Tackling the perfect tailgate spot: Competition is fierce for a space at family's football parking lot
Norbert Rickelmann, right, talks to one of his customers, John Bauer, at the Rickelmann family's game-day parking lot on Pauline Boulevard. Bauer has been parking his car on Rickelmann's property during University of Michigan football games for 15 years. Norbert's father began the game-day tradition around 1935.
Janet Miller | AnnArbor.com
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Getting into Norbert and Ed Rickelmann’s parking lot on a University of Michigan football Saturday can be as tricky as getting into the game itself. And, like football tickets, there is a waiting list for the coveted spots, which are passed down from one generation to the next.
While many homeowners in the Allmendinger Park neighborhood rent driveway space out as a way to bring in extra cash, the Rickelmanns have created a legacy.
The family has been parking game-day cars in the vacant lot they own next to the family’s 1928 Sears kit house on Pauline Boulevard, east of Edgewood Avenue, for about 77 years. Each game day, they squeeze 45 cars - all with reserved season parking passes - into the grassy lot, where customers tailgate, kick around a soccer ball, watch TV and become friends. Some customers have been coming for close to 40 years.
Ed Rickelmann sits behind a board that holds his customers' car keys.
Janet Miller | AnnArbor.com
It was around 1935, just a few years after the stadium was erected, when Andrew Rickelmann decided to use the empty lot to park game-day cars to earn extra money to help his growing family, which eventually numbered 11 children. He charged 25 cents a car, and the lot was never full. In fact, a game against Northwestern brought 20 cars, a record for the times, Norbert said. “Dad kept notes on every game.”
Today, parking costs $25 a game, and is only available to season pass holders, some who have spent up to five years on a waiting list. “We’ve added a couple of zeros,” Norbert quipped about the increase in price. And the lot is always full. “Since (Bo) Schembechler, we’ve really filled the place up,” said 80-year-old Norbert.
Norbert Rickelmann greets customer John Bauer.
Janet Miller | AnnArbor.com
It has always been a family affair, Norbert said, who remembers parking cars when he was growing up. Today, Norbert and Ed orchestrate the operation and the third generation also pitches in. The money raised is used to pay taxes on the house, which is occupied by Norbert’s sister.
They’ve improved the operation over the years. A driveway to the lot was added, eliminating a wooden board set up to smooth the curb. They installed electrical outlets for customers’ crock pots and televisions. They set up a wide-screen TV that airs other collegiate football games. They added a portable toilet and open up their basement on rainy days. They even let customers soaked from a rain use the dryer.
A bird's eye view of the Rickelmann lot on Pauline Boulevard. The lot holds 45 cars on football Saturdays. The money is used to pay the taxes on the house next door.
Janet Miller | AnnArbor.com
One time, a customer took the wrong keys - all of the keys hang on a board so the Rickelmanns can move cars as needed - and drove all the way home to Flint. “We never figured out how that happened,” Norbert said.
There have been a number of VIPs over the decades. One customer invited football pros Lydell Mitchell and Franco Harris to a Michigan game, buying out the spaces of two other customers to erect a tent and host a sprawling tailgate, Norbert said. Former Detroit Tiger Bill Freehan parked at the Rickelmann lot, along with a Michigan Supreme Court justice back in the 1940s.
Kenna and Dave Zorn of Bellaire have been parking in the Rickelmann lot since 1976, always in the same spot at the rear of the property. While they don’t know everyone who parks in the lot, they know everyone in close proximity, Dave said. They bring a grill or a crock pot, along with a TV, and spend the day, breaking it up by attending the game. It’s safe and clean and it’s nice to have an indoor bathroom, Kenna said. “There’s a great atmosphere. There’s camaraderie. If you don’t show up, they wonder where you were.”
Comments
PipeDream
Mon, Sep 17, 2012 : 4:25 p.m.
Let's face it, Ann Arbor is what it is because of the University of Michigan and all that goes with it. Without the UofM, we'd be another struggling rustbelt town. So, if you don't like it here, maybe you should consider living somewhere else. BTW - I park cars on my lawn on football Saturdays. I also pick up trash, recyclables, do a great deal to keep my neighborhood looking good and contribute to the community in general. I love this place and wouldn't trade it for anything.
Lets Get Real
Mon, Sep 17, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
To the person worried about the 80+ year old man collecting $6975 - after taxes, it probably just barely pays his property tax so the guy can stay in his childhood home for as long as possible rather than moving to some overpriced elder care facility. Give the guy credit. At 80+ he's still got an entrepreneurial spirit; he's still working; he's still well enough to work; he's found a market who needs, wants and can afford a particular product/service; he owns the asset, and he continues to improve the business staying on top of the trends and responding to the requests of his customers with personalized customer service. Perhaps someone should be giving him a small business award for life-time achievement?
