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NCAA FBS

Michigan StadiumAnn Arbor, Michigan

Michigan

About Michigan Stadium

Michigan Stadium, known affectionately as "The Big House," is the largest stadium in the United States and the third-largest in the world. With a capacity exceeding 107,000, it has hosted some of college football's most memorable games and continues to set attendance records.

Michigan Stadium History

Origins

The stadium was built in 1927 to replace Ferry Field, which had become too small for Michigan's growing fanbase. Legendary coach Fielding Yost championed its construction, insisting on a design that could be expanded—prescient thinking that has allowed the stadium to grow from its original 72,000 capacity.

Major Renovations

1956First expansion added 11,000 seats
1973Capacity increased to over 100,000
1998End zone seating added for 107,501 capacity
2010$226M renovation added luxury boxes and press facilities

Notable Moments

Nov 22, 1969The "Ten-Year War" began with Bo Schembechler's first win vs Ohio State
Sep 18, 2021Largest recorded crowd: 115,109 for Michigan vs Washington
Nov 25, 2023Michigan clinched Big Ten title en route to national championship

Visiting Michigan Stadium

Best Seats

The lower bowl between the 30-yard lines offers the best sightlines. Student sections in the corners are most energetic. Upper deck seats, while far from the field, provide excellent views of the entire stadium bowl.

Parking Tips

Arrive 3+ hours early for tailgating. Main lots are off Stadium Blvd and Main Street. Street parking in residential areas fills quickly. Consider the Park & Ride from outlying lots.

Game Day

The team enters through the famous banner ("Go Blue - M Club Supports You"). Stay for the singing of "The Victors" after wins. Visit the Crisler Center and Schembechler Hall nearby.

Local Recommendations

Bars & Drinks

The Brown Jug

$$

Iconic Ann Arbor sports bar since 1936. The original "Little Brown Jug" trophy display and walls covered in Michigan memorabilia.

0.5 miles1204 S University Ave

Get there early on game days - it fills up 3 hours before kickoff.

Good Time Charley's

$

Classic college bar atmosphere with great drink specials. A Michigan tradition since 1979.

0.5 miles1140 S University Ave

Try the Charley's Burger and their famous Long Islands.

Blue Leprechaun

$$

Irish pub with outdoor patio perfect for pre-game. Great whiskey selection.

0.5 miles1220 S University Ave

The rooftop patio has views of the stadium crowds walking past.

Restaurants

Zingerman's Delicatessen

$$$

World-famous deli featured on every "best of" list. Massive sandwiches and house-cured meats.

1.2 miles422 Detroit St

Order ahead online - lines wrap around the block on game days.

Blimpy Burger

$

Ann Arbor institution since 1953. Custom-built burgers with unique topping combinations.

0.8 miles304 S Ashley St

Know what you want when you reach the counter - they move fast!

Frita Batidos

$$

Cuban-inspired street food with amazing frita burgers and tropical shakes.

1 mile117 W Washington St

The wild mushroom frita is a local favorite.

Hotels

Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor

$$$

Boutique hotel with Michigan-themed decor, steps from campus and State Street.

0.7 miles615 E Huron St

Book months in advance for football weekends.

The Kensington Hotel

$$$

Upscale hotel with indoor pool and complimentary shuttle to campus.

2.5 miles3500 S State St

Quieter location with easier parking than downtown options.

Attractions

University of Michigan Museum of Art

$

Free admission, world-class collection in a stunning building on State Street.

0.3 miles525 S State St

Great way to spend a few hours before afternoon kickoffs.

Schembechler Hall

$

Michigan football headquarters with "Those Who Stay Will Be Champions" sign.

0.2 miles1200 S State St

Walk past to see players and coaches before games.

Parking Options

Pioneer High School Lot

$40
Lot0.3 miles

Easy exit after games via Stadium Blvd.

Crisler Center Garage

$50
Garage0.1 miles

Closest covered parking. Fills up by 8 AM for noon games.

Golf Course Lot

$60
Tailgate0.5 miles

Best tailgating atmosphere. Open grills and full setups allowed.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Michigan Stadium? Share it with us.

Stadium Rankings

Michigan Stadium ranks among the venues tracked on Fan Stamp as the 1st-largest and the 42nd-oldest.

Michigan Rivals

Closest Stadiums to Michigan Stadium

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Stadium

What is the capacity of Michigan Stadium?
Michigan Stadium has a seating capacity of 107,601.
Where is Michigan Stadium located?
Michigan Stadium is located in Ann Arbor, MI.
What team plays at Michigan Stadium?
Michigan Stadium is the home stadium of Michigan in the Big Ten.
When was Michigan Stadium built?
Michigan Stadium opened in 1927.
Where are the best seats at Michigan Stadium?
The lower bowl between the 30-yard lines offers the best sightlines. Student sections in the corners are most energetic. Upper deck seats, while far from the field, provide excellent views of the entire stadium bowl.
What are the best parking tips for Michigan Stadium?
Arrive 3+ hours early for tailgating. Main lots are off Stadium Blvd and Main Street. Street parking in residential areas fills quickly. Consider the Park & Ride from outlying lots.
What type of surface does Michigan Stadium have?
Michigan Stadium has a fieldturf duraspine playing surface.
What stadiums are near Michigan Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Michigan Stadium are Rynearson Stadium (5 mi), Comerica Park (36 mi), Ford Field (36 mi), Glass Bowl (43 mi), Spartan Stadium (49 mi), Doyt L. Perry Stadium (62 mi).
Who are Michigan's biggest rivals?
Michigan's rivals include Michigan State (Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy), Minnesota (Battle for the Little Brown Jug), Northwestern State Demons, Notre Dame, Ohio State (The Game).
How old is Michigan Stadium?
Michigan Stadium opened in 1927, making it 99 years old. It ranks #42 among the oldest stadiums in the country.

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.