Michigan Game Day Experience

[Bowlmania]

If someone already has a similar thread going, my apologies. Haven't had time to read everything that's been posted today.

I missed the Washington game and the ESPN Game Day that morning, but I can't imagine a more electric environment than what I experienced yesterday. There was literally a buzz around the stadium that you could hear walking up Dunn when we were still a distance from the stadium and the lots, and long before the game started.

After too many seasons of "nobody cares" football, this is so incredible to see.

The weather couldn't have been better. The sun broke through just before kick and it was tee-shirt weather the first half. The temperature dropped after sunset but it never got cold.

I have spectacular phone video of the white adidas towels against a sea of red, and have to think this played really well on TV. (I DVR'd the game but haven't had time to play it back yet).

There were plenty of UM fans scattered throughout the stadium but, at least from my vantage point, it looked like they were treated respectfully (mostly) and they, in turn, were fine.

This isn't a complaint (our fans were great throughout the game) but an observation, and my son noticed it as well. Despite the packed house and the amped-up crowd, it didn't seem exceptionally loud in the stadium. Before the game, I anticipated deafening crowd noise that might contribute to some false starts or otherwise disrupt Michigan's offense (which isn't great to begin with), but I didn't see any evidence of that. Maybe I'm simply off base here, or maybe it was a function of where we were sitting (or, more accurately, standing, as we were on our feet for most of the game). I'd like to hear what other people in attendance noticed about the noise level.

The game itself was too close for comfort, and Michigan must have made some nice halftime adjustments because they dominated the second half at the LOS and otherwise. I have to admit that when UM closed the gap to 17-15, I started thinking this is going to end 18-17. (How many times have we seen developments like that over the years?!). But this is the NEW Indiana, and we held on for the W.

This was the first time all season where the outcome was in doubt late in the game. Someone in our group said that maybe, in the long run, a nail-biter will help the team. As the competition gets tougher in two weeks and then in the post-season, a close game won't be a new experience for IU and they'll be better equipped to handle the pressure.

Go Hoosiers!

 

[hozo4ultimate]

If someone already has a similar thread going, my apologies. Haven't had time to read everything that's been posted today.

I missed the Washington game and the ESPN Game Day that morning, but I can't imagine a more electric environment than what I experienced yesterday. There was literally a buzz around the stadium that you could hear walking up Dunn when we were still a distance from the stadium and the lots, and long before the game started.

After too many seasons of "nobody cares" football, this is so incredible to see.

The weather couldn't have been better. The sun broke through just before kick and it was tee-shirt weather the first half. The temperature dropped after sunset but it never got cold.

I have spectacular phone video of the white adidas towels against a sea of red, and have to think this played really well on TV. (I DVR'd the game but haven't had time to play it back yet).

There were plenty of UM fans scattered throughout the stadium but, at least from my vantage point, it looked like they were treated respectfully (mostly) and they, in turn, were fine.

This isn't a complaint (our fans were great throughout the game) but an observation, and my son noticed it as well. Despite the packed house and the amped-up crowd, it didn't seem exceptionally loud in the stadium. Before the game, I anticipated deafening crowd noise that might contribute to some false starts or otherwise disrupt Michigan's offense (which isn't great to begin with), but I didn't see any evidence of that. Maybe I'm simply off base here, or maybe it was a function of where we were sitting (or, more accurately, standing, as we were on our feet for most of the game). I'd like to hear what other people in attendance noticed about the noise level.

The game itself was too close for comfort, and Michigan must have made some nice halftime adjustments because they dominated the second half at the LOS and otherwise. I have to admit that when UM closed the gap to 17-15, I started thinking this is going to end 18-17. (How many times have we seen developments like that over the years?!). But this is the NEW Indiana, and we held on for the W.

This was the first time all season where the outcome was in doubt late in the game. Someone in our group said that maybe, in the long run, a nail-biter will help the team. As the competition gets tougher in two weeks and then in the post-season, a close game won't be a new experience for IU and they'll be better equipped to handle the pressure.

Go Hoosiers!

