AnnArbor.com News - Category: UM Football http://www.annarbor.com/ en-us kelliewoodhouse@gmail.com Copyright 2013 2013-09-09T05:59:08-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 5 things I learned while serving as a U-M 'ambassador' during the Notre Dame night game http://www.annarbor.com/news/in-a-sea-of-maize/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football About 100 people heeded the call to volunteer as an ambassador for the Notre Dame night game at Michigan Stadium, and I was one of them. 130977@http://www.annarbor.com/ In a sea of maize and blue Saturday night, I was a speck of orange.

No, it's not because I'm a fan of the Netherlands soccer team.

I was volunteering as an ambassador, serving as an extra set of eyes and ears for the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Police Department as 115,000 fans filtered into Michigan Stadium Saturday night and thousands more tailgated in the yards and bars downtown.

The game, which ended with Michigan beating Notre Dame 41 to 30, was the second night game in Big House history and the last time, for now, that the Wolverines will battle the Fighting Irish in Ann Arbor.

U-M and city officials knew from the start that the energy —as well as the potential for confusion and disorder— would be high and asked people to volunteer for two hour shifts Saturday to keep watch over downtown and help visitors with questions.

"Your visibility will be a great deterrent in itself, the fact that people see you're out and about," Ann Arbor Police Department officer Tom Hickey said during my 90-minute ambassador training Saturday. As it turns out, 72 people were ejected from the stadium on Saturday, out of a record-breaking crowd of 115,109.

About 100 people heeded the call to volunteer, and I was one of them. Here's what I learned during my 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. shift:


Continue reading 5 things I learned while serving as a U-M 'ambassador' during the Notre Dame night game...

]]> News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-09T05:59:08-04:00 Michigan 41, Notre Dame 30: A comprehensive guide to our coverage http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/michigan-41-notre-dame-30-a-comprehensive-guide-to-our-coverage/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football Why is this rivalry going away again? Michigan's quarterback Devin Gardner and his favorite wide receiver Jeremy Gallon put on a show and the Wolverines beat Notre Dame, 41-30 in the second night game ever at Michigan Stadium. Notre Dame put a scare in the Wolverines late with an interception from Stephon Tuitt, but Michigan was able to hold off a late Fighting Irish charge. But as much as Michigan fans loved stopping Notre Dame's comeback, they probably wished the Irish would come back as Ann Arbor bid adieu -- for now -- to one of its great rivals for the foreseeable future. 130953@http://www.annarbor.com/ devin-gardner-celebrates-michigan-notre-dame.JPG

Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner smiles after Michigan's 41-30 win over Notre Dame at Michigan Stadium Saturday, September 7, 2013.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com

Continue reading Michigan 41, Notre Dame 30: A comprehensive guide to our coverage...

]]> Sports | UM Football 2013-09-08T05:59:00-04:00 Images from Michigan's 41-30 win over Notre Dame under the lights http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/images-from-michigans-41-30-win-over-notre-dame-under-the-lights/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football Saturday was the last time Michigan and Notre Dame will play in Ann Arbor for the foreseeable future. Devin Gardner and Jeremy Gallon sent the Fighting Irish out with a bang in Michigan's 41-30 win. 130936@http://www.annarbor.com/ Saturday was the last time Michigan and Notre Dame will play in Ann Arbor for the foreseeable future. Devin Gardner and Jeremy Gallon sent the Fighting Irish out with a bang in Michigan's 41-30 win.

Continue reading Images from Michigan's 41-30 win over Notre Dame under the lights...

]]> Sports | UM Football 2013-09-08T00:26:46-04:00 Second Under the Lights game provides memorable moments for record number of fans http://www.annarbor.com/news/second-under-the-lights-game-provides-memorable-moments-for-record-number-of-fans/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football The University of Michigan pulled out all the stops for the second "Under the Lights" game against Notre Dame. The record number of fans who packed the stadium were treated to a number of jet flyovers, multiple celebrity appearances and a stunning halftime show. Rumor has it there was also a football game squeezed in there somewhere. 130925@http://www.annarbor.com/ 090713_SPT_Michigan_NotreDame_pr23.jpeg

After a long day waiting for their front row seats, students celebrated up close and personal with the players after Michigan's 41-30 win over Notre Dame at Michigan Stadium Saturday, September 7, 2013.

