School
University of Michigan
Stadium
Michigan Stadium (The Big House)
Capacity
107,601
Conference
Big Ten
Official University of Michigan Michigan Wolverines home & away games
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Ann Arbor delivers quintessential Midwest fall football weather — warm and pleasant in September, brilliantly crisp in October, and genuinely cold by November. October is the ideal month to visit The Big House.
74°
High
52°
Low
60°
High
41°
Low
46°
High
33°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Michigan Stadium (The Big House).
Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Ann Arbor on game day
The heart of Michigan gameday with legendary bars, packed patios, and maize and blue everywhere
Downtown Ann Arbor with upscale bars, craft breweries, and a more refined pre-game atmosphere
Historic district with local bars, restaurants, and a more laid-back gameday vibe
The best spots near Michigan Stadium (The Big House) for Michigan Wolverines fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Michigan Stadium (The Big House) — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
1.4 miles
Estimated Time
4.5 hours
Bar Stops
6 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
Start Here
Rick's American Cafe — 611 Church St
611 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
1204 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
338 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
1140 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
114 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
618 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
End Point
Skeeps — 618 S Main St
Rick's American Cafe
Stop 1 of 6
Legendary Michigan student bar — get here early, the rooftop patio fills fast
Wear your maize and blue Michigan gear and meet fellow Wolverines fans at every stop along the route!
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make University of Michigan Michigan Wolverines game day unlike anywhere else
After every Michigan score and at kickoff
Considered the greatest college fight song ever written, "The Victors" by Louis Elbel (1898) thunders through The Big House after every Michigan score. The entire stadium — all 107,000+ fans — sings in unison, creating a wall of sound that visiting teams describe as genuinely intimidating. The Michigan Marching Band leads the charge from the field.
Every home game — arrive early for the full effect
Walking into Michigan Stadium for the first time is a rite of passage. The stadium is built below ground level, so you descend into it — and when you emerge from the tunnel into the bowl, 107,000 fans in maize and blue stretch endlessly in every direction. It's one of the most breathtaking sights in all of sports.
Every home game — students arrive 2+ hours before kickoff
Michigan's student section is one of the most passionate in the Big Ten. Students arrive hours early, dressed head-to-toe in maize, and stand the entire game. The energy they generate in the lower bowl creates a feedback loop that electrifies the entire stadium — especially during rivalry games against Ohio State and Michigan State.
4–5 hours before kickoff on South University Ave
South University Avenue transforms into the greatest outdoor party in college football on gameday. Bars open at 7 AM for noon games, patios overflow onto the sidewalk, and the entire street turns maize and blue. The walk from South U to The Big House — surrounded by 100,000 fellow Wolverines fans — is an experience unlike anything else in sports.
Third downs, touchdowns, and big defensive plays
At key moments — third downs, big defensive stops, and after touchdowns — the entire stadium erupts into the "Hail to the Victors" chant. It's a call-and-response tradition between the band and the crowd that has been passed down through generations of Michigan fans. Visitors often describe it as the loudest moment they've ever experienced at a sporting event.
Final regular season game — late November every year
Simply called "The Game," the annual Michigan–Ohio State rivalry is the most storied in college football. The entire season builds toward this final regular-season matchup. Ann Arbor transforms completely — hotels sell out months in advance, South U is wall-to-wall fans, and the atmosphere inside The Big House reaches a level that defies description. Both fan bases consider this the only game that truly matters.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Michigan Wolverines ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Michigan Stadium (The Big House)
Iconic Deli · $$
Ann Arbor's most famous food institution and a gameday pilgrimage for Wolverines fans. Massive sandwiches stacked sky-high, fresh-baked bread, and a deli counter that's been feeding Michigan fans since 1982. Lines form early — order ahead if you can.
Burger Joint · $
A Michigan institution since 1953 — cash only, no-frills, and absolutely legendary. The smash burgers are cooked on a flat-top griddle right in front of you. Cheap, fast, and exactly what you need before a 3.5-hour game.
American Bistro · $$
Upscale-casual spot on South University with a full brunch and lunch menu on gamedays. The outdoor patio is prime real estate — grab a table early and enjoy a proper sit-down meal before the chaos of the bar crawl begins.
Asian Noodle Bar · $$
The best ramen in Ann Arbor and a cult favorite among Michigan students. A bowl of rich, steaming ramen is the ultimate gameday fuel — especially for cold late-season games. The spicy miso broth will warm you up for hours.
Classic Diner · $
Open 24 hours and a beloved Ann Arbor landmark. The Hippie Hash is legendary — a massive skillet of home fries, vegetables, and eggs that fuels fans for the entire gameday. Cash only, counter seating, and zero pretension.
Food Truck Collective · $
Ann Arbor's beloved outdoor food truck hub with rotating vendors serving everything from Korean BBQ to wood-fired pizza. Perfect for groups with different tastes. Located right on Washington St — easy to hit between bar stops.
Turn your love of Michigan Wolverines football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Michigan Stadium (The Big House)
Massive tailgate hub with RVs, tents, and live music. The go-to spot for Wolverine faithful.
Street-level tailgating with bar patios spilling onto the sidewalk. Electric maize-and-blue atmosphere.
Family-friendly tailgate area with open grills and cornhole. Free entry with stadium ticket.
Rideshare Drop-off
Uber/Lyft drop-off on South State St near the Michigan Union. Expect heavy surge pricing on game days.
Shuttle Service
Ann Arbor Transit Authority (TheRide) runs free game day shuttles from Blake Transit Center to the stadium.
Top hotels near Michigan Stadium (The Big House) for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Ann Arbor game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
Michigan Athletics Official Site
Official schedules, tickets, and parking for Michigan Stadium.
Michigan Stadium Fan Guide
Stadium policies, bag rules, and gameday information.
Ann Arbor CVB
Official Ann Arbor visitor guide, hotels, and local events.
Big Ten Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast information.
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage.
Book your University of Michigan Michigan Wolverines game day bar crawl and experience Ann Arbor nightlife like never before!
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