| Michigan Stadium Quick Guide | Michigan Wolverines (NCAA – Big Ten) |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1927 (last major renovation in 2010) |
| Capacity | 107,601 (largest stadium in the U.S.) |
| Best Value Seats | Section 40–44 (corner end zone) – Affordable and great view of the field |
| Premium Seating | Jack Roth Stadium Club, Suites, Press Box Club |
| Top Stadium Foods | Maize & Blue Nachos, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Pretzel Bites |
| Nearby Bars | Fraser’s Pub, Ashley’s, Brown Jug |
| Closest Hotels | Graduate Ann Arbor, Residence Inn, The Kensington Hotel |
| Transit Access | Limited transit; most fans park remotely or walk in from downtown/tailgates |
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Best Seats At Michigan Stadium
Its Michigan Stadium, known as “The Big House,” is the largest football stadium in the United States with over 107,000 seats arranged in a single-level bowl with bleacher seating. The stadium features up to 98 rows in a single section, making higher level rows similar to upper level seats in more traditional stadiums. While there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house, some locations offer significantly better experiences than others.
Best Seats (Non-Premium)
Midfield Sections: 22-24, 1-2, and 44
The best seats at Michigan Stadium are located in the sections closest to midfield. These sections provide the optimal viewing experience for following the action and understanding game flow. You can watch plays develop from all corners of the field and get the full strategic picture of the game.
The Sweet Spot: Rows 10 to 30
This range offers the perfect balance – you’re high enough to see the entire field and plays develop, but not so high that you lose the intimacy of the game experience. Many experienced fans consider rows 25-30 at midfield to be the absolute best value for the viewing experience.
Behind Michigan’s Bench
Sections 22-24 put you directly behind the Michigan bench, offering great energy and the chance to see player interactions up close. The Michigan Wolverines bench is located in front of sections 22-24, while the visitors bench is located in front of sections 1-2 and 44.
Best Value Seats
Corner Sections: 5 through 8, 16 to 19, 27 to 30, 38 through 41
Corner seats are a nice compromise between being affordable and getting decent views. These sections offer solid sightlines at a more reasonable price point. For corner sections, consider sitting slightly higher (rows 30-50) for better angles on the action.
Rows 30-50 in Any Section
This range provides excellent panoramic views and is often praised by experienced fans as the ideal viewing height. The perspective looks similar to what you see on TV broadcasts, giving you a great overall view of the game.
Sideline Sections Away from Midfield
Sections along the sidelines but farther from midfield (like sections 3-8 or 38-44) offer great views of the game at a lower cost than prime midfield locations.
Best Budget Seats
End Zone Sections: 9-15 and 31-37
End zone seats are ideal for fans who want to watch scoring plays up close. Avoid the first 10 rows in the end zones as sightlines can be limited, but anything from row 30 and up provides a great experience.
Higher Rows (60-90+)
Don’t dismiss the upper rows – many fans report that even row 90+ provides excellent views where you can see plays developing nicely and get a grasp on everything happening on the field. The elevated perspective actually helps with understanding game strategy.
Corner End Zones
The intersection of corner and end zone sections provides the most affordable options while still maintaining decent sightlines to the action.
Premium Seating Options At Michigan Stadium
Michigan Stadium offers several premium seating experiences that provide enhanced comfort and amenities beyond the standard bleacher seating.
Jack Roth Stadium Club: The Jack Roth Stadium Club features over 3,000 sideline seats spread across two levels on the east side of Michigan Stadium. These seats offer views from the visitors’ sideline and include several premium amenities. Club members get early access with the facility opening 2.5 hours prior to kickoff, providing a climate-controlled environment to escape the elements. The club includes private entrances and restrooms, televisions throughout the space, and upgraded concession options. The sections are smaller than regular stadium sections, typically containing only 5-8 rows each, ensuring more intimate sightlines.
West Side Chairbacks: Located where the old press box once stood, the 700 West Side Chairback seats provide excellent views directly behind the Michigan sideline. These seats offer the added comfort of chairbacks rather than bleacher seating, along with access to elevated concourse areas, private restrooms, and premium concession options. The location puts you right in the heart of the Michigan team experience.
