Back from Ann Arbor

[NotInRHouse]

Well, I guess I am one of a respectable sized showing of RU fans that witnessed the latest Flood disaster in person. It was my first B1G trip, I had some non game related thoughts people might interesting.

1. The Big House is well, really big. It is sunk into the ground though, so even in the high up RU section, which still had good views, you're only up one flight of stairs. The boxes are on top of that.

2. The Big House is not very loud. The one time Michigan fans got really loud was when they got the unsportsmanlike flag. They don't go crazy on third down, or when they score. I really like RU in that regard and I think we have a solid advantage there.

3. Their band mostly plays "Hail to the Victors" and "Go Blue" and not much else, but people do get really into those two.

4. They pump in music just like us....and EDM and hip hop haters would not be any happier there than here. Tsunami was one of the first songs they played.

5. Concessions are way pricier than ours. A brat and drink in a souvenir cup is $14.

6. Ann Arbor is like a condensed version of NB and Pway if you took out the bad parts and everything was just a little cleaner and more orderly. The main area has both dorms and classrooms and bars and restaurants, and then the roads out to the highway look more or less like Stelton. Lots of busy bars and restaurants like NB on game day. The tailgate scene is similar but much bigger...spread onto surrounding country clubs and homes where people sell spots (some parking as low as $15) and tailgate on front lawns.

7. Last but not least, people were SO FRIENDLY. You couldn't go two feet in RU gear the whole weekend without a "Welcome to B1G", "Welcome to Ann Arbor" "Welcome to the Big House", and without someone saying something nice and knowledgable about our program (though 2 people did ask what state we were in). I really hope we are returning the favor.

The game was what it was. For me the weekend was about hanging out with my friends, but I will not be doing that if there is not a change at HC next year.

We as fans who will sit in car for 20 hours only to get whopped deserve better.

Also one more thing....Wolverines in the NFL was limited to Tom Brady. Not sure if they just have too many NFL guys to go through all of them like us.

 

[RUNYGDVLSFAN]

7. Last but not least, people were SO FRIENDLY. You couldn't go two feet in RU gear the whole weekend without a "Welcome to B1G", "Welcome to Ann Arbor" "Welcome to the Big House", and without someone saying something nice and knowledgable about our program (though 2 people did ask what state we were in). I really hope we are returning the favor.

...sounds like you had a decent time, good for you. Would like to visit one day myself. Met a few nice Michigan fans in Piscataway last year...
***** too bad their coach is ass.

 

[kjb32812]

Well, I guess I am one of a respectable sized showing of RU fans that witnessed the latest Flood disaster in person. It was my first B1G trip, I had some non game related thoughts people might interesting.

1. The Big House is well, really big. It is sunk into the ground though, so even in the high up RU section, which still had good views, you're only up one flight of stairs. The boxes are on top of that.

2. The Big House is not very loud. The one time Michigan fans got really loud was when they got the unsportsmanlike flag. They don't go crazy on third down, or when they score. I really like RU in that regard and I think we have a solid advantage there.

3. Their band mostly plays "Hail to the Victors" and "Go Blue" and not much else, but people do get really into those two.

4. They pump in music just like us....and EDM and hip hop haters would not be any happier there than here. Tsunami was one of the first songs they played.

5. Concessions are way pricier than ours. A brat and drink in a souvenir cup is $14.

6. Ann Arbor is like a condensed version of NB and Pway if you took out the bad parts and everything was just a little cleaner and more orderly. The main area has both dorms and classrooms and bars and restaurants, and then the roads out to the highway look more or less like Stelton. Lots of busy bars and restaurants like NB on game day. The tailgate scene is similar but much bigger...spread onto surrounding country clubs and homes where people sell spots (some parking as low as $15) and tailgate on front lawns.

7. Last but not least, people were SO FRIENDLY. You couldn't go two feet in RU gear the whole weekend without a "Welcome to B1G", "Welcome to Ann Arbor" "Welcome to the Big House", and without someone saying something nice and knowledgable about our program (though 2 people did ask what state we were in). I really hope we are returning the favor.

The game was what it was. For me the weekend was about hanging out with my friends, but I will not be doing that if there is not a change at HC next year.

We as fans who will sit in car for 20 hours only to get whopped deserve better.

Also one more thing....Wolverines in the NFL was limited to Tom Brady. Not sure if they just have too many NFL guys to go through all of them like us.

Been there twice and absolutely love it. I think you nailed it regarding everything. I'll add that it is a really beautiful stadium (IMO) and the tailgating is odd because the Golf Course (I love) and Crisler Arena parking lot (I hate) are two different animals.

Stadium definitely not that loud for how many people it houses. The beauty of it is nice but the erector set in PA crushes it from a noise standpoint.

 

[scarletschuyler]

I too made my first trip to the Big House. I was impressed by the Michigan fans, who were loud (at least from where I sat). Mostly I was impressed by the hospitality and civility of all the fans who treated me, decked out in RU gear, as a welcome guest to their house. I was told by some, however, that were I an OSU fan, they would have not been so civil.

