guard, as previously described. After talking, the group formed a mass at the bottom of the stairs leading into the line where we were standing. The girl shouted, "You guys aren't in line! This is the actual line." (Excuse me if that is paraphrased.) Some rushed to that line, as an instinctual reaction.
My friend and I did not because we believed that she was trying to trick people to cut in line. No security guard before her said anything to us about trespassing, being too early, etc. (There were security guards standing around us before 7 a.m. - none of them said a word before that girl got there.)
For about 20 minutes, we just stayed in line, assuming that this would all just pass, as we were doing nothing wrong. One security guard said to me and my friend, "You guys should get in that line. This apparently isn't the line anymore." (Again, excuse my paraphrasing.) No official announcement was made, though, and the second line had already grown to about 300, so we did not want to risk losing our spots (which definitely would have been in the bleachers).
About 5 minutes later, a security guard went to the front of the line and made the announcement to everybody that we were all technically trespassing and that, if we did not get in the other line, they would call the police and we would be arrested. We were all outraged, as we thought we did nothing to prompt getting arrested. We waited about 5 more minutes when, not surprisingly, a cop car sped into the parking lot.
The cop announced to us that if we did not follow their orders and go to the end of the second line (which was now at about 400 or so students), we would be arrested or prevented from entering the game.
Now, I can talk a mean talk, but when it comes to getting arrested, I abide by the law. My friend and I gave up our fight and headed to the back of the second line. The brave souls that stuck it out did end up getting into section 130, but there was no way of us knowing that before we left the line. As I said, we thought we would get arrested.
When going down to the second line, we asked if we could go to the front of the line as a feeble attempt to maintain our good standing in the line. We were told no, and headed to the end. My friend and I ended up sitting in the upper bowl for the game.
While it is hard to complain about this situation because of the amazing game we got to watch, I am still disappointed in the entire situation. There were Maize Rage core members in the first line with us that were threatened, just like me and my friend. However, as the core, they ended up getting in the bleachers anyway, so I doubt they will complain to the Athletic Department. Furthermore, as I said, no security guard said anything to the students that arrived too early before the girl in question spoke with them.
What makes me the upset, however, is that we were threatened to be arrested for standing in line for a basketball game. Of all the illegal activities and dangerous behaviors college students partake in, standing in line 15 minutes too early seems to be low on the priority level of the police. However, we were threatened and, as a law-abiding citizen, I left the line. Those that had more courage than me were rewarded with decent (though not bleacher) seats to avoid PR trouble.
My view was not nearly as good as those courageous few. Like I said, it is hard for me to be upset after such an amazing game, but it is also hard for me to hold my tongue after such an injustice. For about three freezing hours of my Sunday, it was hard for me to be proud to call myself a Michigan Wolverine.
As a side note, there is obviously no way for me to prove to the Athletic Department that I was in the first line, as I left before the 119 students were talked to by the University. The only proof I have is a screenshot of a Snapchat my friend sent out of us standing in line. The only proof I have is my word.
Thanks for reading and Go Blue!
Like DCAlum, I too was in the initial line. I showed up with one of my friends around 6:45, thinking 15 minutes was not going to be that big of a deal. I saw the mass of people run through the parking lot from the bus stop, but decided to walk behind them as I was still going to be in the bowl.
My friend and I got in line, probably about 150 people back from the start of the line. We lined up in the same spot that we have for every other game (in front of the student gate, up a flight of stairs by the Big House tunnel) and just stood there peacefully, assuming we would be freezing, like usual, until we were let in at 10:30 or so.
About 20 minutes went by, when a car pulled into the parking lot. About 5 people got out and started talking to the security guard, as previously described. After talking, the group formed a mass at the bottom of the stairs leading into the line where we were standing. The girl shouted, "You guys aren't in line! This is the actual line." (Excuse me if that is paraphrased.) Some rushed to that line, as an instinctual reaction.
My friend and I did not because we believed that she was trying to trick people to cut in line. No security guard before her said anything to us about trespassing, being too early, etc. (There were security guards standing around us before 7 a.m. - none of them said a word before that girl got there.)
For about 20 minutes, we just stayed in line, assuming that this would all just pass, as we were doing nothing wrong. One security guard said to me and my friend, "You guys should get in that line. This apparently isn't the line anymore." (Again, excuse my paraphrasing.) No official announcement was made, though, and the second line had already grown to about 300, so we did not want to risk losing our spots (which definitely would have been in the bleachers).
About 5 minutes later, a security guard went to the front of the line and made the announcement to everybody that we were all technically trespassing and that, if we did not get in the other line, they would call the police and we would be arrested. We were all outraged, as we thought we did nothing to prompt getting arrested. We waited about 5 more minutes when, not surprisingly, a cop car sped into the parking lot.
The cop announced to us that if we did not follow their orders and go to the end of the second line (which was now at about 400 or so students), we would be arrested or prevented from entering the game.
Now, I can talk a mean talk, but when it comes to getting arrested, I abide by the law. My friend and I gave up our fight and headed to the back of the second line. The brave souls that stuck it out did end up getting into section 130, but there was no way of us knowing that before we left the line. As I said, we thought we would get arrested.
When going down to the second line, we asked if we could go to the front of the line as a feeble attempt to maintain our good standing in the line. We were told no, and headed to the end. My friend and I ended up sitting in the upper bowl for the game.
While it is hard to complain about this situation because of the amazing game we got to watch, I am still disappointed in the entire situation. There were Maize Rage core members in the first line with us that were threatened, just like me and my friend. However, as the core, they ended up getting in the bleachers anyway, so I doubt they will complain to the Athletic Department. Furthermore, as I said, no security guard said anything to the students that arrived too early before the girl in question spoke with them.
What makes me the upset, however, is that we were threatened to be arrested for standing in line for a basketball game. Of all the illegal activities and dangerous behaviors college students partake in, standing in line 15 minutes too early seems to be low on the priority level of the police. However, we were threatened and, as a law-abiding citizen, I left the line. Those that had more courage than me were rewarded with decent (though not bleacher) seats to avoid PR trouble.
My view was not nearly as good as those courageous few. Like I said, it is hard for me to be upset after such an amazing game, but it is also hard for me to hold my tongue after such an injustice. For about three freezing hours of my Sunday, it was hard for me to be proud to call myself a Michigan Wolverine.
As a side note, there is obviously no way for me to prove to the Athletic Department that I was in the first line, as I left before the 119 students were talked to by the University. The only proof I have is a screenshot of a Snapchat my friend sent out of us standing in line. The only proof I have is my word.
Thanks for reading and Go Blue!