Suites: Michigan Stadium also offers private suites for the ultimate premium experience, featuring 12 theater-style seats plus additional standing room options. These provide completely private game day experiences but have extremely limited availability and require significant financial commitments through Michigan Athletics partnerships.
Michigan Stadium Seating Chart
Michigan Stadium, also known as the “The Big House,” serves as the football stadium for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. With an official capacity of 107,601, it stands as the largest stadium in the United States and the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the third-largest stadium globally.
The stadium usually has remarkable attendance, surpassing its official capacity, with a notable record of 115,109 spectators during a game between Michigan and Notre Dame on September 7, 2013.
For a detailed view of Michigan Stadium’s seating layout and sections, you can explore the seating chart here: Michigan Stadium Seating Chart.
Tickets To Michigan Football Games
Michigan Football can be a tough ticket depending on who they’re playing but if you want to see the defending national champion, most games should be fairly easy to get tickets with some good planning. Here are some options:
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University of Michigan Athletic Department: The official source for Michigan Football tickets is the University of Michigan Athletic Department. Keep an eye on their website for announcements regarding ticket sales, season tickets, single-game tickets, and student tickets.
Some Tips
Buy early for big games, wait for small games: Ohio State, Michigan State, and Penn State sell out immediately and only get more expensive as game day approaches. Non-conference opponents like UConn or Bowling Green see prices drop significantly in the week leading up to kickoff—especially if Michigan is heavily favored. If you’re targeting a mid-tier opponent, wait until 3-5 days before the game and watch secondary market prices fall.
Monitor the Michigan Ticket Exchange religiously: Season ticket holders often post tickets at face value or below when they can’t attend. These listings appear sporadically throughout the week before games. Check multiple times daily starting Monday of game week—good deals get snapped up within hours.
Student section overflow: If you’re flexible and don’t mind sitting with students, student section tickets occasionally appear on the secondary market at lower prices than comparable seats elsewhere in the stadium. The energy is electric, but expect standing the entire game and a younger, louder crowd.
Michigan Stadium Parking
Driving and parking for Michigan games is challenging but manageable if you know the system. Over 100,000 fans converge on Ann Arbor for home games, turning main roads into parking lots and filling every available space hours before kickoff. The move is either arriving extremely early (by mid-morning for 3:30 PM games) to secure good parking and enjoy the tailgate scene, or skipping the driving hassle entirely and using the FootballRide shuttle system. Campus parking lots and neighborhood yards fill up fast, and if it rains before game day, your parking plan might change completely due to the golf course rain closure policy.
Driving & Parking
Ann Arbor Golf & Outing Club (AAGOC): This is the best tailgate spot, located right across from the stadium with a legendary game-day atmosphere. The catch: if it rains significantly on Thursday or Friday before the game, the golf course CLOSES to parking to protect the greens.
The backup plan: If the forecast is wet, head immediately to Pioneer High School (paved/gravel lots) or take the Briarwood Mall shuttle. Do not drive to the golf course hoping for a miracle—you’ll waste an hour circling and end up parking a mile away.
The smart parking hack: Take back roads to avoid traffic jams on Stadium Boulevard and State Street. Use Industrial Highway or Packard Road, cut across to State Street on Stimson Street, then pay $20-30 to park in someone’s yard across from the field hockey stadium. Easy in, easy out, and you’re a 5-minute walk to the stadium. Locals rent out their yards on game days, and this strategy beats sitting in traffic for 90 minutes.
University lots: Official campus parking requires permits purchased in advance through the athletics website. These lots open 5 hours before kickoff and fill quickly for big games. Expect to pay $40-60 depending on location and opponent.
FootballRide Shuttle (Budget Option)
Park at the Holiday Inn at the Plymouth Road exit of US-23 and take the FootballRide shuttle for $1.50 per person each way. Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes beginning two hours before game time, with the last shuttles leaving 30 minutes before kickoff. Post-game shuttles run until 90 minutes after the final whistle. Passengers get dropped off at Gate 2.
