Yesterday morning, before MSU's big win over Michigan, John Madden and the Spartan Marching Band joined the Spartan Sports Network pregame broadcast with a quick concert in the North Parking Lot of Spartan Stadium. It was added to YouTube, and is worth a full watch. In addition to the great performance, you can see many of the other guests that were featured on yesterday's broadcast, including Men's Basketball Coach Tom Izzo, President Lou Anna Simon, and Athletic Director Mark Hollis. Watch to the end for a special treat... Derek will tell you that this is just another reason that the North Stadium Lot is the best place to tailgate...
Showing posts with label Tailgating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tailgating. Show all posts
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Gameday Forecast: MSU @ Wisconsin
The temperature is supposed to stay in the 60's on State Street for tailgating before the game, and the good news is that the rain shouldn't come until after kickoff.
Madison has a high of 70 today, and is showing a 30% chance of rain, including possible thunderstorms. Light wind at 5-10 MPH shouldn't be much of a factor.
It's a beautiful day for football!
Madison has a high of 70 today, and is showing a 30% chance of rain, including possible thunderstorms. Light wind at 5-10 MPH shouldn't be much of a factor.
It's a beautiful day for football!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Final Four Friday: Favorite Tailgate Location
This Saturday will mark the second home game for MSU football this season, and while there was an unusually large crowd last week for Montana State, this weekend will be the first sellout crowd of the year. With that large number of people comes the tradition of tailgating, and so we thought we would talk about some of our favorite spots. Right away, Derek and I disagreed over which spots would make the Final Four, and so I know that this choice is highly personal. We also had a long discussion over the boundaries of the locations. For instance, would "Around Spartan Stadium" be a location? Or would it be several, with "North Stadium Lot" and "South Stadium Lot" each deserving their own nomination because of their drastically different cultures?
Finally, we settled the arguments by me picking my Final Four and letting Derek have his say in the comments, and by dividing the areas around the Stadium into multiple spots. I've left off some major and traditional locations from the Final Four, such as Munn Field, South Stadium lot, the Library and Commuter Lot, but for what I believe are good reasons such as "you have to be somewhat close (sorry Commuter Lot)" and "you have to allow alcohol (sorry Munn Field)." So on to the choices...
North Stadium Lot
This is a smaller lot located in the shadow north of Spartan Stadium. If you don't have money to donate, you had better hope you know someone who does, or don't even consider trying to set up here. The regulars in this area are here every game, and each week has sort of a family reunion feel as it is often the same groups, year after year. Some benefits of setting up here besides that five minute stroll to your seat? The Alumni Association tailgate tent is nearby, along with the stage that traditionally hosted the Geriatric Six Plus One (and lately has held the radio pregame show or other music, if anything). The Spartan Marching Band comes by before and after each game playing "The Series" and you also get to witness the players walk to the stadium from Kellogg before the game.
Walter Adams Field
If you like the Spartan Marching Band, then this is the location for you! Tailgating is very limited as most of the field is utilized for band warmup and the pregame show. Best spots ring the outside of the field along West Circle Drive on the north and south. Regulars show up early and every week, but they mix with the Band Fans and Band Parents, who only show for the few years their child is performing. As the time gets closer to 10:30 (on days with a noon kick), the population explodes and your tailgate is treated to the best concert possible: One blasting the MSU Fight Song! One downer: The party dies when the band leaves about 50 minutes to kickoff, as all the parents follow their kids over to the stadium.
Lot 7 & Field bounded by Old Horticulture, Student Services, and Natural Science
This lot remained relatively unknown to me until recent years, but is actually a great spot. Relatively cheap to park (and no season pass required), it is filled with young alumni and families. Plenty of students walk through, but it is mostly just fun gatherings with hot dogs and beer. With no crazy distractions like a band hogging the open space, you are free to toss the football around, but watch out for the five year old running around your feet! It's low key, good ol' boy tailgating here.
Tennis Courts
If you like to drink, look no further. This is where the party is at, every week! It's true that the official student tailgating spot has mellowed some from recent years, but it is still the biggest and best location for students to gather and go crazy. While the drinking games were banned a few years back, ASMSU has done a good job of making sure that this area is student oriented, with loud music and food options. Parking is students only, but that doesn't stop their 50 closest friends from showing up with drinks to pass. Looking to have some Facebook photos posted that will keep you from getting that dream job? This is your place!
And the winner is... Lot 7
This is where my friends have been setting up since graduation, and it has really grown on me. There is enough space to toss around the football, just the right balance of drunk students (less then 10 at any given time within ear shot is perfect, sorry Tennis Courts), a short walk to the stadium and it doesn't require me to donate anything to park there. Getting out after the game is quick enough (sorry North Stadium Lot), and the party here can go right up to kickoff (sorry Walter Adams Field).