 

[BoogieKnight]

I concur with everything the OP said other than it looks like NB. To me it looks and feels like a large state school version of Princeton in the Midwest. Clean and classy. Everything there was impressive. The architecture, facilities and school pride are second to none. Even the video they play before the game starts gave me chills and I grew up hating Michigan athletics. Their women's field hockey facility...yes, field hockey...could give the RAC a run for it's money. And every sport has it's own building. Not sure how we can compete with this.

I dream of my unborn children going to Stanford or ND but I have to put Michigan up on that list.

 

[rufeelinit]

I enjoyed the visit. I had prepared myself for the likely outcome but it was still hard to sit and watch. Thought we had a fumble recovery on the first play and it was all down hill from there. Laviano set the tone for the offense with a bad exchange on the first play

Thought the big house was very impressive. Some suggested it did not look like much from the outside but I thought it looked great. Different than penn state which is all above ground but impressive in its own way

Took a tour of the Union, law library and Ross business school. Would have like to have gotten to schembechler hall but did not.
Downtown Ann Arbor after the game was also nice for dinner.

I did not think the ru contingent was very large. I was in section 9 and I saw pretty big group one section over behind me but then scattered red elsewhere. Can't blame anyone for not going.

I did not have any issues with Michigan fans except for a woman in the row behind who was not nasty but just loud and obnoxious cheering in a manner that seemed to embarrass even the Michigan fans around us. Had enough of that by halftime and moved.

I wasn't expecting to hear hail to the victors played so often. Thought it would be for special plays like touchdowns but it was much more frequent. Thought the Michigan fans were into it and standing during big plays even when the score was lopsided.

The seats very tight and you had a large person in front or back it was not pleasant.

A lot of time in the car but a worthwhile trip. Also got to spend time with family. Even if I give up my season tickets I can see still doing one trip a year

 

[newell138]

I think opposing fans are nice to visitors if they are consistently beating you, hence their distaste for OSU fans. They knew they were going to beat us so its easy to be nice. I found the same at PSU this year.

 

[dnmuller]

We really liked the Big House. It didn't feel like over 100k and I agree was not as loud as I would have expected. Because our flight was cancelled and rebooked to Cleveland, we didn't get a chance to see the downtown area which I would have liked to do. There must be something about me that brings out the worst in UM fans because I had several say "Go Blue" in my face in an aggressive way ( even in Zingerman's that morning! ). If I had to go again, I would stay closer to the airport because the hotels right off 94 were not worth $350 a night when we still had to drive around.

 

[KingHigh]

Well, I guess I am one of a respectable sized showing of RU fans that witnessed the latest Flood disaster in person. It was my first B1G trip, I had some non game related thoughts people might interesting.

1. The Big House is well, really big. It is sunk into the ground though, so even in the high up RU section, which still had good views, you're only up one flight of stairs. The boxes are on top of that.

2. The Big House is not very loud. The one time Michigan fans got really loud was when they got the unsportsmanlike flag. They don't go crazy on third down, or when they score. I really like RU in that regard and I think we have a solid advantage there.

3. Their band mostly plays "Hail to the Victors" and "Go Blue" and not much else, but people do get really into those two.

4. They pump in music just like us....and EDM and hip hop haters would not be any happier there than here. Tsunami was one of the first songs they played.

5. Concessions are way pricier than ours. A brat and drink in a souvenir cup is $14.

6. Ann Arbor is like a condensed version of NB and Pway if you took out the bad parts and everything was just a little cleaner and more orderly. The main area has both dorms and classrooms and bars and restaurants, and then the roads out to the highway look more or less like Stelton. Lots of busy bars and restaurants like NB on game day. The tailgate scene is similar but much bigger...spread onto surrounding country clubs and homes where people sell spots (some parking as low as $15) and tailgate on front lawns.

7. Last but not least, people were SO FRIENDLY. You couldn't go two feet in RU gear the whole weekend without a "Welcome to B1G", "Welcome to Ann Arbor" "Welcome to the Big House", and without someone saying something nice and knowledgable about our program (though 2 people did ask what state we were in). I really hope we are returning the favor.

The game was what it was. For me the weekend was about hanging out with my friends, but I will not be doing that if there is not a change at HC next year.

We as fans who will sit in car for 20 hours only to get whopped deserve better.

Also one more thing....Wolverines in the NFL was limited to Tom Brady. Not sure if they just have too many NFL guys to go through all of them like us.

I'm impressed that you were there. I always had you pegged for a stay home and yell at the TV for free type of guy.

 

[G- RUnit]

I concur with everything the OP said other than it looks like NB. To me it looks and feels like a large state school version of Princeton in the Midwest. Clean and classy. Everything there was impressive. The architecture, facilities and school pride are second to none. Even the video they play before the game starts gave me chills and I grew up hating Michigan athletics. Their women's field hockey facility...yes, field hockey...could give the RAC a run for it's money. And every sport has it's own building. Not sure how we can compete with this.

I dream of my unborn children going to Stanford or ND but I have to put Michigan up on that list.

ND? Ya gotta dream bigger.

 

[srru86]

Ann Arbor is nice as everyone says. Some very good restaurants. Like most middle America places there is no second sitting. Meaning as you finish up from your 7 PM dinner there is nobody coming in for a later dinner. Must be hard to make a go of it. We had noticed the drinks prices were particularly less expensive in Madison, more like East coast prices in Ann Arbor.