This eliminates parking stress entirely, costs almost nothing, and gets you directly to the stadium entrance. The downside: you’re locked into the shuttle schedule and can’t leave whenever you want.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Rideshare works for getting to the stadium but becomes a nightmare post-game. Expect to pay $15-25 from most Ann Arbor locations depending on distance. Post-game surge pricing can triple your fare, and pickup locations get chaotic with 100,000+ fans requesting rides simultaneously.
The hack: Walk 10-15 minutes away from the stadium before requesting a ride. You’ll escape the geofenced surge zone and avoid waiting 60+ minutes for a driver.
Walking & Biking
If you’re staying in downtown Ann Arbor or near campus, and can do it, DEFINITELY WALK. Michigan Stadium is integrated into the university campus, and the walk from central Ann Arbor takes 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll experience the game-day atmosphere building as you get closer, avoid all parking and traffic drama, and can grab food or drinks on the walk back.
Bike parking is available near the stadium, though securing your bike in a crowded area on game day requires a good lock and some risk tolerance.
Public Transit
The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) offers enhanced service on game days with routes converging near Michigan Stadium. Check theride.org for specific route information and schedules. Fares are low (under $2 for most routes), and this works well if you’re staying outside the downtown core.
Post-Game Exit Strategy
If you drove and parked at the golf course, Pioneer High School, or neighborhood yards, don’t rush to your car immediately after the final whistle. You’ll sit in traffic for 45-60 minutes trying to exit the lot while tens of thousands of other cars do the same thing. Instead, grab a beer at a nearby bar (The Brown Jug, Conor O’Neill’s), let traffic clear for 30-40 minutes, then head to your car. You’ll save time and actually enjoy the post-game atmosphere instead of sitting in gridlock.
Michigan Gameday Insider Tips
The atmosphere on game day is electric, but you’re dealing with over 100,000 people trying to get to the same place at the same time. Traffic is brutal, parking fills up hours before kickoff, and if you show up 30 minutes before game time expecting to waltz in, you’ll miss the entire first quarter standing in security lines. These tips help you navigate the chaos and experience Michigan football like someone who’s been coming here for years.
Arrival Strategy: Get There Early
For 3:30 PM games, aim to be in Ann Arbor by mid-morning. This isn’t an exaggeration—parking lots fill by noon for big matchups, and traffic on Stadium Boulevard and Main Street turns into gridlock 90 minutes before kickoff. The tailgate scene around Michigan Stadium is one of the best in college football. The smells of grilling, the marching band parade, and the energy building for hours before kickoff are half the experience. If you arrive 45 minutes before game time, you’re missing everything that makes this special.
The Gate 9 Hack (Avoid the Crush)
Avoid Gates 2 and 4: These are the main “tourist” gates facing the heavy tailgate lots. They turn into gridlock 60 minutes before kickoff with lines wrapping around the stadium.
The insider move: Walk around to Gate 8 or Gate 9 on the north end. These gates face the campus walk rather than the massive parking lots, so they’re often half as crowded. You’ll save 20 minutes of standing in a crush of people. I learned this after standing in the Gate 2 nightmare for a night game—now I always enter through Gate 9.
Food & Drink Strategy
Alcohol is now available in general admission sections at Michigan Stadium. The rules: 2 drinks per transaction maximum, sales stop at the start of the 4th quarter, and ID is required for every purchase regardless of age.
Local pick: Look for Bell’s Two Hearted Ale (a Michigan classic) at specialized craft beer stands near Sections 8, 24, and 30. This is legitimately one of the best IPAs in the country and brewed in Kalamazoo.
The “Big House” Dog: Skip the generic hot dogs. Go to stands selling Dearborn Sausage brand products—this is local high-quality meat and tastes noticeably better than standard concession franks.