StopCrying
Mon, Sep 17, 2012 : 2:37 p.m.
I think the people here in this thread would prefer we let the government support this family rather than let them make some extra money!
Spicy Whitey
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.
All these negative people were clearly denied spaces at the Rickelmanns'. Mind your own business, and stop assuming things about them.
Richard
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
Why don't all you negitive unhappy people move to Columbus. I'm sure they have everything you will ever want or need. I bet they even have free parking on game days.
tdw
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.
Man, Ann Arbor is full of busy bodies
alterego
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
And of course, this $6750 of annual income is reported to the IRS and State of Michigan?
StopCrying
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.
Abe you have no right to look at my taxes. Go rabblerouse elsewhere.
tdw
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 6:39 p.m.
Ditto Craig.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 6:34 p.m.
Honest Abe, Are you presuming they don't pay their taxes? I don't know one way or the other. If you have some inside knowledge I think the IRS might have a hot line of some sort. As for me I don't know and it isn't my business whats on their tax return anymore than its my business whats on yours.
Honest Abe
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 5:12 p.m.
It IS our business. Why should everyone else have to pay their taxes, and they should not?
StopCrying
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.
Agreed Craig, its none of their business.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
that is between them and the IRS/State Treasury department. Same as the waitress at Denny's or the Chop House. Same as those tow truck companies that only take cash.
StopCrying
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
Some of you people are so crazy, would you rather the city be the only ones to collect money on parking? Who cares if a family is getting some extra scratch a few weekends every year. Good for them. It's parking cars and tailgating not selling drugs or killing babies. Kick back and enjoy the game or don't choose to live next to the biggest college stadium in the world.
15crown00
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
they are taking advantage of an opportunity.good for them.some kids i know bought their bicycles parking cars in the lot next to their house.
DNB
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 4:54 p.m.
Great for local kids, I agree. My 16-year old son helps park cars on a friend's large piece of ground, and makes his own spending money. There's lots of kids who go around collecting cans, for $$'s too. A lot of Pioneer kids work at the food/drink kiosks inside the stadium on game day, making money for themselves, and a percentage of sales goes back to the Pioneer sport they play for. Like someone else said, when you live within a stone's throw of the largest college stadium, you make the best of it!
Judy Harding
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
The yellow house was my grandparents house, then my Mom's. I am 71 and now live in Florida. Me and my brother used to play with the Rickelman kids. I rember game days as great fun. They would pay us for the use of our driveway! This brings back some great memories!
Steve Hendel
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
Why is this news?
jayjay
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
A report that is finally focused on something that isn't going wrong and is a plus to thecommunity and you question why it is news! We need more stories about things like this. And on top of it, it is part of the local Saturday football culture which is uniquely Ann Arbor and Michigan. It is amazing what Michigan means -- everywhere around the USA and the world you see Michigan, Go Blue, Clubs, etc. If you do not like football and the culture that surrounds it, that is fine. You are entitled to your opinion. But let's enjoy what has become a tradition. Even the great contingent of foreign students who were never exposed to American football embrace it after studying at UofM. And the one thing they have in common with those of us born here, they become UofM Alumni and they help other UofM Alumni wherever you go in the world. UofM is special, and it is special for lots of things, but especially its camaraderie. It is contagious and infectious. Sit back and enjoy. And, yes, it is news, and it is good news. Tailgating is only one small piece of a much larger puzzle!
jayjay
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
For those who do not know, Ann Arbor Academy on Main and Mosley offers some of the best parking and easy out options for football Saturdays. They have a regular set of tailgaters who use up a piece of the parking lot. But when game time gets close, they shut down and move to the Stadium, and usually that allows for a couple of late comers to get a good parking spot. They also offer rest room facilities. And best fo all parking fees go to support the school and its wonderful mission to help kids with learning difficulties. And, BTW, the Ann Arbor Academy people who coordinate the parking are some of the nicest people (and fans) you will find in Ann Arbor. If you haven't parked with them, I suggest you give it a try -- you'll likely never again park anywhere else unless you get there and they are filled up. And finally, you will see students every home football Saturday out helping to call in cars to park. Give 'em your love. They are fantastic. Go Blue.
Brad
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
Just put a hat on Ed there and he could be the twin of Uncle Joe on Petticoat Junction! http://bit.ly/Ptlga0
Rose Garden
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
The Ann Arbor police look the other way on Football Saturdays. And why not? Join in the comraderie and allow those people who like to have fun enjoy themselves. It is an Ann Arbor event.
Shi Schultz
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:50 p.m.
I would also like to know if city zoning allows such and "operation".
Fredric
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
Are you tellilng me that you would not do this if you had the opportunity?