Big House aptly named. Impressive.

Only saw the Central campus. Very nice again as described. But there are some modernist/brutualist clunkers among many old college feel buildings.

People were very nice and a number welcomed us.

The only example of Michigan arrogance was getting on the plane in Boston to go out an older guy gets on wearing a UM shirt. He sees my RU gear and asks, "Do you really think Rutgers belongs in the Big Ten?" He had a smile on his face so I just say, "Yes, and tens of millions of cable boxes in NY/NJ agree with me." My wife says "Be nice - he's just joking." I said if I thought he wasn't kidding I would have pointed out we beat them last year, or why should a State with a declining and increasingly impoverished population with a decaying principal city and an foundational industry that was only saved from oblivion by a massive federal bail out have two representatives in the league?
Anyway, he took his Michigan butt back to coach while I sat in first class.

 

[RC1991]

We met up with my friend's family in Ann Arbor and had a great time - he went to Michigan for grad school. Ann Arbor is a great college town - I would say it reminded me more of Princeton than New Brunswick but much bigger. Great selection of bars, restaurants, etc. The M Den was very impressive - Scarlet Fever on steroids. I think they had every possible Michigan themed article of clothing, household goods, tailgating supplies, pet accessories, and anything else you could think of.

The campus was also very nice and had a lot of RU/Princeton like similarities but similar to Princeton was much more central than our spread out campus in New Brunswick. Law school library with the ornate ceiling and fixtures was really cool - at first from the outside I thought we were walking into a chapel! I have to say though I do like having our widespread New Brunswick campus, particularly with the change from going from College Ave to the farms on Cook transition but it would be nice to not have to take a bus.

Sports complex was of course impressive and IMO better than advertised. The Big House was great and I particularly liked that they had a lot of real estate to walk around in once in the gates. I thought the columns etched with each sport and their number of championships was impressive as well and shows what could be if only our administration would understand what a top athletics program could do to enhance the university's reputation and (undergrad) experience - you have to spend money to make money. It's pretty telling that even when down the Big House has had 200+ consecutive games with more than 100,000 in attendance. The pride in the university was palpable.

We tailgated on the golf course and the experience could not have been better. We had breakfast at Zingermann's and then got some sandwiches to go for our tailgate. The guy taking our order there was giving to us about the game and potential outcome and we gave it right back and it was a lot of fun. Picked up a couple of disposable foam coolers and had a nice beer selection. The Michigan fans couldn't have been more hospitable. Some friendly back and forth but a lot of welcome to Michigan, welcome to Ann Arbor, etc. as the others described. We had multiple invitations to tailgates, offers of drinks (beer, cocktails, shots, etc.) and an invite to a chili cook off as well. There were some very impressive set-ups and a lot of generators, satellite dishes, flat screen TVs, and interconnected Michigan canopies. There were a few people who asked (I think quite sincerely) why Rutgers having played the first ever college football game wasn't a big name in college football. I think they thought it was unfathomable. The simple answer was of course that out administration always did everything half-ass when it came to big time athletics and that hasn't actually changed all that much even now given our coaching situation.

As far as in-game - I have to disagree with the OP on the use of the Michigan band and the piped in music. There was some piped in music, especially during pre-game but very little during the game. Most prominent piped in music in-game that I remember was 7 Nation Army and even then only early on - I guess with the whipping we were talking they didn't really need to get the crowd too fired up. The Michigan band played waaayyy more than out band is allowed to play - they played "The Victors" early and often as well as the Go Blue stuff but also had a number of other songs that they played. The veteran's salute halftime was great as well as the SOCOM paratroopers landing in the stadium. It looked like the band had at least 100+ alternate members that played in the stands but were not on the field for pre-game. They were very impressive. We met a Michigan dad from Long Island who was traveling for parent's weekend to see his daughter who was in the band. I guess they have a tailgate for each game before they get ready to march into the stadium. I saw that we were able to bring a small pep band and we actually ran into them in the airport. They had a nice time and were a great bunch of kids!

 

[MrsScrew]

Echoing some of the above it was a great trip.

We did a private tour with a few other board posters (@RutgersRaRa and @gunboat ) and got to see, at least from the van we were in, a lot of the campuses including the research campus and the HUGE medical campus.

walked around the law quad and went into the library there...quite impressive. Saw the "M" in the center of the campus and almost got tackled by our tour guide for walking too close to it

lunch at Zingermans well worth the 45 minutes it took us to get through the lines

we parked on the golf course and walked over to the campus and the Pioneer HS lot. Of note, everyone seemed to have plenty of room to set up and tailgate. No arguing with the parking attendants. didn't notice any police walking through the lots at all. When we parked they asked if we were tailgating or not so they could direct and park us accordingly.

Pioneer lot had a lot of RV's. they set up the night before and their tailgating is pretty nice.. Because it gets so windy there they are actually allowed to use lag bolts to screw the tents into the ground to prevent them from blowing over. The people in the lots were very friendly with many people coming over to say hello and chat. As per the OP, everyone welcomed us to Ann Arbor, wished us well, welcomed us to the Big House and were seemingly shocked that we would drive 9 hours to go to the game Rutgers really, really needs to work on some licensing. Much like when we were in Lincoln everything, everywhere has an "M" or "Michigan" on it. everything.