Other must-tries inside the stadium: Detroit-style pizza from Buddy’s Pizza, Detroit Wing Company wings and poutine, Founders Brewing Co. bratwurst and beer cheese, Olga’s Kitchen snackers, Big Boy burgers and slim jims, and Custard Hut’s macaron custard sandwiches.
Water hack: Free cups of water are available from any permanent concession stand upon request. Refillable water bottle stations are located around the concourse—five on the main level (north, northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest), two on the west 300 level (one at each end), and one on the south 200 level.
Tailgating Essentials
If you’re bringing food to share, consider Ann Arbor favorites like Washtenaw Dairy donuts or Michigan Caviar (a corn-and-bean relish combo that’s a local staple). Simple tailgates work best: canopy tent, chairs, alcohol, food, football, and yard games. The golf course tailgate scene is legendary—just remember the rain rule.
Game Day Traditions You Need to Know
The Marching Band Parade: About one hour before kickoff, the Michigan Marching Band initiates a parade from Revelli Hall to Michigan Stadium. This is genuinely worth watching—the energy builds as the band marches through campus with thousands of fans following behind.
Touching the Banner: Since 1962, the Michigan Wolverines take the field while touching a massive blue banner that reads “Go Blue: M Club Supports You.” The entire stadium erupts when the team hits the banner and sprints onto the field. Get to your seat before this moment—it’s the best entrance in college football.
The Slippery Rock Score: During the game, the PA announcer reads scores from other games. When they announce the score for Slippery Rock University (a Division II school in Pennsylvania), the crowd goes wild. This tradition dates back to 1959. Just cheer along—don’t look confused like a tourist.
Post-Game Alma Mater: After a Michigan win, players and fans stick around to sing the school’s alma mater, “The Yellow and Blue.” If Michigan wins, don’t rush out immediately—stay for this moment.
What to Wear & Bring
Dress in layers. Michigan Stadium is completely open to the elements with zero roof coverage. For early-season games (September), you might be fine in a t-shirt and shorts, but evening games cool down fast. For late October and November games, wear a hooded Michigan sweatshirt under your jersey, add a jacket, knit beanie, gloves, and a maize-and-blue scarf.
Rain gear: Umbrellas are not allowed inside Michigan Stadium. Wear a rain jacket or rain poncho on rainy game days.
Sun protection: For games early in the season and sunny days, wear a Michigan hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF. I got absolutely roasted at a September game sitting on the east side with no shade—learn from my mistake.
Remember: You can’t bring a bag, so strategically plan what you’re carrying. Wear a jacket with pockets if you need to bring essentials like phone, wallet, keys, and lip balm. Here is the NWS Forecast for Ann Arbor.
Traffic & Exit Strategy
Main Street closures are in place during Michigan football games, so plan your exit route before arriving. If you parked at the golf course or Pioneer High School, walking back immediately after the game means sitting in your car for 45+ minutes waiting to exit the lot. Instead, grab a beer at one of the bars, let traffic clear for 30-40 minutes, then head to your car. You’ll save time and enjoy the post-game atmosphere.
Insider Shopping
Rally House and Underground Printing offer the best selection of official Michigan jerseys and swag in Ann Arbor. Underground Printing is a local favorite with better prices than the official team store on campus.
The Campus Walk to Gate 9
If you’re parking near campus or taking the shuttle, walk through the Diag (central campus) to reach Gate 9 on the north end of the stadium. You’ll avoid the massive crowds flooding Stadium Boulevard and Main Street, experience the campus atmosphere on game day, and enter through the least-crowded gate. The walk takes 15-20 minutes from central campus but saves you 30+ minutes standing in Gate 2 or Gate 4 lines.
Michigan Stadium Bag Policy
The reality: Michigan Stadium’s bag policy is one of the most restrictive in college football. If you need to bring anything beyond your phone, wallet, and keys, plan to carry it in your pockets or wear a jacket with pockets. There are no bag storage facilities at the stadium, so if you arrive with a prohibited item, you’re walking back to wherever you parked.
Warning: Michigan Stadium does NOT follow the NFL Clear Bag Policy. Do not bring a large clear tote thinking it will get you through security—it won’t.