Finally, we settled the arguments by me picking my Final Four and letting Derek have his say in the comments, and by dividing the areas around the Stadium into multiple spots. I've left off some major and traditional locations from the Final Four, such as Munn Field, South Stadium lot, the Library and Commuter Lot, but for what I believe are good reasons such as "you have to be somewhat close (sorry Commuter Lot)" and "you have to allow alcohol (sorry Munn Field)." So on to the choices...
North Stadium Lot
This is a smaller lot located in the shadow north of Spartan Stadium. If you don't have money to donate, you had better hope you know someone who does, or don't even consider trying to set up here. The regulars in this area are here every game, and each week has sort of a family reunion feel as it is often the same groups, year after year. Some benefits of setting up here besides that five minute stroll to your seat? The Alumni Association tailgate tent is nearby, along with the stage that traditionally hosted the Geriatric Six Plus One (and lately has held the radio pregame show or other music, if anything). The Spartan Marching Band comes by before and after each game playing "The Series" and you also get to witness the players walk to the stadium from Kellogg before the game.
Walter Adams Field
If you like the Spartan Marching Band, then this is the location for you! Tailgating is very limited as most of the field is utilized for band warmup and the pregame show. Best spots ring the outside of the field along West Circle Drive on the north and south. Regulars show up early and every week, but they mix with the Band Fans and Band Parents, who only show for the few years their child is performing. As the time gets closer to 10:30 (on days with a noon kick), the population explodes and your tailgate is treated to the best concert possible: One blasting the MSU Fight Song! One downer: The party dies when the band leaves about 50 minutes to kickoff, as all the parents follow their kids over to the stadium.
Lot 7 & Field bounded by Old Horticulture, Student Services, and Natural Science
This lot remained relatively unknown to me until recent years, but is actually a great spot. Relatively cheap to park (and no season pass required), it is filled with young alumni and families. Plenty of students walk through, but it is mostly just fun gatherings with hot dogs and beer. With no crazy distractions like a band hogging the open space, you are free to toss the football around, but watch out for the five year old running around your feet! It's low key, good ol' boy tailgating here.
Tennis Courts
If you like to drink, look no further. This is where the party is at, every week! It's true that the official student tailgating spot has mellowed some from recent years, but it is still the biggest and best location for students to gather and go crazy. While the drinking games were banned a few years back, ASMSU has done a good job of making sure that this area is student oriented, with loud music and food options. Parking is students only, but that doesn't stop their 50 closest friends from showing up with drinks to pass. Looking to have some Facebook photos posted that will keep you from getting that dream job? This is your place!
And the winner is... Lot 7
This is where my friends have been setting up since graduation, and it has really grown on me. There is enough space to toss around the football, just the right balance of drunk students (less then 10 at any given time within ear shot is perfect, sorry Tennis Courts), a short walk to the stadium and it doesn't require me to donate anything to park there. Getting out after the game is quick enough (sorry North Stadium Lot), and the party here can go right up to kickoff (sorry Walter Adams Field).
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Gameday: One Sad Thing
It's Gameday in East Lansing, and the tailgating has already started. The weather is good, the band will be out soon, and it's almost time to start another season of Spartan Football. But unlike other first games the Spartans have had in the past, there is one sad thing about today. No matter what the Spartans do on the field, they lose a recruiting talking point when that ball is kicked off at noon.
That's because since the NCAA created the two separate divisions for football, MSU has never played a team from the lower division. MSU is currently one of only a handful of schools to be able to say that, and even if we pound Montana St. by 50 points, we will not be able to brag about that stat tonight. It's gone forever.
That's because since the NCAA created the two separate divisions for football, MSU has never played a team from the lower division. MSU is currently one of only a handful of schools to be able to say that, and even if we pound Montana St. by 50 points, we will not be able to brag about that stat tonight. It's gone forever.
Monday, April 20, 2009
It's Game Week
Well everyone, it's been a long and painful off-season, but finally football has arrived! For a day anyway...
MSU Spring Football is here, and it's finally game week! It's a little different, obviously, because no one is sitting here breaking down an opponent, or trying to figure out a good hotel in Madison. Regardless, lets preview game day:
Time and Date: 1:30 p.m. on April 25th
Location: Spartan Stadium
Parking Lot's Open: Early! As this is not an official game, there are no special tailgating rules. This means that the tailgating lots should be wide open like they are any random Saturday.
Tailgating: Do it! However, as there are no special tailgating rules, normal MSU laws are in effect. This means that technically no alcohol is allowed anywhere. Past experience suggests that as long as you don't cause a problem, you won't have a problem.