I was particularly impressed with how they dealt with people crossing the street. at the major intersection of the stadium, the golf course and Pioneer HS they had cops on the corners, 2 cops in the center and Officer Laura in a stand (I know this because there was a huge sign that said "officer Laura"). The fans stood and waited, and waited, until the PD decided that they had let enough cars through and then Officer Laura blew a horn and made the announcement that "it is clear to cross the street in any direction". then Officer Laura put her microphone up to a music source and music started playing through the speakers that were attached to the stop lights overhead It was like musical chairs...people started walking in every direction. when the music stopped everyone was back on a corner and waited for the cars to go through.

Headed over to the RU Alumni party and crashed the end of it. Who knew our pep band could sing?!?

The stadium. as stated above it looks small from the outside but inside is big. Very big. Again everyone could not have been nicer. There is a fenced perimeter between the street and the stadium itself. that area is huge and there are vendors selling food and merchandise. Once inside the gates of the stadium the history of Michigan is everywhere...

Mr.Screw and I were fortunate enough to have tickets on the 4th level of the Club Seats in the indoor section. and we brought along @demauroj & @RutgersRaRa as our guests. we were the only 4 people on the entire level in Scarlet. I've not sat in the Audi Club but I assume it is something like that. A little less raucous than the stands but still into their football. Prices for food were a tad high. I bought a carved turkey sandwich (they had beef and turkey hand carved) and a soda in a commemorative cup and got $2.00 change from y $20. they don't have popcorn...instead it's popped maize. I did move to a different section a few times to get outside to watch and listen. I too, did not find them to be particularly loud.

their band is huge. HUGE. I asked some people near us why there were still band members in the stands when the band was on the field. "the band is too big" was the reply. @AreYouNUTS would have loved that comment. If we never hear their victory song again it will be too soon.

it was military appreciation day and they honored a bunch of UM grads who had served, including one gentleman who was in the Battan Death March during WW2, 4 years in a prison camp then became a physician. At halftime they also had 2 paratroopers parachute in onto the field.

the walk back to our car took about 15 minutes, jumped in the car and we were out of the parking lot in under 10 minutes.

other than the outcome of the game we had no complaints and will definitely return to Ann Arbor in 2017.

 

[srru86]

If you are a get into the game early fan, the Big House is the place for you. I think the locals realize that you get in early to claim your butt real estate on the bench and then largely stay put. Show up at kickoff and you literally have to wedge yourself in a space. It really is that tight even just sitting there, sort of uncomfortably so. Getting up and trying to leave to use the john or buy something was a real hassle and you literally had to climb over people. And while you are gone someone will spread into what had been your space.

 

[NotInRHouse]

Yes one more thing- everyone was in the stadium at kickoff MINUS the students who still had gaps into the 4th.

Also, when I compare NB-notice I say AA is way more orderly and clean. I think if us RU Issues Board posters were declared dictators of NB for a year, it would look just like AA when done.

And I agree that it seems like somewhat of an early close town, except for bars. One thing I really have grown to appreciate in NY/NJ vs the rest of the US. Even CVS in the sleepy suburban town where I grew up is 24/7. Was recently in San Fran and stuff there closed, never mind AA.

Re: prices, I found them NJ level closer to campus but we went to a Coney Island diner type place outside of downtown, and two Coneys and fries was like $6, which IMO is a steal vs NJ prices.

 

[NotInRHouse]

I'm impressed that you were there. I always had you pegged for a stay home and yell at the TV for free type of guy.

I have had season tix since graduating law school and never missed a home game since. If there is a change at HC I will be making one B1G road trip every year and maybe some OOC ones as well. That is what really aggravates me about the current state of affairs, because not only are thousands on my level of devotion, but thousands more donate even more, spend time and money on every away game, and have done so for more years than I have been alive. We deserve better.

 

[RUScrew85]

Echoing some of the above it was a great trip.

We did a private tour with a few other board posters (@RutgersRaRa and @gunboat ) and got to see, at least from the van we were in, a lot of the campuses including the research campus and the HUGE medical campus.

walked around the law quad and went into the library there...quite impressive. Saw the "M" in the center of the campus and almost got tackled by our tour guide for walking too close to it

lunch at Zingermans well worth the 45 minutes it took us to get through the lines

we parked on the golf course and walked over to the campus and the Pioneer HS lot. Of note, everyone seemed to have plenty of room to set up and tailgate. No arguing with the parking attendants. didn't notice any police walking through the lots at all. When we parked they asked if we were tailgating or not so they could direct and park us accordingly.

Pioneer lot had a lot of RV's. they set up the night before and their tailgating is pretty nice.. Because it gets so windy there they are actually allowed to use lag bolts to screw the tents into the ground to prevent them from blowing over. The people in the lots were very friendly with many people coming over to say hello and chat. As per the OP, everyone welcomed us to Ann Arbor, wished us well, welcomed us to the Big House and were seemingly shocked that we would drive 9 hours to go to the game Rutgers really, really needs to work on some licensing. Much like when we were in Lincoln everything, everywhere has an "M" or "Michigan" on it. everything.