The game day experience has been off the charts since Nebraska. The fans have shown up early and stayed till the gun. IU deserves some credt as well. Lines are long and you have to plan accordingly, like any big time college football game day.

But you are right, it never feels super loud. Maybe it is the sort of open end zones. The atmosphere is great, but it doesn't feel super loud.

 

[zeke4ahs]

If someone already has a similar thread going, my apologies. Haven't had time to read everything that's been posted today.

I missed the Washington game and the ESPN Game Day that morning, but I can't imagine a more electric environment than what I experienced yesterday. There was literally a buzz around the stadium that you could hear walking up Dunn when we were still a distance from the stadium and the lots, and long before the game started.

After too many seasons of "nobody cares" football, this is so incredible to see.

The weather couldn't have been better. The sun broke through just before kick and it was tee-shirt weather the first half. The temperature dropped after sunset but it never got cold.

I have spectacular phone video of the white adidas towels against a sea of red, and have to think this played really well on TV. (I DVR'd the game but haven't had time to play it back yet).

There were plenty of UM fans scattered throughout the stadium but, at least from my vantage point, it looked like they were treated respectfully (mostly) and they, in turn, were fine.

This isn't a complaint (our fans were great throughout the game) but an observation, and my son noticed it as well. Despite the packed house and the amped-up crowd, it didn't seem exceptionally loud in the stadium. Before the game, I anticipated deafening crowd noise that might contribute to some false starts or otherwise disrupt Michigan's offense (which isn't great to begin with), but I didn't see any evidence of that. Maybe I'm simply off base here, or maybe it was a function of where we were sitting (or, more accurately, standing, as we were on our feet for most of the game). I'd like to hear what other people in attendance noticed about the noise level.

The game itself was too close for comfort, and Michigan must have made some nice halftime adjustments because they dominated the second half at the LOS and otherwise. I have to admit that when UM closed the gap to 17-15, I started thinking this is going to end 18-17. (How many times have we seen developments like that over the years?!). But this is the NEW Indiana, and we held on for the W.

This was the first time all season where the outcome was in doubt late in the game. Someone in our group said that maybe, in the long run, a nail-biter will help the team. As the competition gets tougher in two weeks and then in the post-season, a close game won't be a new experience for IU and they'll be better equipped to handle the pressure.

Go Hoosiers!

I think it wasn’t as loud yesterday because the fans were super nervous. Nebraska I thought was pretty loud because it was just jubilation the entire game.

 

[iueyedoc99]

I agree about the noise level. Compared to AH for example it didn’t seem that loud. Our seats were in row 13 of section 27. This is the “faculty/staff” section and we were pretty much surrounded by older academic types and quite a few MI fans…the guy next to me was wearing a crimson “IU Biotech” hat and I didn’t hear a peep out of him the whole game…I did coax one reluctant high five out of him but there were quite a few people like that around us who aren’t going to make much noise. The guy behind me was getting around with a cane. Definately not much of a “rowdy crowd” over in 27!

There was one loudmouth behind us who was imploring IU to take Elijah Sarratts jersey back and rescind his scholarship!

The MI fans directly in front of us weren’t too into it either…even when it was close late they just were resigned that MI would blow it. When we had the short punt and gave them the ball around the 40 one guy literally did not care - he just shrugged and told me “it don’t matter we can’t score anyway”. Not sure why they came honestly?

 

[Tammany Hall]

The stands are pretty steep (should help) and the crowds have been good, but agree it’s not notably loud yet. We are a little quiet on D. Maybe Scott or Cig need to send the fans an email on that one…

AH is tough to compete against since it’s one of the loudest arenas. Memorial Stadium obviously has no roof and that will always be a factor.

Hopefully it improves as we get more into FB.

 

[OpenWheels]

I don't know how differently they did the mics for Michigan compared to Nebraska or Washington. But on TV, the Nebraska crowd was very loud, the Washington crowd was very LOUD, or maybe I have them reversed. But on TV the Michigan game was far quieter, not close. The announcers would mention when the crowd was finally amped up, the other games it didn't get commented on much since it was constantly amped.