Brad
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
Hmmm ... I wonder what percentage of people parking cars on their lawns are claiming that as income. Any of you car parkers out there care to comment?
Shi Schultz
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
"Ed Rickelmann sits behind a board that holds his customers' car keys." Why does he have possession of his "customers" car keys? "They've improved the operation over the years. A driveway to the lot was added, eliminating a wooden board set up to smooth the curb. They installed electrical outlets for customers' crock pots and televisions." This blatantly seems like a full blown small business. I'd like to see all the necessary permits for this work, business licenses, business tax records and proof of liability insurance. I can't operate a business within the state without the, afore mentioned documents. As Lisa stated as well, I'm tired of things like this being ok for some, but then not for others.
StopCrying
Mon, Sep 17, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
Nobody wants to donate to you without you offering a service..durr
Fredric
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.
Thinkn if you check, this has been going on for over 77 years and can not be regulated by teh city of Ann Arbor. THis would be grandfathered in to what the requirements were at the time it started. Most likely none, hell, I used to sell apples ant the corner of Pauline and Seventh when I was a kid. Got $.25 for each apple and I never had a permit. Hope they don't come after me now!! LOL
Shi Schultz
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
A $25 donation to pay his taxes? In that case I'm starting a donation too; I have taxes that need to be paid. Anyone care to donate?
StopCrying
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
You say full blown business...I say a place where trusted friends can leave their keys and help pitch in with a $25 donation for some food and space.
Billy
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
As long as you're not on rental property you're golden. If you try this with rental property expect a $100+ ticket per vehicle. You can certainly expect the city to come after these people if that city income tax ever passes.
bunnyabbot
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:30 p.m.
I don't live by the stadium, but I was interested in a house for sale several years ago within walking distance to the stadium and you can bet if I lived their I would pack as many cars as I could onto the grass. The sellers said they said they could fit 15, I'm sure I could've squeezed on 16.
foxxo
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:20 p.m.
This isn't a "lot," it's a yard. I used to live in this neighborhood and found the gameday yard parking culture absolutely disgusting. Every front yard for blocks was carpeted with cars and trucks from before 7am till sundown. Nice green lawns where kids would be playing any other weekend converted into a moneygrubbing bandwagon wasteland. Shame on you for celebrating this sick practice. Instead, how about a story highlighting the need for more *real* parking lots and "park and ride" shuttles?
StopCrying
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
What do you expect when you buy a house next to a stadium that seats over 100,000 people? Either join in the fun or choose a different location to call home.
bunnyabbot
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
that's right. They should pave paradise and put the trees in a museum!
actionjackson
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 11:50 a.m.
Wow!
Lisa
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 10:49 a.m.
GO Blue: Typical look the other way ! Didn't you report on the woman feeding hungry children from her home . The city said that is called running a business out of a home . There would be a fine if continued but this is okay? What is the real law here?Why do people believe they are above the law ? Is this income reported on taxes or is a city permit required to operate a business from your home . I am confused certain rules for certain people! Don't mean to burst your bubble but Mayor get it together what is it? Private Property only goes so far. Didn't you tow a man vehicle from his private drive because the neighbors found it a eyesore. I am sick and tired of people feeling they are above the laws. I am tired of people feeling they are privileged to lie because they have money. When people know I am from Ann Arbor they are like Wow you aren't a $3 dollar bill you are real , When we come to this town we find so many fakes and unfriendliness ! Come on people what is the rules and laws you report the stories and the laws are different for ll.NO this is America
Fredric
Sun, Sep 16, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
lLets see, they have been doing this for 77 years. If they have never had a break in this, the City has no Legal way to get involved and to control this. It would be "Grand Fathered: in and many other cases like this have been upheld by the courts. If a break in the tridation, and the laws were in place, then they could control it! Of course, there is always some Attorney that thinks he or she has the answer to do somethint about it! They would lose!!
Classof2014
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
totally agree!
towncryer
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.
Kathy, I believe she might be referring to a national story from pennsylvania---google angela prattis. somewhere in this post there are a few valid points......somewhere.
Kathy
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
I hadn't heard about the lady who was feeding hungry kids. Lisa tell me more. Yes, A2 has always been known its "different rules for the privileged. This is especially true if it involves the U of M.
LAEL
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 1:38 p.m.
Shi: how do you know they aren't reporting the income earned through parking on their yearly income taxes?
Shi Schultz
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.
She actually has a pretty good point. Money used to pay taxes that wasn't claimed on your taxes seems a bit odd.
bunnyabbot
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 12:26 p.m.
I have read that medication costs for many out pace thier budgets. Some are resorting to having to choose between getting the medications they need and internet service.
smokeblwr
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 11:30 a.m.
tl;dr That was a wall of text if I've ever seen one.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Sep 15, 2012 : 11:19 a.m.
huh?