I was particularly impressed with how they dealt with people crossing the street. at the major intersection of the stadium, the golf course and Pioneer HS they had cops on the corners, 2 cops in the center and Officer Laura in a stand (I know this because there was a huge sign that said "officer Laura"). The fans stood and waited, and waited, until the PD decided that they had let enough cars through and then Officer Laura blew a horn and made the announcement that "it is clear to cross the street in any direction". then Officer Laura put her microphone up to a music source and music started playing through the speakers that were attached to the stop lights overhead It was like musical chairs...people started walking in every direction. when the music stopped everyone was back on a corner and waited for the cars to go through.

Headed over to the RU Alumni party and crashed the end of it. Who knew our pep band could sing?!?

The stadium. as stated above it looks small from the outside but inside is big. Very big. Again everyone could not have been nicer. There is a fenced perimeter between the street and the stadium itself. that area is huge and there are vendors selling food and merchandise. Once inside the gates of the stadium the history of Michigan is everywhere...

Mr.Screw and I were fortunate enough to have tickets on the 4th level of the Club Seats in the indoor section. and we brought along @demauroj & @RutgersRaRa as our guests. we were the only 4 people on the entire level in Scarlet. I've not sat in the Audi Club but I assume it is something like that. A little less raucous than the stands but still into their football. Prices for food were a tad high. I bought a carved turkey sandwich (they had beef and turkey hand carved) and a soda in a commemorative cup and got $2.00 change from y $20. they don't have popcorn...instead it's popped maize. I did move to a different section a few times to get outside to watch and listen. I too, did not find them to be particularly loud.

their band is huge. HUGE. I asked some people near us why there were still band members in the stands when the band was on the field. "the band is too big" was the reply. @AreYouNUTS would have loved that comment. If we never hear their victory song again it will be too soon.

it was military appreciation day and they honored a bunch of UM grads who had served, including one gentleman who was in the Battan Death March during WW2. At halftime they also had 2 paratroopers parachute in onto the field.

the walk back to our car took about 15 minutes, jumped in the car and we were out of the parking lot in under 10 minutes.

other than the outcome of the game we had no complaints and will definitely return to Ann Arbor in 2017.

We're not going back that soon.

 

[BoogieKnight]

Agree, Ann Arbor reminded me of a more sprawling, state school version of Princeton.

 

[RU-AGK]

As far as in-game - I have to disagree with the OP on the use of the Michigan band and the piped in music. There was some piped in music, especially during pre-game but very little during the game. Most prominent piped in music in-game that I remember was 7 Nation Army and even then only early on - I guess with the whipping we were talking they didn't really need to get the crowd too fired up. The Michigan band played waaayyy more than out band is allowed to play - they played "The Victors" early and often as well as the Go Blue stuff but also had a number of other songs that they played. The veteran's salute halftime was great as well as the SOCOM paratroopers landing in the stadium. It looked like the band had at least 100+ alternate members that played in the stands but were not on the field for pre-game. They were very impressive. We met a Michigan dad from Long Island who was traveling for parent's weekend to see his daughter who was in the band. I guess they have a tailgate for each game before they get ready to march into the stadium. I saw that we were able to bring a small pep band and we actually ran into them in the airport. They had a nice time and were a great bunch of kids!

Thank You!

OP's take on sounds of the game had me worried I was going deaf because I heard pretty much what you heard through my TV speakers.

 

[NotInRHouse]

They played Tsunami, 7 Nation Army, Zombie Nation, all the usuals that we play, the usual rap (which I follow less so don't really know song names) and some rock too.

If Michigan pipes in music, so can we.

 

[RU MAN]

Well, I guess I am one of a respectable sized showing of RU fans that witnessed the latest Flood disaster in person. It was my first B1G trip, I had some non game related thoughts people might interesting.

1. The Big House is well, really big. It is sunk into the ground though, so even in the high up RU section, which still had good views, you're only up one flight of stairs. The boxes are on top of that.

2. The Big House is not very loud. The one time Michigan fans got really loud was when they got the unsportsmanlike flag. They don't go crazy on third down, or when they score. I really like RU in that regard and I think we have a solid advantage there.

3. Their band mostly plays "Hail to the Victors" and "Go Blue" and not much else, but people do get really into those two.

4. They pump in music just like us....and EDM and hip hop haters would not be any happier there than here. Tsunami was one of the first songs they played.

5. Concessions are way pricier than ours. A brat and drink in a souvenir cup is $14.

6. Ann Arbor is like a condensed version of NB and Pway if you took out the bad parts and everything was just a little cleaner and more orderly. The main area has both dorms and classrooms and bars and restaurants, and then the roads out to the highway look more or less like Stelton. Lots of busy bars and restaurants like NB on game day. The tailgate scene is similar but much bigger...spread onto surrounding country clubs and homes where people sell spots (some parking as low as $15) and tailgate on front lawns.

7. Last but not least, people were SO FRIENDLY. You couldn't go two feet in RU gear the whole weekend without a "Welcome to B1G", "Welcome to Ann Arbor" "Welcome to the Big House", and without someone saying something nice and knowledgable about our program (though 2 people did ask what state we were in). I really hope we are returning the favor.