 

[OpenWheels]

Maybe an older crowd picked the Michigan game, because "Hey Honey, which games do we want this year? Michigan? They're always good."

 

[zeke4ahs]

I don't know how differently they did the mics for Michigan compared to Nebraska or Washington. But on TV, the Nebraska crowd was very loud, the Washington crowd was very LOUD, or maybe I have them reversed. But on TV the Michigan game was far quieter, not close. The announcers would mention when the crowd was finally amped up, the other games it didn't get commented on much since it was constantly amped.

 

[Bowlmania]

I read recently that the networks sometimes use prerecorded crowd audio tracks to artificially enhance the noise level for their TV viewers. Not sure of the networks or the sports.

 

[td75]

The Nebraska game was very loud!!

 

[Tammany Hall]

I read recently that the networks sometimes use prerecorded crowd audio tracks to artificially enhance the noise level for their TV viewers. Not sure of the networks or the sports.

Interesting. I think it can also vary depending on where they put the crowd mics and how they mix in the announcers.

Btw that 3:30 CBS broadcast was the gold standard. So many camera angles and drone shots… it’s a whole different way to see the game and Memorial Stadium vs BTN etc.

 

[Bowlmania]

Interesting. I think it can also vary depending on where they put the crowd mics and how they mix in the announcers.

Btw that 3:30 CBS broadcast was the gold standard. So many camera angles and drone shots… it’s a whole different way to see the game and stadium vs BTN etc.

Yep, I can’t wait to watch the recording.

 

[iueyedoc99]

A couple of other observations…the last game we went to was CinCinnati about 4 years ago…also a sellout but the lines were much shorter yesterday..,about 7-8 mins for the restroom and under :10 for most of the food lines - this was at HT when they should have been the longest.

 

[zeke4ahs]

The Nebraska game was very loud!!

I thought so too! It’s like SSAH… we get quiet when we are nervous!

 

[bbh_42]

I think the gameday experience has been great since the Maryland game and been better each week. Got to lot 12 around 1pm and it was pretty full. Went into the stadium about 50 minutes before and there were a lot of people already in their seats. Had a few Michigan fans near us and only one was obnoxious.

Even after the game seemed like people were hanging out longer that prior ones. I do think IU needs to work on a better exit strategy for traffic after the games now that people are staying to the end. Trying to get out was the worst we’ve had all year. Just doesn’t seem like they coordinate the outflow very well. We sat on Fee Lane for like 25 minutes and still weren’t close to being able to make the left. Finally when I got an opening I turned right and picked up the interstate from the South side.

 

[Bowlmania]

I thought so too! It’s like SSAH… we get quiet when we are nervous!

But the first half wasn’t nerve-wracking. In any event, close games are when we need to be our loudest.

Maybe the towels are to blame. We can’t wave towels and make noise at the same time. lol.

I dont want to make too big a deal out of this. My takeaway is that the crowd was great. Would just like to see it loud enough to affect play at times when the opponent has the ball.

 

[Chriselli]

Maybe the towels are to blame. We can’t wave towels and make noise at the same time. lol.

BINGO

 

[TMFT]

Ithe E-W stands seemed decently loud from the north end zone. And I wasn’t impacted by hardly anyone in my section, they were quiet as hell.

Also thought the band really brought it. I was very happy with the atmosphere. The search continues for a signature song. Jump Around fell flat again and some Indiana song they played got over like a fart in church.

 

[Harry Hondo]

Every Michigan fan I came in contact with was very kind. On the way back to the car we were walking next to a group and I told them they were first team to stop our offense this season. One woman said they didn’t expect to win, but really liked the atmosphere we’ve created. They wished us well against OSU and I yelled back, “yes, beat the Buckeyes!” It really felt like, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” at that moment as one guy raised his fist in support.

 

[Walt542]

I too thought it was not as loud as Nebraska. Similar to Washington. I wondered if we are getting tired of yelling. I know my 72 year old throat is pretty sore from all these home games.

