Big Chill at the Big House

[Yager]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

2. It's colder in February than December 12th usually (it may slightly improve ice conditions... or not)

Meh, the Cold War game was 30 degrees and Camp Randall was 22, not an absolutely huge difference. I was still freezing my ass off at the Cold War game.

 

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

I was fairly comfortable at the Cold War game. The awesome band provided parka may have had something to do with it (I wish I could buy one of those....for cheap).

I was freezing at Camp Randall. I like the December timing for this game. I think the day before the Super Bowl wasn't a great pick because plenty of people are already planning a big party that weekend. Now, granted, I'm sure the Badger fans have no problem partying all weekend. For me, making it back to MI in time for a Super Bowl party meant waking up earlier than I would have liked.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

I was fairly comfortable at the Cold War game. The awesome band provided parka may have had something to do with it (I wish I could buy one of those....for cheap).

Wasn't the Cold War played in October or November? Might be a little chillier in December....

 

[owslachief]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

FYI - MSU was allotted 5000 tickets, available through MSU ticket office in September. Of those, first choice of seats is offered to MSU season-ticket holders.

 

[STATEdude3]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

Will both marching bands be there, ala The Cold War, or will it be limited to the Michigan marching band, as they don't want us to sing The MSU Fight Song in glory after victories in two sports in their glorious Big Hole?

 

[kdilks]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

Will both marching bands be there, ala The Cold War, or will it be limited to the Michigan marching band, as they don't want us to sing The MSU Fight Song in glory after victories in two sports in their glorious Big Hole?

On the banks of the Red Cedar,
There's a school that's known to all;
Its specialty is farming,
And those farmers play football;
Aggie teams are never beaten,
All through the game they'll fight;
Fight for the only colors:
Green and White.

Smash right through that line of blue,
Watch the points keep growing.
Aggie teams are bound to win,
They're fighting with a vim!
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Michigan is weakening,
We're going to win this game.
Fight! Fight! Rah! Team, Fight!
Victory for M.A.C.!

 

[Yager]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

Wasn't the Cold War played in October or November? Might be a little chillier in December....

Yeah, October 6th, forgot about that.

 

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

Will both marching bands be there, ala The Cold War, or will it be limited to the Michigan marching band, as they don't want us to sing The MSU Fight Song in glory after victories in two sports in their glorious Big Hole?

Good question (well, the first part of it at least).

I'd guess/hope they would have both bands there. I don't know about full marching bands though. For the Cold War Michigan brought their hockey band with increased numbers. I know because I was expecting to be at Penn State for football with the marching band. (Yes, I'm still bitter because my parents had tickets and I told 300 friends in Maryland and many were planning to go to our exhibition the night before. We ended up sending a pep band to the Penn State game...about as many people as went to the Cold War)

 

[Tiggsy]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

My impression was that more fans may have attended if:

1. Wisconsin chose to play Minnesota instead (proximity and fanbase) much like Michigan is choosing to play MSU

Thank God this didn't happen. At least Lucia has done something right the last couple of years keeping Minnesota out of these types of games. Unfortunately I see this tide gaining some steam. But it did take a hit from Ford Field. Maybe that will be enough to get places to think again before doing this.

Concept is great, but in practice not a good idea. I like to actually watch hockey when going to a hockey game and it's pretty difficult to do in these situations.

 

[RedFreak]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

My impression was that more fans may have attended if:

1. Wisconsin chose to play Minnesota instead (proximity and fanbase) much like Michigan is choosing to play MSU

2. It's colder in February than December 12th usually (it may slightly improve ice conditions... or not)

3. Timing for holiday break versus midterm?

The reason for the disparity in turn-out (should it materialize as is assumed here) is blindingly obvious.

Wisconsin fans are more intelligent.

 

[RedFreak]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

I like to actually watch hockey when going to a hockey game and it's pretty difficult to do in these situations.

Bingo!

 

[Yager]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

I don't know, the Cold War game was just simply, absolutely, amazing to be at. These games can be done right, but they don't belong in the NHL and they don't belong in NCAA tournament games. They shouldn't be done in indoor locations either. They are simply gimmicks at that point. The Cold War game never felt that way at any point, it felt more like you were watching an old old time hockey game outside.