The game was what it was. For me the weekend was about hanging out with my friends, but I will not be doing that if there is not a change at HC next year.

We as fans who will sit in car for 20 hours only to get whopped deserve better.

Also one more thing....Wolverines in the NFL was limited to Tom Brady. Not sure if they just have too many NFL guys to go through all of them like us.

Notin, thanks for the post. I've enjoyed my time in Ann Arbor when I've been there. My sister graduated from U of M, so I went to a few games, toured the campus and sat in the Big House to watch her graduate. It's a terrific place to go to college. As to game atmosphere, I would have to agree with you. For nearly 110,000 fans, the place is rather "polite." We in fact are much louder. I also happen to think it's because our upper deck holds in the sound better, where their bowl does not.

 

[derleider]

I concur with everything the OP said other than it looks like NB. To me it looks and feels like a large state school version of Princeton in the Midwest. Clean and classy. Everything there was impressive. The architecture, facilities and school pride are second to none. Even the video they play before the game starts gave me chills and I grew up hating Michigan athletics. Their women's field hockey facility...yes, field hockey...could give the RAC a run for it's money. And every sport has it's own building. Not sure how we can compete with this.

I dream of my unborn children going to Stanford or ND but I have to put Michigan up on that list.

We cant. Which is why Barchi said that we wouldnt. Its just not realistic to think that anytime in the next quarter century that we get anywhere close. And even beyond that, it would require BB AND FB taking off and monetizing the NY market to the point where both would have to be top 10 teams in a regular basis.

 

[derleider]

"The game was what it was. For me the weekend was about hanging out with my friends, but I will not be doing that if there is not a change at HC next year."

I mean it would be weird for you to drive so far and not even see RU play. :)

But damn - word of advice - use some of your lawyer money and fly next time.

 

[BigLou]

I was there and had a great time. I was with 3 fraternity brothers and met a couple more for parts of the weekend. We stayed about 3 miles out of town on Jackson Ave, parked the car on Friday and didn't touch it till Sunday when we left. Used Uber, never more than an 8 minute wait and a taxi to get back and forth. Round trip on Uber Friday was less than $20, Saturday a bit more.
I agree that the campus was what I would call "stately" and the city fairly upscale. Downtown was larger than New Brunswick and nicer than State College and Columbus. More of a city feel than most college towns.
Friday we ate at our hotel which had a good steak restaurant and went in to town to drink. Saturday we pre-gamed at a sports bar, Scorekeepers, about a block from South State Street. Walked to the game. Very impressed with the Big House. I had seats in the 6th row behind the Rutgers bench and looking up at the crowd was something. We must have walked about 70 rows down from what I guess is the upper concourse (the lower one was at about row 46). While it was not as loud as Penn State or Ohio State, it did get loud. Also, most everyone was very friendly with everyone asking how we were being treated.
After the game we went back to Scorekeepers to watch the games. Around 8:30 the coeds started coming in , all dressed up. Turns out that at 9 they cleared tables from a dance floor area and the music started. Pretty soon the place was packed with students. Being that the décor of the place was run down sports bar it caught us of guard. The MSU Nebraska game was on and when Nebraska won the place went nuts. They cheered louder for a MSU defeat than most fans cheer for their own loss. I could only have imagined what would have happened if TOSU had lost. When we left there was a line around the block.
I would put Ann Arbor as one of the top college football destinations in the country and will definitely consider going back in 2 years.

 

[lawmatt78]

NIRH,

Did you visit the Law Quad?

 

[srru86]

Their women's field hockey facility...yes, field hockey...could give the RAC a run for it's money.

That was impressive a nice indoor facility and a dedicated field/small stadium.

 

[NotInRHouse]

LawMatt- unfortunately did not get the chance. I did take note of two hookah shops though. :sunglasses:

Der- my friends and I made a rule- we will drive to schools in the timezone. Thus, next year we are considering driving to tOSU but flying to Iowa the following.

 

[srru86]

lunch at Zingermans well worth the 45 minutes it took us to get through the lines

We went to Zingerman's for late lunch on Friday. It was very good.

I was particularly impressed with how they dealt with people crossing the street. at the major intersection of the stadium, the golf course and Pioneer HS they had cops on the corners, 2 cops in the center and Officer Laura in a stand (I know this because there was a huge sign that said "officer Laura").

I was wondering about that also. Ann Arbor News
'Officer Laura' in 4th year of directing U-M fans in front of Michigan Stadium

it was military appreciation day and they honored a bunch of UM grads who had served, including one gentleman who was in the Battan Death March during WW2.

How about that guy? Survives the battle of Bataan, then the Death March and 4 years in Japanese prison camps. Comes back and becomes a physician. We hold our manhoods cheap in his presence.

 

[rufeelinit]

I think the area with the sacred M was referred to as the Diag. We were also lectured not to get too close and had some fun with that.

The Ross business school buildings are very modern looking and they are putting on a big addition. They don't really fit but you get a lot of latitude when writing the check to cover it.