What’s allowed: A clutch purse smaller than 4.5″ x 6.5″ (about the size of an iPhone Pro Max). That’s it.
What’s prohibited: Clear totes, backpacks, fanny packs, binocular cases, camera bags, and seat cushions with pockets or zippers. If you show up with any of these, you’re either walking them back to your car or throwing them away.
The Seat Cushion Trap
You can bring a seat cushion, but it cannot have pockets, zippers, or a seatback. It must be just a foam pad. If it has a zipper or any storage compartment, security will make you throw it away or take it back to your car. Don’t test this—they enforce it strictly.
Other Key Policies To Know
Cashless Venue: Michigan Stadium operates cashless for all transactions. Bring credit/debit cards or mobile payment options (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
No Re-Entry Policy: Once you leave Michigan Stadium, you cannot re-enter on the same ticket. This matters especially for smokers since the entire campus is tobacco-free with no designated smoking areas anywhere. Leaving to smoke means you’re done for the day.
Here’s an overview of policies at Michigan Stadium, covering aspects such as public transportation, rideshare policies, bag regulations, and alcohol guidelines. Here is a link to their Game Day Guide.
Hotels Near Michigan Stadium
For game weekends, Ann Arbor offers a few areas to stay, each with unique advantages. Downtown Ann Arbor puts you in the heart of the action with walkable access to restaurants, bars, and campus. Near-campus hotels offer the closest proximity to Michigan Stadium and university facilities. Highway corridor properties along I-94 provide easy access and often better value, while north Ann Arbor locations offer modern amenities with straightforward routes to downtown and the stadium.
Book early regardless of your choice – Ann Arbor hotels fill up quickly for big games, especially rivalry matchups like Ohio State, with many selling out months in advance.
Premium & Downtown Options
The Kensington Hotel – Located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, this 4-star hotel offers a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness center with stunning city views. Just a 7-minute drive or 2.3 miles from Michigan Stadium, you can use convenient Ann Arbor public shuttle buses to get there. While pricier, it provides luxury accommodations within uber/shuttle distance of the best restaurants and nightlife.
Weber’s Boutique Hotel – This family-owned property since 1937 has undergone extensive modern renovations while maintaining its classic hospitality. The hotel features contemporary exteriors with rooms that blend 20th-century modernist style, clean lines, and designer furniture. Unique amenities include an indoor saltwater pool in a stunning atrium setting, Bluetooth mirrors with Bose speakers, heated bidets, and luxury shower systems. The on-site restaurant is renowned for its prime rib and live piano music.
Graduate Ann Arbor – This hip, college-themed hotel on East Huron Street is surrounded by popular bars and restaurants. It provides a vibrant atmosphere perfect for the college game experience with complimentary breakfast and modern amenities that embrace the university spirit.
Bell Tower Hotel – A charming historic hotel nestled in downtown Ann Arbor, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions. Features a fitness center, business center, and sun terrace at a reasonable price point for its prime downtown location.
Best Value & Family-Friendly
Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown – Highly rated with a 4.8/5 traveler score, this suite-style hotel offers full kitchens in every room, making it ideal for families and extended stays. The downtown location provides walking access to campus and dining.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Ann Arbor – Guests consistently praise the spacious all-suite accommodations with large kitchenette islands and the convenience of free guest laundry facilities with new large front-loading washers and dryers. Perfect for families or groups needing extra space.
Hyatt Place Ann Arbor – Located 1.9 miles from the University of Michigan, this hotel offers free WiFi, an indoor pool, and modern amenities. The inviting lobby is designed as a versatile space for relaxation, work, or socializing, making it popular with both business and leisure travelers.
DoubleTree by Hilton Ann Arbor North – Just north of downtown and within walking distance of campus, this 4-star hotel provides excellent value with a fitness center, indoor pool, and business center. The location offers easy access to both downtown and the stadium.
Budget-Friendly Options
Holiday Inn & Suites Ann Arbor Univ Michigan Area – This IHG property offers solid amenities at competitive rates with inviting swimming pools and easy stadium access. The hotel provides good value for families with recreational facilities.