Patrick Record | AnnArbor.com

The University of Michigan pulled out all the stops for the second “Under the Lights” game against Notre Dame.

The 115,109 fans at the stadium, a new stadium record, were treated to a number of jet flyovers, multiple celebrity appearances and a stunning halftime show. Rumor has it there was also a football game squeezed in there somewhere.

Continue reading Second Under the Lights game provides memorable moments for record number of fans...

]]> News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-07T23:59:19-04:00 Under the lights and outside the Big House: The story around the stadium http://www.annarbor.com/news/under-the-lights-and-outside-the-big-house-the-story-around-the-stadium/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football The scene outside the Big House during Saturday's game against Notre Dame.Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.comThe luck of the Irish only goes so far. Dozens of Notre Dame fans — and yes, some Michigan fans, too — lingered outside the... 130924@http://www.annarbor.com/ Notre_Dame_090713_RJS_009.jpg

The scene outside the Big House during Saturday's game against Notre Dame.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

The luck of the Irish only goes so far.

Dozens of Notre Dame fans — and yes, some Michigan fans, too — lingered outside the Big House for more than an hour after Saturday night's game started, searching for the elusive extra ticket to Under The Lights II, and many came up empty handed.

For those lucky enough to score a last-minute ticket from a scalper, the going rate seemed to be about $140-$150.

Continue reading Under the lights and outside the Big House: The story around the stadium...

]]> News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-07T23:30:07-04:00 Images from student parties before Michigan vs. Notre Dame under the lights http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/images-from-student-parties-before-michigan-vs-notre-dame-under-the-lights/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football The Michigan vs. Notre Dame football game may not have started until the sun went down, but the parties started soon after it came up. Along State Street, Hill Street and other areas on and around campus and Michigan Stadium, there were parties aplenty. 130919@http://www.annarbor.com/ The Michigan vs. Notre Dame football game may not have started until the sun went down, but the parties started soon after it came up. Along State Street, Hill Street and other areas on and around campus and Michigan Stadium, there were parties aplenty.

Continue reading Images from student parties before Michigan vs. Notre Dame under the lights...

]]> Sports | UM Football 2013-09-07T20:38:31-04:00 Michigan students enjoy extended pre-game parties before Notre Dame night game http://www.annarbor.com/news/michigan-students-enjoying-extended-pre-game-parties-before-notre-dame-night-game/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football The sights and sounds — and yes, smells — of the student tailgating parties bombarded the senses throughout the neighborhoods bordering campus Saturday afternoon. 130904@http://www.annarbor.com/ Delta_Sig_wide_top.jpg

Students party at a Delta Sigma "Satellite" house on Hill Street Saturday before the Michigan-Notre Dame football game. Fraternities have been moving more parties from their official houses to houses where groups of members live.

Ben Freed | AnnArbor.com

Related:

The football game between Michigan and Notre Dame might not kick off until 8 p.m., but the pre-games were in full swing by mid-afternoon.

The sights and sounds — and yes, smells — of the student tailgating parties bombarded the senses throughout the neighborhoods bordering campus.

Continue reading Michigan students enjoy extended pre-game parties before Notre Dame night game...

