ANN ARBOR

Nov 27

Ann Arbor is a city west of Detroit, in the Midwestern state of Michigan. A progressive, university city with small-town hospitality. Fine dining, cutting-edge innovation and world-class attractions are all staples of this vibrant, cosmopolitan area. Regardless of why you travel to Ann Arbor, you'll discover something bold, genuine and unexpected

Make no mistake, this town would be nothing without the university.

It would be just another midwest small town but the university has sent this town thriving.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public research university founded in the early 1800’s. On average it cost is $34K a year to attend and the graduation rate is in the mid 90%. It is very challenging to get in here. The undergraduate enrollment is well over 30,000 but 4 out of 5 don’t get in so with those numbers….120,000 people received a no thank you letter. The university takes in 8 billion a year.

Pregame

The pregame here is petty standard. Hordes of students march in mass from one end of the campus to another and file into packs. From where you park it’s mostly single individuals to small groups of 2 or 3 with a small trickling of larger packs. I got lucky and found street parking about a mile away from the stadium.

As you wander about and take in the ambiance, hints of marijuana strike your nostrils. Well the chilly air hits you first but as you walk other smells encroach. Small travel size bbq pits are in use, gas fryers are boiling and drinks are being mixed. I’ve been to many tailgates and this is pretty tame especially considering it is rivalry week and Ohio State is in town. But it is joyous and people are friendly. This is the midwest and winter is coming and yet smiles are on all the faces.

The Big House

Its official capacity is 107,601, but it has hosted crowds in excess of 115,000.nIt was built in 1926 but has been renovated several times. Each game that is played here generates 8.6 million dollars.

College Game Day was in town since Ohio State was here.

Lee Corso called it for Ohio State, he didn’t realize this time was gonna go on to win the national championship.