I also wondered about the towels. I thought maybe all those towels in the air muffled the noise a bit. I didn’t think about not being able to yell as much when waving a towel as mentioned above but that is certainly a possibility. But the towels sure did look cool!

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

The stands are pretty steep (should help) and the crowds have been good, but agree it’s not notably loud yet. We are a little quiet on D. Maybe Scott or Cig need to send the fans an email on that one…

AH is tough to compete against since it’s one of the loudest arenas. Memorial Stadium obviously has no roof and that will always be a factor.

Hopefully it improves as we get more into FB.

Basketball arenas are inherently loud because they are closer to the action, the place is smaller and they are enclosed. There is no place for the noise to dissipate.
AH - if you ever attended a game there in the 70s and 80s…….today’s AH ain’t got nothing on that era. Not close.

 

[abraxis]

I was not at the Michigan game but was for Nebraska. Trust me, it was very loud. One thing I enjoyed by watching on TV were the drone shots I had never seen before. Memorial stadium looked spectacular in a sold out sea of red and white. Under the bright lights it looked great too and the shots of Assembly Hall in the background are always impressive. The Rock looked solid!

 

[Vern Pain]

We are Mini Season Tickets holders this year, that's another story altogether. But yesterday, we were in section 25 so we bordered on the student section. They were there in mass but their energy was different.

We had a doctor and his son from Avon sitting in front of us. Next to him was a Michigan guy who was more or less subdued until the 4th quarter. When Michigan scored their touchdown he stood up and yelled F#&k you all!!!! Started getting mouthy with many of the folks around him. He stayed that way until the Williams punt return. He stayed until Michigan's failed 4th down attempt and then slunk out, head down. So, here's where the doctor at the beginning of this paragraph ties in. As the guy left, the doctor and kid turned around smiling. They told us they got 4 seats on Seat Geek for $140.00 each. They sold two of them to the Michigan guy for $580.00 each. That was worth a fist bump

I'll agree, the Nebraska game was the loudest I've heard the crowd and the most sustained noise level. Never really believed I'd experience a season like this one at Memorial Stadium.

 

[Tammany Hall]

Nebraska was the loudest -- no towels at that game. As Bowlmania pointed out, while fans can yell, towels reduce clapping. I think that's part of it. And yea part of it too is we steamrolled Nebraska.

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

We are Mini Season Tickets holders this year, that's another story altogether. But yesterday, we were in section 25 so we bordered on the student section. They were there in mass but their energy was different.

We had a doctor and his son from Avon sitting in front of us. Next to him was a Michigan guy who was more or less subdued until the 4th quarter. When Michigan scored their touchdown he stood up and yelled F#&k you all!!!! Started getting mouthy with many of the folks around him. He stayed that way until the Williams punt return. He stayed until Michigan's failed 4th down attempt and then slunk out, head down. So, here's where the doctor at the beginning of this paragraph ties in. As the guy left, the doctor and kid turned around smiling. They told us they got 4 seats on Seat Geek for $140.00 each. They sold two of them to the Michigan guy for $580.00 each. That was worth a fist bump

I'll agree, the Nebraska game was the loudest I've heard the crowd and the most sustained noise level. Never really believed I'd experience a season like this one at Memorial Stadium.

Did you know that the vast majority of traveling Michigan fans are “Walmart Wolverines?”

People who are not familiar with this species would be surprised to learn that they actually have an entry in the Urban Dictionary:

They are defined as:

“A fan of the University of Michigan who has never attended the school and roots for them while wearing one or more of the following:

-$5.00 Michigan shirt bought at Wal-Mart
-Mullet
-NASCAR hat
-Hunting clothes”

You may have just encountered one of these indigenous species from their state or maybe even our state, as they have been known to migrate.

We spotted one of these on the East side prior to the game around section 27 men’s bathroom entrance. As fans were entering the bathroom, this endearing gentleman, dressed in his Walmart gear was standing there with a box of tissues trying to hand them out while saying “You guys is going to need these after the game.”

The Walmart Wolverines were indeed there on Saturday but not in the large, roaming packs we are used to seeing..

