How do you get a foot of snow out of Michigan Stadium before Saturday?

Submitted by James Burrill Angell on November 12th, 2019 at 7:09 AM

So apparently there is about a foot of snow in Michigan Stadium and there may be more on the way on Thursday. Clearing the field itself shouldn’t be too hard as they can get a pickup or SUV with a snowplow down the tunnel, on to the field and then push the snow back up the tunnel and out. My question Is how do you clear the stands? Can’t plow it or use a snow thrower? Even if you had an army of students or athletic department employees they would have to either carry it down to the field to be removed. There’s no way they just leave the snow, particularly in light of the barrage of towels being thrown on the field at the Notre Dame game. I’ve been going to games since the early 90’s and while we’ve had some snow games, I can’t remember any with this much snow already on the ground before a game. Just curious if there is any historical context or if anyone has heard what they plan to do.

Wolverine in The 614

November 12th, 2019 at 10:15 AM ^

I was at the PSU game when they let out the local prisoners to clear the stands.  They didn't clear the stands but instead packed the snow under the bleachers.  Must have been an omen  to just numb everyone's butts for the pain that was coming.  It was way too cold to sit on those bleachers.  Something similar would have to happen.

CRISPed in the DIAG

November 12th, 2019 at 7:22 AM ^

The army of students, AD and community is pretty much the only option. There is no equipment - small snow blowers maybe - that will work in the seats. It doesnt take that long if you are organized and have enough people. 

Red_Lee

November 12th, 2019 at 9:01 AM ^

Calumet managed to clear their field and bleachers for last Saturday's HS playoff game with volunteers...and they've got a population of 700.

I'd imagine the AD could gather enough help. Just the chance to get in the Big House is worth it alone. 

Just keep shoveling snow downwards onto the field. A couple trucks with a snowblower attachment and a tall chute to put it right into dump trucks will have the field cleared in no time.

Should probably just contract the work out to us yoopers. Just give us lodging, beer and tickets to the game. And maybe a parcel of land to hunt since it's the opener this weekend.

Anthony V

November 12th, 2019 at 7:32 AM ^

What they do at Lambeau field is they put chutes down the aisle ways down to the field and pay community members to go there and shovel out a row or 2 into the chute and then remove the snow from the field with heavy equipment.

MGlobules

November 12th, 2019 at 7:46 AM ^

I remember that first snow often hitting on Thanksgiving, as I and friends were heading back to the East Coast and home for the holiday, nearly dying with Janie K as we lay in the back of a van on Route 80 as we plowed along. Supposed to get down to 33 tonight in Tallahassee, and I'm okay with a quick, colder nip to kill off any lingering mosquitoes. . .

Dorothy_ Mantooth

November 12th, 2019 at 7:55 AM ^

3 degrees tonight for a low in AA... brutal (for this early)!

Friday will get up to 35, but not for long, so not much melting - and Saturday kick-off temp should be in the high 20s

True Blue Grit

November 12th, 2019 at 10:54 AM ^

Yup.  Most of the snow will still be here on Saturday.  I live about 3 miles from the Stadium and we got probably close to 10 inches of snow.  So, if you tailgate, you'll probably want to bring a snow shovel with you.  Also, I'm assuming the golf courses will be closed as well.  

XtremeUMich

November 12th, 2019 at 8:08 AM ^

This is exactly why I've been advocating for Michigan Engineering to develop heated bench seating! I'm sure we could develop it amd have some wealthy alumni pay for it, or better yet, patent it amd sell to other stadiums. I mean it's available on every basic car these days so I'm sure it would be possible to do! #Michigandifference