Comfort Inn & Suites University South – Located off I-94, this hotel offers affordability along with amenities such as a fitness center and indoor pool, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want comfort.
Red Roof Inn Ann Arbor – U of Michigan South – A budget-friendly option that caters to cost-conscious travelers while still providing basic amenities like fitness facilities and convenient highway access for easy travel to the stadium.
Extended Stay America Suites – Perfect for longer stays with kitchenette facilities and rooms designed for comfort without breaking the budget. The extended-stay format works well for multiple-game weekends or longer visits.
A final note: If you are priced out of Ann Arbor, stay in Canton or Livonia (25 mins east). It is half the price, and the drive in on game day isn’t terrible if you leave early and give yourself time. Also for big games alot of Ann Arbor hotels require 2 night minimums and can be well over normal prices.
Bars and Restaurants In Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor’s gameday scene revolves around four main districts, each with its own personality. Main Street District is filled with inventive restaurants, creative cocktail bars, beloved music venues, and art galleries. South University District is the classic “college town” neighborhood, perfect for strolling and has that authentic campus feel. State Street District is perfect for those who love historic architecture, theater and music performances, world-class art, shopping, and fine dining. The Kerrytown District is home to the famous Zingerman’s Deli and eclectic shopping.
Most fans gravitate toward the South University and State Street areas before games since they’re closest to campus and Michigan Stadium. Main Street offers a slightly more upscale scene, while South University has that authentic college bar atmosphere. After games, people often spread out across all districts, with many heading to Main Street for dinner or back to their favorite pregame spots.
Essential Gameday Bars
The Brown Jug – Named after the Michigan vs. Minnesota football trophy, this South University Avenue bar is located in the heart of the U-M campus and is a longtime favorite among the Ann Arbor community. All of their food is good and you don’t want to miss out on the pizza. The Brown Jug is also known for creative alcoholic drinks. It’s the quintessential Michigan gameday experience.
Fraser’s Pub: The go-to pregame meal spot with deep U-M athletics history, great food, staff, and atmosphere. Walls are covered in Michigan memorabilia, and you’ll see alumni and locals who’ve been coming here for decades.
Conor O’Neill’s: Irish pub with the best Guinness pour in the country and delicious food. Perfect for a post-game stop when you want to let traffic clear while celebrating a win or drowning your sorrows after a loss.
Ashley’s Restaurant & Bar – Located on State Street, Ashley’s is known for its old-time salon-like decor and intimate setting. While they do serve food, Ashley’s is primarily a bar experience. What sets it apart is its extensive beer selection and famous “Beer Tour” rewards program where you earn rewards for trying different beers.
Blue Leprechaun – Established in 2008, The Blue Leprechaun is located at the heart of the University of Michigan’s campus, just a short distance from the Big House, Crisler Center and campus libraries. This spot offers a great gameday atmosphere with special Michigan Football gameday menus and daily specials.
Good Time Charleys – A classic college bar that consistently ranks among the top sports bars in Ann Arbor. Known for its lively gameday atmosphere and getting packed on game days with enthusiastic fans.
Regents Field – Consistently mentioned as one of Ann Arbor’s top sports bars, offering a great place to watch games with good food and drinks in a vibrant atmosphere. Popular with both students and alumni.
Must-Try Restaurants
Zingerman’s Delicatessen – Located on Detroit Street just off Main Street, Zingerman’s Deli is world-famous. It has a relaxed vibe with most seating upstairs. Everything is excellent and it’s worth spending $20+ for a full-sized sandwich. The Reuben variation called “Jinny’s Fix” is legendary, and their lentil soup is fantastic. Expect to wait, but it’s worth it.
Blimpy Burger: Iconic Ann Arbor experience featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Get there early—lines get long on game days, but the burgers are worth it.
Frita Batidos – This Cuban-inspired restaurant offers traditional fritas (Cuban burgers) that can be made with chorizo, chicken, black bean, beef, or fish and includes a sunny-side-up egg, avocado spread, and bacon. It’s consistently recommended by locals and has that perfect street food vibe. Great for post-game dining.