 

[Leonard23]

I agree with a lot of what's posted above. Great campus & town. Impressive facilities, except for the smurf turf on what I think was the field hockey stadium. Stadium is not loud. It is nice that the stadium & Crisler are in the same fenced in area & Crisler is used on FB game days. Almost too much of the band & not enough other music during the game. The players entrance is underwhelming but probably loved by traditionalists. Crack fries at HopCat were awesome. There were tons of house parties (mostly frats) with coeds drinking & dancing on tables outside on the front lawn & not a cop in sight. At Rutgers, they would've called in the Army Reserve to clear the parties.

 

[rutexan84]

Well, I guess I am one of a respectable sized showing of RU fans that witnessed the latest Flood disaster in person. It was my first B1G trip, I had some non game related thoughts people might interesting.

1. The Big House is well, really big. It is sunk into the ground though, so even in the high up RU section, which still had good views, you're only up one flight of stairs. The boxes are on top of that.

2. The Big House is not very loud. The one time Michigan fans got really loud was when they got the unsportsmanlike flag. They don't go crazy on third down, or when they score. I really like RU in that regard and I think we have a solid advantage there.

3. Their band mostly plays "Hail to the Victors" and "Go Blue" and not much else, but people do get really into those two.

4. They pump in music just like us....and EDM and hip hop haters would not be any happier there than here. Tsunami was one of the first songs they played.

5. Concessions are way pricier than ours. A brat and drink in a souvenir cup is $14.

6. Ann Arbor is like a condensed version of NB and Pway if you took out the bad parts and everything was just a little cleaner and more orderly. The main area has both dorms and classrooms and bars and restaurants, and then the roads out to the highway look more or less like Stelton. Lots of busy bars and restaurants like NB on game day. The tailgate scene is similar but much bigger...spread onto surrounding country clubs and homes where people sell spots (some parking as low as $15) and tailgate on front lawns.

7. Last but not least, people were SO FRIENDLY. You couldn't go two feet in RU gear the whole weekend without a "Welcome to B1G", "Welcome to Ann Arbor" "Welcome to the Big House", and without someone saying something nice and knowledgable about our program (though 2 people did ask what state we were in). I really hope we are returning the favor.

The game was what it was. For me the weekend was about hanging out with my friends, but I will not be doing that if there is not a change at HC next year.

We as fans who will sit in car for 20 hours only to get whopped deserve better.

Also one more thing....Wolverines in the NFL was limited to Tom Brady. Not sure if they just have too many NFL guys to go through all of them like us.

We were in row 94 in section 10 and still had a great view of the field. Excellent sight lines throughout the stadium. The Michigan fans were all either friendly or apathetic when I came across one. Had zero harsh encounters. One wonders if it is a reflection of their hospitality or just pity. Ann Arbor is a first class college town. Great bars and great restaurants. The support they show for their university is enviable.

 

[RUsig]

Ann Arbour is a nice little town. Like others have said, it reminds me of downtown Princeton. Still surprises me how many people asked what state Rutgers was in. Many were shocked that we would spend money to fly out, which was odd...why wouldn't we.

They mic'd the band and certainly pumped in the crowd noise. Sitting on the 25 behind the visitor bench, the speakers to the right were blaring all game with crowd/band noise. Considering how many people were there, we were pretty surprised at how quiet it was. Taking the Scarlet colored glasses off, our stadium is hands down louder, despite being half the size.

We met a lot of fellow Scarlet Knight fans and had nice conversations around town, it's great to see the block R out and about AA.

Michigan fans pretty much knew they were going to run right through us, were very nice. Our decision to wear t-shirts that said "Urban Meyer is Wiener" and Ohio is the Worst State Ever were a hit and we had taken plenty of pictures with their fans.

We left feeling pride for our own tailgating scene, stadium and fans (well some of us, hah). We can hang with the best of them.

 

[RUBand]

I think the area with the sacred M was referred to as the Diag. We were also lectured not to get too close and had some fun with that.

The Ross business school buildings are very modern looking and they are putting on a big addition. They don't really fit but you get a lot of latitude when writing the check to cover it.

Why, the Diag is a cool place...I heard a lot of protesting in that area during the 60's.

 

[RUBand]

They played Tsunami, 7 Nation Army, Zombie Nation, all the usuals that we play, the usual rap (which I follow less so don't really know song names) and some rock too.

If Michigan pipes in music, so can we.

But the band plays a lot (which is a good thing).

 

[MrsScrew]

Why, the Diag is a cool place...I heard a lot of protesting in that area during the 60's.

apparently no one steps on the M. EVER. We were told that the night before the MSU game students camp out to make sure that no MSU fan steps on it. I watched for awhile....everyone sidestepped it. no one even came close to stepping on it.

 

[RU#1fan]

Well, I guess I am one of a respectable sized showing of RU fans that witnessed the latest Flood disaster in person. It was my first B1G trip, I had some non game related thoughts people might interesting.

1. The Big House is well, really big. It is sunk into the ground though, so even in the high up RU section, which still had good views, you're only up one flight of stairs. The boxes are on top of that.

2. The Big House is not very loud. The one time Michigan fans got really loud was when they got the unsportsmanlike flag. They don't go crazy on third down, or when they score. I really like RU in that regard and I think we have a solid advantage there.

3. Their band mostly plays "Hail to the Victors" and "Go Blue" and not much else, but people do get really into those two.