]]> News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-07T18:04:00-04:00 Your mega guide to No. 17 Michigan vs. No. 14 Notre Dame under the lights http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/your-mega-guide-to-no-17-michigan-vs-no-14-notre-dame-under-the-lights/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football Devin Gardner switched to Tom Harmon's No. 98 jersey before the game. With the way he played, it probably won't take much to convince him to keep it. Gardner was on the same page as his teammate in another "Legends" jersey, Jeremy Gallon, as the two connected three times for touchdowns against the Fighting Irish. With the games Gallon and Gardner had, future players might be requesting to play in No. 12 and No. 10 jerseys had they stuck with their original numbers. Gardner had a mental lapse late and it nearly helped fuel a Notre Dame comeback, but Michigan's defense came through in the end. 130441@http://www.annarbor.com/ michigan-notre-dame-utl.jpg

Michigan football fans celebrate the Wolverines' win over Notre Dame under the lights in 2011.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com file photo

GAME STORY: Devin Gardner, Jeremy Gallon hook up for 3 TDs as Michigan holds off Notre Dame, 41-30

LIVE BLOG: Join MLive Wolverines Football writers Nick Baumgardner and Josh Slagter on the Wolverines homepage close to game time for their live blog. Or follow them on Twitter at @nickbaumgardner or @JoshSlagter

WHO: No. 17 Michigan vs. No. 14 Notre Dame.

WHERE: Ann Arbor.

WHEN: 8:05 p.m.

ODDS: Michigan is favored by 4.5 points according to SportsBook.com.

Continue reading Your mega guide to No. 17 Michigan vs. No. 14 Notre Dame under the lights...

]]> Sports | UM Football 2013-09-07T05:59:00-04:00 Little house on the Ferry: University of Michigan's athletic campus was Hurst family's playground http://www.annarbor.com/news/the-little-house-on-the-ferry/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football Once upon a time there was a little white house enclosed by a big brick wall. Inside that three bedroom house lived four little children - Pam, Priscilla, Gary, and Terry; and their parents, Bob and Lois Hurst. In their backyard was the University of Michigan football practice field. 130462@http://www.annarbor.com/ Once upon a time there was a little white house enclosed by a big brick wall. Inside that three bedroom house lived four little children - Pam, Priscilla, Gary, and Terry; and their parents, Bob and Lois Hurst.

Continue reading Little house on the Ferry: University of Michigan's athletic campus was Hurst family's playground...

]]> News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-07T05:58:00-04:00 U-M pep rally brings out fans, players, Mary Sue Coleman and a celebrity or two http://www.annarbor.com/news/u-m-pep-rally-brings-out-fans-players-mary-sue-coleman-and-a-celebrity-or-two/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football University of Michigan students and fans gathered on the Diag for a pep rally Friday night ahead of the Wolverines' game against Notre Dame Saturday. They heard from Head Coach Brady Hoke, U-M president Mary Sue Coleman and football players... 130477@http://www.annarbor.com/ University of Michigan students and fans gathered on the Diag for a pep rally Friday night ahead of the Wolverines' game against Notre Dame Saturday.

They heard from Head Coach Brady Hoke, U-M president Mary Sue Coleman and football players and they were treated to a performance by former Michigan Student and "Glee" star Darren Criss.

AnnArbor.com photographer Courtney Sacco captured these images.

]]> News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-06T23:46:36-04:00 Dining in the eye of the hurricane - 5 places to eat out during the U-M-Notre Dame game http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/dining-in-the-eye-of-the-hurricane---5-places-to-eat-out-during-the-big-game/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football While it's true that making your way across town before or after a Michigan football game is next to impossible, the truth is that once those 107,500 people have taken their seats and the game has kicked off, the rest of Ann Arbor gets eerily quiet. 130438@http://www.annarbor.com/ knights.jpg

Knights Steakhouse

Even if you don't have tickets to Saturday's Notre Dame game under the lights, every Ann Arbor resident knows that you have to plan your day around the massive influx of traffic and football revelry.

For most of us, it means hunkering down and watching the game from the comfort of our living room, but it doesn't have to be that way.

"We are passing on the game and instead have reservations to eat downtown in the 'eye of the hurricane' at 8:00," wrote my friend Jim on Facebook.

While it's true that making your way across town before or after a Michigan football game is next to impossible, the truth is that once those 107,500 people have taken their seats and the game has kicked off, the rest of Ann Arbor gets eerily quiet.