 

[Vern Pain]

Nebraska was the loudest -- no towels at that game. As Bowlmania pointed out, while fans can yell, towels reduce clapping. I think that's part of it. And yea part of it too is we steamrolled Nebraska.

Literally every play in offense was a "chunk play". Big chunks of yardage in every play. The thing that amazed me in that game was that the crowd was still amped up when IU scored 42, 49, and 56. Big fun.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

The Nebraska game was very loud!!

Agree. I couldn’t imagine how loud it is on the field.

 

[Irregulars]

I too thought it was not as loud as Nebraska. Similar to Washington. I wondered if we are getting tired of yelling. I know my 72 year old throat is pretty sore from all these home games.

I also wondered about the towels. I thought maybe all those towels in the air muffled the noise a bit. I didn’t think about not being able to yell as much when waving a towel as mentioned above but that is certainly a possibility. But the towels sure did look cool!

Doesn't seem quiet the Steelers games.

 

[Hoosier Clarion]

Did you know that the vast majority of traveling Michigan fans are “Walmart Wolverines?”

People who are not familiar with this species would be surprised to learn that they actually have an entry in the Urban Dictionary:

They are defined as:

“A fan of the University of Michigan who has never attended the school and roots for them while wearing one or more of the following:

-$5.00 Michigan shirt bought at Wal-Mart
-Mullet
-NASCAR hat
-Hunting clothes”

You may have just encountered one of these indigenous species from their state or maybe even our state, as they have been known to migrate.

We spotted one of these on the East side prior to the game around section 27 men’s bathroom entrance. As fans were entering the bathroom, this endearing gentleman, dressed in his Walmart gear was standing there with a box of tissues trying to hand them out while saying “You guys is going to need these after the game.”

The Walmart Wolverines were indeed there on Saturday but not in the large, roaming packs we are used to seeing..

View embedded media

Kinda doubt by definition Walmart Wolverines would pay $580.00 each.

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

Kinda doubt by definition Walmart Wolverines would pay $580.00 each.

They do when they are running a meth lab on the side.

 

[Hoosier Clarion]

I was not at the Michigan game but was for Nebraska. Trust me, it was very loud. One thing I enjoyed by watching on TV were the drone shots I had never seen before. Memorial stadium looked spectacular in a sold out sea of red and white. Under the bright lights it looked great too and the shots of Assembly Hall in the background are always impressive. The Rock looked solid!

Positively agree the optics were highlighting the IUFB image on my TV screen. BTN needs to become equal in their product efforts. But when you give the good games away why bother.

 

[Hoosier Clarion]

They do when they are running a meth lab on the side.

Still doubt it.

 

[Al Bino]

If someone already has a similar thread going, my apologies. Haven't had time to read everything that's been posted today.

I missed the Washington game and the ESPN Game Day that morning, but I can't imagine a more electric environment than what I experienced yesterday. There was literally a buzz around the stadium that you could hear walking up Dunn when we were still a distance from the stadium and the lots, and long before the game started.

After too many seasons of "nobody cares" football, this is so incredible to see.

The weather couldn't have been better. The sun broke through just before kick and it was tee-shirt weather the first half. The temperature dropped after sunset but it never got cold.

I have spectacular phone video of the white adidas towels against a sea of red, and have to think this played really well on TV. (I DVR'd the game but haven't had time to play it back yet).

There were plenty of UM fans scattered throughout the stadium but, at least from my vantage point, it looked like they were treated respectfully (mostly) and they, in turn, were fine.

This isn't a complaint (our fans were great throughout the game) but an observation, and my son noticed it as well. Despite the packed house and the amped-up crowd, it didn't seem exceptionally loud in the stadium. Before the game, I anticipated deafening crowd noise that might contribute to some false starts or otherwise disrupt Michigan's offense (which isn't great to begin with), but I didn't see any evidence of that. Maybe I'm simply off base here, or maybe it was a function of where we were sitting (or, more accurately, standing, as we were on our feet for most of the game). I'd like to hear what other people in attendance noticed about the noise level.