4. They pump in music just like us....and EDM and hip hop haters would not be any happier there than here. Tsunami was one of the first songs they played.

5. Concessions are way pricier than ours. A brat and drink in a souvenir cup is $14.

6. Ann Arbor is like a condensed version of NB and Pway if you took out the bad parts and everything was just a little cleaner and more orderly. The main area has both dorms and classrooms and bars and restaurants, and then the roads out to the highway look more or less like Stelton. Lots of busy bars and restaurants like NB on game day. The tailgate scene is similar but much bigger...spread onto surrounding country clubs and homes where people sell spots (some parking as low as $15) and tailgate on front lawns.

7. Last but not least, people were SO FRIENDLY. You couldn't go two feet in RU gear the whole weekend without a "Welcome to B1G", "Welcome to Ann Arbor" "Welcome to the Big House", and without someone saying something nice and knowledgable about our program (though 2 people did ask what state we were in). I really hope we are returning the favor.

The game was what it was. For me the weekend was about hanging out with my friends, but I will not be doing that if there is not a change at HC next year.

We as fans who will sit in car for 20 hours only to get whopped deserve better.

Also one more thing....Wolverines in the NFL was limited to Tom Brady. Not sure if they just have too many NFL guys to go through all of them like us.

Great recap. We liked our tailgating over at the Brown Lot Tennis Center. You are right about the Concession stands are high priced ... $3.50 for a hot chocolate and $10 for it in a Michigan Wolverine Mug. However you do get the correct change back and a smile. Not like the kids who staff the RU Concessions on the East Side of High Points. Always trying to rip off a $1.00 when they give you change.

 

[MrsScrew]

Great recap. We liked our tailgating over at the Brown Lot Tennis Center. You are right about the Concession stands are high priced ... $3.50 for a hot chocolate and $10 for it in a Michigan Wolverine Mug. However you do get the correct change back and a smile. Not like the kids who staff the RU Concessions on the East Side of High Points. Always trying to rip off a $1.00 when they give you change.

they are not trying to rip you off. they just can't add. o_O

 

[e5fdny]

The only example of Michigan arrogance was getting on the plane in Boston to go out an older guy gets on wearing a UM shirt. He sees my RU gear and asks, "Do you really think Rutgers belongs in the Big Ten?" He had a smile on his face so I just say, "Yes, and tens of millions of cable boxes in NY/NJ agree with me." My wife says "Be nice - he's just joking." I said if I thought he wasn't kidding I would have pointed out we beat them last year, or why should a State with a declining and increasingly impoverished population with a decaying principal city and an foundational industry that was only saved from oblivion by a massive federal bail out have two representatives in the league?
Anyway, he took his Michigan butt back to coach while I sat in first class.

 

[rutexan84]

Well, I guess I am one of a respectable sized showing of RU fans that witnessed the latest Flood disaster in person. It was my first B1G trip, I had some non game related thoughts people might interesting.

1. The Big House is well, really big. It is sunk into the ground though, so even in the high up RU section, which still had good views, you're only up one flight of stairs. The boxes are on top of that.

2. The Big House is not very loud. The one time Michigan fans got really loud was when they got the unsportsmanlike flag. They don't go crazy on third down, or when they score. I really like RU in that regard and I think we have a solid advantage there.

3. Their band mostly plays "Hail to the Victors" and "Go Blue" and not much else, but people do get really into those two.

4. They pump in music just like us....and EDM and hip hop haters would not be any happier there than here. Tsunami was one of the first songs they played.

5. Concessions are way pricier than ours. A brat and drink in a souvenir cup is $14.

6. Ann Arbor is like a condensed version of NB and Pway if you took out the bad parts and everything was just a little cleaner and more orderly. The main area has both dorms and classrooms and bars and restaurants, and then the roads out to the highway look more or less like Stelton. Lots of busy bars and restaurants like NB on game day. The tailgate scene is similar but much bigger...spread onto surrounding country clubs and homes where people sell spots (some parking as low as $15) and tailgate on front lawns.

7. Last but not least, people were SO FRIENDLY. You couldn't go two feet in RU gear the whole weekend without a "Welcome to B1G", "Welcome to Ann Arbor" "Welcome to the Big House", and without someone saying something nice and knowledgable about our program (though 2 people did ask what state we were in). I really hope we are returning the favor.

The game was what it was. For me the weekend was about hanging out with my friends, but I will not be doing that if there is not a change at HC next year.

We as fans who will sit in car for 20 hours only to get whopped deserve better.

Also one more thing....Wolverines in the NFL was limited to Tom Brady. Not sure if they just have too many NFL guys to go through all of them like us.

Respectable size showing? I estimated around 1200 at most. Is in the realm of respectability? I do realize that the team's performance doesn't merit a larger showing.

 

[MrsScrew]

Respectable size showing? I estimated around 1200 at most. Is in the realm of respectability? I do realize that the team's performance doesn't merit a larger showing.

1200?? I think you are overestimating. I took this photo from my perch in the 4th floor Club seats. Add the 4 of us in the club section and maybe 50 or so red shirts we saw scattered throughout the stadium to this group and you have maybe 750. maybe but I highly doubt it.