Aventura – A Spanish tapas restaurant that locals consistently rank as one of Ann Arbor’s top dining options. The menu is filled with fresh, tangy, fragrant, and flavorful dishes. Their bacon-wrapped dates are a must-order, and everything pairs well with Spanish bread.
Grizzly Peak Brewing Company – A local brewery offering excellent craft beer and solid pub fare, making it perfect for post-game celebrations. Many visitors make this a must-stop every time they’re in Ann Arbor.
Sava’s – A local favorite known for consistently good American fare including burgers, soups, salads, and their famous Bang Bang shrimp. Offers a welcoming atmosphere and reliable quality.
Gameday Tips
Get there early – With over 100,000 people heading to the same place, patience is key. Get to your chosen spots early so you don’t miss kickoff. Popular restaurants and bars fill up quickly, especially 2-3 hours before game time.
Consider transportation – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) offers FootballRide shuttle service between Michigan Stadium and Ann Arbor hotels, parking structures, the Michigan Union, and downtown. Shuttles run every 20 minutes starting two hours before game time, with the last shuttles leaving 30 minutes before kickoff.
Social District advantage – In the Main Street Ann Arbor Social District, patrons of participating restaurants, pubs and breweries can carry open alcoholic beverages in designated containers. This makes bar hopping easier in the Main Street area.
Expect crowds and plan accordingly – Make reservations where possible, or be prepared to wait. Consider calling ahead for takeout if you’re on a tight schedule. Popular spots like The Brown Jug require getting there early on game days.
Post-game strategy – Traffic and crowds can be intense after games, so many fans prefer to stick around downtown rather than immediately driving out. This makes post-game dining and drinking part of the whole experience rather than a rushed exit. Downtown offers plenty of options to celebrate wins or commiserate losses.
Parking and road closures – Be aware that Main Street and surrounding areas have road closures starting 3 hours before each game until the end of the game. Plan your route accordingly and consider using the FootballRide or walking from downtown areas.
Things To Do in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Ann Arbor and some fun nearby day trips:
University of Michigan: Well, you’re there for the game, so this is obvious. Explore the beautiful campus of the University of Michigan, visit the iconic Michigan Stadium (also known as “The Big House”), and check out the Michigan Museum of Art..
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum: Enjoy the serene beauty of these botanical gardens and arboretum, which offer walking trails, stunning plant collections, and peaceful settings.
Kerrytown Market & Shops: Visit this historic neighborhood filled with unique shops, boutiques, and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. It’s a great place to find local produce, artisanal goods, and delicious food.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: Perfect for families and science enthusiasts, this interactive museum features exhibits and activities that engage visitors of all ages.
The Michigan Theater: Catch a movie or enjoy live performances at this beautifully restored historic theater. They often have a diverse range of shows, including independent films, classic movies, and concerts.
Leslie Science & Nature Center: Discover the wonders of nature through exhibits, trails, and wildlife encounters. The center offers educational programs and has resident raptors and other animals.
Day trips from Ann Arbor:
Day trip to Detroit: Ann Arbor is only about an hour’s drive from Detroit, so consider exploring the Motor City. Visit attractions like the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, or catch a game at one of the professional sports stadiums.
Day trip to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village: Located in Dearborn, just outside of Detroit, these attractions showcase the history of innovation and American culture. Explore exhibits, historic buildings, and even ride in a Model T.
Day trip to the Detroit Metro Parks: Enjoy the outdoors by visiting one of the beautiful Metro Parks surrounding Detroit. Kensington Metropark and Stony Creek Metropark offer hiking trails, lakes for boating, picnic areas, and more.
There is nothing like a game at the Big House! The energy, passion, and tradition surrounding Michigan football make it a must-see experience for any college football diehard. Go Blue! Here are some other Gameday Guides of interest:
And Closer to Home Ford Field, Little Caesars Arena and Michigan State
Written by Brad Richards. Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.