Continue reading Dining in the eye of the hurricane - 5 places to eat out during the U-M-Notre Dame game...

]]> Entertainment | Food ~ Drink | News | UM Football 2013-09-06T15:03:00-04:00 Tickets for Notre Dame night game at Michigan Stadium scarce and expensive http://www.annarbor.com/news/tickets-for-notre-dame-night-game-at-michigan-stadium-scarce-and-expensive/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football U-M has been sold out of all of its spectator tickets for about a week, and fans are now selling them on sanctioned online marketplaces like StubHub and unsanctioned marketplaces like Craigslist. 130427@http://www.annarbor.com/ Want a ticket to the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game this weekend?

You better be able to cough up some cash.


Continue reading Tickets for Notre Dame night game at Michigan Stadium scarce and expensive...

]]> Education | News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-06T14:08:21-04:00 ESPN's 'College GameDay' prepares for Saturday broadcast from U-M campus http://www.annarbor.com/news/espns-college-gameday-prepares-for-saturday-broadcast-from-u-m-campus/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football The stage for ESPN College Game Day is in the process of being set up Thursday on the University of Michigan campus.Patrick Record | AnnArbor.com Crews began setting up for ESPN's "College GameDay" broadcast on Ingalls Mall at the University... 130257@http://www.annarbor.com/ 090513_NEWS_ESPN_GAMEDAY_PR02.jpg

The stage for ESPN College Game Day is in the process of being set up Thursday on the University of Michigan campus.

Patrick Record | AnnArbor.com

Crews began setting up for ESPN's "College GameDay" broadcast on Ingalls Mall at the University of Michigan Thursday.

The show is coming to campus Saturday for the second time in three years. ESPN broadcast the show from campus in 2011 before the first night game in U-M history. In that game, the Wolverines took on Notre Dame, just as they will Saturday.

Continue reading ESPN's 'College GameDay' prepares for Saturday broadcast from U-M campus...

]]> News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-06T10:05:00-04:00 Return of Notre Dame night game means extra police officers patrolling Ann Arbor http://www.annarbor.com/news/return-of-notre-dame-night-game-means-extra-police-officers-patrolling-ann-arbor/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football Ann Arbor Police Chief John Seto says the public can expect heightened police enforcement for the return of the Notre Dame night game on Saturday. 130269@http://www.annarbor.com/ Notre_Dame_2011_RJS_005.jpg

The scene outside Michigan Stadium before the Notre Dame night game in September 2011.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

Ann Arbor Police Chief John Seto says the public can expect heightened police enforcement for the return of the Notre Dame night game on Saturday.

"With the Notre Dame night game two years ago, after the game it was quite busy because of the atmosphere and the crowd, so we'll keep extra officers out here patrolling," he said.

Continue reading Return of Notre Dame night game means extra police officers patrolling Ann Arbor...

]]> Crime | Government | News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-06T05:59:59-04:00 Michigan Stadium's second-ever night game means big boost for Ann Arbor businesses http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/michigan-stadiums-second-ever-night-game-means-big-boost-for-ann-arbor-businesses/?cmpid=RSS_link_um_football Football Saturdays are the biggest sales days of the year for Ann Arbor-based retailer Underground Printing, but Michigan Stadium's second-ever night game should deliver an unprecedented business boost. 129847@http://www.annarbor.com/ 090413_BIZ_UndertheLights_M.jpg

Underground Printing employee Shelby Melton organizes T-shirts while working the counter on Sept. 4. The Ann Arbor-based Michigan retailer is preparing for its busiest weekend of the year with the second-ever night football game.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Football Saturdays are typically the biggest sales days of the year for Ann Arbor-based retailer Underground Printing, but Michigan Stadium’s second-ever night game should deliver an unprecedented business boost.

Continue reading Michigan Stadium's second-ever night game means big boost for Ann Arbor businesses...

]]> Business Review | News | Sports | UM Football 2013-09-05T05:57:00-04:00