 

[WILD E WOLVERINE]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

Thank God this didn't happen. At least Lucia has done something right the last couple of years keeping Minnesota out of these types of games. Unfortunately I see this tide gaining some steam. But it did take a hit from Ford Field. Maybe that will be enough to get places to think again before doing this.

Concept is great, but in practice not a good idea. I like to actually watch hockey when going to a hockey game and it's pretty difficult to do in these situations.

I would not exactly put Ford Field in the same boat as the outdoor games - outdoor hockey is part of the sport's history. Granted the sightliness from a fan's perspective may not be the best, but talk to the players who have played in these games (NHL or College) - it's a once in a lifetime event with great memories- Bu v BC at Fenway Park was another success. And I'd say by the 84k in ticket sales already that the Michigan v State game is going to be plenty exciting enough for many fans. And it's great publicity for hockey in general as well. As for Ford field - hope that was a one trick pony...but doubt it.

 

[Pirateasaurus]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

The Cold War was done very well and I had an amazing time. I remember being able to see the game fine as well. Maybe Spartan Stadium is just good for this sort of thing but I have never been to the Big Hole so I have no idea what site lines would be like.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

The Cold War was done very well and I had an amazing time. I remember being able to see the game fine as well. Maybe Spartan Stadium is just good for this sort of thing but I have never been to the Big Hole so I have no idea what site lines would be like.

Michigan Stadium was built 'out' instead of 'up' in the mid 1920s, before the advent of more modern stadium design. The sightlines have changed little since the stadium opened.

MSU's stadium is technically older (1923) than the big house (1927), but has been far more radically enlarged and renovated in the 1950s and 1990s to the more vertical footprint you see today.

 

[STATEdude3]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

Michigan Stadium was built 'out' instead of 'up' in the mid 1920s, before the advent of more modern stadium design. The sightlines have changed little since the stadium opened.

MSU's stadium while technically older than the big house (1923), but has been far more radically enlarged and renovated in the 1950s and 1990s to the more vertical footprint you see today.

Bingo. For comparison. I am expecting a Ford Field riser view instead of Ford Field stadium seating view. I really dont expect much in terms of watching the hockey game. I am there to support my team and be a part of the pagentry of the oldest (modern) outdoor rivalry. Not only will MSU/UM hold the 1 and 2 records for hockey attendance, they will be the first teams to play multiple games against each other outside. It might sound like a simple footnote, but it says something that this rivalry can draw this type of numbers over a decade. With this game, the teams will have played in front of nearly 3/4 million people over the last decade. There is not a series in college hockey that comes close to this.

 

[Yager]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

Bingo. For comparison. I am expecting a Ford Field riser view instead of Ford Field stadium seating view. I really dont expect much in terms of watching the hockey game.

Yeah, I could see this being a potential problem. They are definitely two completely different stadiums. We shall see.

 

[STATEdude3]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

Yeah, I could see this being a potential problem. They are definitely two completely different stadiums. We shall see.

I'm not saying it wont be exciting...I'm speaking about the ability to see the game well based on the stadium being built out instead of up. MSU and UM could play on a pond and I'd stand in a crowd 100 deep to get a quick glance. I dont care where these teams play, as long as I get to be there to see it.

 

[Yager]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

I'm not saying it wont be exciting...I'm speaking about the ability to see the game well based on the stadium being built out instead of up. MSU and UM could play on a pond and I'd stand in a crowd 100 deep to get a quick glance. I dont care where these teams play, as long as I get to be there to see it.

Haha, I feek the same way. I was in the very top rows in the Cold War game and I wasn't able to see the details of the game that well but I was still more than happy to be there. My dad, however, is slightly claustrophobic and afraid of heights so he had problems with being that high up and absolutely packed in like none other. He left after the first, went to a local bar, watched the game, and then picked us up at the end.

 

[Gomer]

Re: Big Chill at the Big House

A lot will have to do with the weather, if it's a decent day I think they'll see over 100K.

.

I hope it rains... and rains... and rains. And then I hope it rains some more.