Admission: The game is free!
Spirit Shop and Garage Sale: In past games, the MSU Spirit Shop in the stadium has been open. MSU has no plans to do an athletic garage sale this year.
Weather: As of today, the forecast for East Lansing, MI is a high of 76, Partly Cloudy.
Food: In past years, some concessions in the Stadium have been open. If grilling at a tailgate isn't your thing, my suggestion would be to grab a quick lunch up at Panchero's on Grand River, and after the game, head down to Leo's Lodge on Jolly. This is where you are most likely to run into me anyway...
Stadium Seating: Because there are no tickets, feel free to sit where ever you want! Some people prefer their regular seats, or just sit where their season tickets are out of habit. Others head right for the "Best Seats," those down closer to the field around the 50 yard line. My suggestion is to try someplace where you couldn't normally ever sit. Not many students come to this game, so check out their view from the student section. Ever wondered what the worst seat is? Check out the top corner of the upper deck! Or for $50 bucks, sit in the press box.
Kids: There is a free youth clinic 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. on game day at the grass practice fields behind the Duffy Daugherty Football Building. Kids 8-12 years old. Parents should come along, no registration or equipment is required. There will be an autograph session afterward.
TV: No live TV. Unlike last year, the Big Ten Network is not showing any of the Spring Games live. They will have highlights on later that evening. There is also no live-steam on the internet.
Radio: Spartan Radio Network will broadcast the game, although it's not entirely assured that every affiliate throughout the state will carry the broadcast.
Other Stadium Thrills: Don't expect much. Past games generally lack most of the normal game day traditions, such as the Marching Band or Thunderstruck. Some years, band members have shown up and played from their spot in the stands (Awesome!). There will be a short halftime show with the start of a charity bike ride to Mexico which will include some former Spartan players, including NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure.
So, everyone attending should look forward to an exciting event. Good weather, free parking and admission, tailgating... all in a very relaxed, casual atmosphere because there is no stress caused by 1) Sold out crowds or 2) Fear of losing. It should be a beautiful day for football!
MSU Spring Football is here, and it's finally game week! It's a little different, obviously, because no one is sitting here breaking down an opponent, or trying to figure out a good hotel in Madison. Regardless, lets preview game day:
Time and Date: 1:30 p.m. on April 25th
Location: Spartan Stadium
Parking Lot's Open: Early! As this is not an official game, there are no special tailgating rules. This means that the tailgating lots should be wide open like they are any random Saturday.
Tailgating: Do it! However, as there are no special tailgating rules, normal MSU laws are in effect. This means that technically no alcohol is allowed anywhere. Past experience suggests that as long as you don't cause a problem, you won't have a problem.
Admission: The game is free!
Spirit Shop and Garage Sale: In past games, the MSU Spirit Shop in the stadium has been open. MSU has no plans to do an athletic garage sale this year.
Weather: As of today, the forecast for East Lansing, MI is a high of 76, Partly Cloudy.
Food: In past years, some concessions in the Stadium have been open. If grilling at a tailgate isn't your thing, my suggestion would be to grab a quick lunch up at Panchero's on Grand River, and after the game, head down to Leo's Lodge on Jolly. This is where you are most likely to run into me anyway...
Stadium Seating: Because there are no tickets, feel free to sit where ever you want! Some people prefer their regular seats, or just sit where their season tickets are out of habit. Others head right for the "Best Seats," those down closer to the field around the 50 yard line. My suggestion is to try someplace where you couldn't normally ever sit. Not many students come to this game, so check out their view from the student section. Ever wondered what the worst seat is? Check out the top corner of the upper deck! Or for $50 bucks, sit in the press box.
Kids: There is a free youth clinic 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. on game day at the grass practice fields behind the Duffy Daugherty Football Building. Kids 8-12 years old. Parents should come along, no registration or equipment is required. There will be an autograph session afterward.
TV: No live TV. Unlike last year, the Big Ten Network is not showing any of the Spring Games live. They will have highlights on later that evening. There is also no live-steam on the internet.
Radio: Spartan Radio Network will broadcast the game, although it's not entirely assured that every affiliate throughout the state will carry the broadcast.
Other Stadium Thrills: Don't expect much. Past games generally lack most of the normal game day traditions, such as the Marching Band or Thunderstruck. Some years, band members have shown up and played from their spot in the stands (Awesome!). There will be a short halftime show with the start of a charity bike ride to Mexico which will include some former Spartan players, including NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure.
So, everyone attending should look forward to an exciting event. Good weather, free parking and admission, tailgating... all in a very relaxed, casual atmosphere because there is no stress caused by 1) Sold out crowds or 2) Fear of losing. It should be a beautiful day for football!
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