The game itself was too close for comfort, and Michigan must have made some nice halftime adjustments because they dominated the second half at the LOS and otherwise. I have to admit that when UM closed the gap to 17-15, I started thinking this is going to end 18-17. (How many times have we seen developments like that over the years?!). But this is the NEW Indiana, and we held on for the W.

This was the first time all season where the outcome was in doubt late in the game. Someone in our group said that maybe, in the long run, a nail-biter will help the team. As the competition gets tougher in two weeks and then in the post-season, a close game won't be a new experience for IU and they'll be better equipped to handle the pressure.

Go Hoosiers!

Great post!
I told my son and his wife that some on here complained about the game day experience at IU.
Yesterday was the first game this year for me and I was AMAZED at the atmosphere. As you said there was a buzz, an electric atmosphere.

My son wanted a hot dog and they had run out where he went. It will take a while for the vendors to figure out what to stock so IMO, no big deal.

NOW, the Hoosier Hundred! I know they have been criticized on here and after watching them in person, I can understand why.
The pregame show was great IMO BUT the halftime show was terrible. Hire a young, ambitious, innovative person to out some life into the halftime show!

The end of the third quarter song that has been discussed on here should have an answer from this game. The Queen song had a LOT of people singing and then showing a pic of Hep's Rock was a great tie in!

The bye week couldn't have come at a better time!!

Go HOOSIERS.

 

[RegionHoosiers]

Basketball arenas are inherently loud because they are closer to the action, the place is smaller and they are enclosed. There is no place for the noise to dissipate.
AH - if you ever attended a game there in the 70s and 80s…….today’s AH ain’t got nothing on that era. Not close.

It's not even nearly the same as the late 90s/early 00s. It's weird to me how the experience now is centered on what's going on on the jumbo tron, almost like an nba game. Didn't need Isaiah telling us then we're the best fans in basketball, or this is the best timeout in sports, etc. Get off my lawn I guess.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

They do when they are running a meth lab on the side.

Meth manufacturing isn’t lucrative anymore. Mexico can make it better and cheaper. The China/mexico thing is real. I bet they sell feet pics on onlyfans. 😉💰

 

[abraxis]

It's not even nearly the same as the late 90s/early 00s. It's weird to me how the experience now is centered on what's going on on the jumbo tron, almost like an nba game. Didn't need Isaiah telling us then we're the best fans in basketball, or this is the best timeout in sports, etc. Get off my lawn I guess.

IU’s pregame activities at AH have grown stale. Mop Lady needs an upgrade in not only video quality, but also complexion. With IU’s well known liberalism and national cries for DEI, isn’t it about time for an East Indian woman in drag to “man” the broom in big, booming baritone? Also…God love Isiah Thomas forever, but isn’t it about time for something new to rile the crowd into a pregame frenzy? That video of Ike has been milked so long it’s turned sour.

 

[Vern Pain]

Kinda doubt by definition Walmart Wolverines would pay $580.00 each.

I dunno. These folks weren't alum I can pretty much guarantee that.

 

[abraxis]

I think it wasn’t as loud yesterday because the fans were super nervous. Nebraska I thought was pretty loud because it was just jubilation the entire game.

This Michigan game was full of apprehension and frustration, culminating in worn out mental relief. The Nebraska game was four quarters of kick-ass joy with the pedal to the metal, taking no prisoners…a big difference there.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

Basketball arenas are inherently loud because they are closer to the action, the place is smaller and they are enclosed. There is no place for the noise to dissipate.
AH - if you ever attended a game there in the 70s and 80s…….today’s AH ain’t got nothing on that era. Not close.

TAH has sound absorbing panels on the ceiling and end walls. This makes it a better venue for concerts but not nearly as loud for a game as the arenas with metal roofs.

 

[Tammany Hall]

TAH has sound absorbing panels on the ceiling and end walls. This makes it a better venue for concerts but not nearly as loud for a game as the arenas with metal roofs.

I’m not saying there aren’t louder arenas, but I’ve never been in a louder arena than AH. Mackey, Breslin, playoff MSA weren’t as good. I think the steep stands help offset that design feature you correctly note. Just my opinion.