Provisioning for Michigan Stadium 2012: Bridge is Closed version

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A couple updates on my annual post of what to bring to Michigan Stadium.  This year local police have added a few other items to pack:

“Bring a dose of patience, a sense of humor and some excitement for the game,”

Check.  Check.  (Yes, we have those.  We were around from ‘08-‘10).  And Check. 

Why?  The Stadium Bridge is still closed and I’m guessing there will be quite a few folks who traditionally rely on that route to get to the stadium coming from the north and east sides of the state.   AnnArbor.com posted a map, etc.   For those finding discovering this little issue today here’s your t-shirt:

You should also bring your history tidbits and you can get all those here:

  • TWIMFbH: Bo Shows ‘The U’ How We Do Things (1984)
  • Oosterbaan, Banners and Books
  • Honoring Oosterbaan: An Interview with Ben McCready
  • This Week in Michigan Football History: The Incomparable Bennie Oosterbaan & September 25, 1948
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    Here’s what else to bring:

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    1. AM/FM Radio. Forget the latest incarnation of the radio that sticks on your ear, they are unreliable.  Bring in a radio you trust to listen to the play-by-play from Brandy and Beckmann. You’ll get injury reports, sideline observations, statistics and analysis of key plays that are under review (although Brandstatter always seems to think the replay will goes Michigan’s way).   Probably most critical: with the radio in your ears you can block out the blabber from the idiot nearby who won’t shut his Twizzler hole, as he gives his personal play-by-play and screams down to the coaches from row 87. 

    2. M Lid. While not an absolute requirement, it certainly helps to keep that sun from beating down on you.  For those in the North end zone or east side of the field, could be critical.

    3. Digital Camera. You never know who you’re going to see at the game or what live action you might catch. 

    4. Tickets & Lanyard. Obviously you’ll need those tickets to get in but for the big games I always try to bring in a lanyard to hold the ducats. If nothing else, it makes for easy access to display the ticket on the way back into your section.   It also provides some chest coverage if you decide to peel.  (P.S. Take a hard look at those tickets in the pic – anyone know what game that was?  Avert your eyes!)

    5. Your Wallet. Where you keep your bread, Daddy-o. I don’t care how many beers and brats your jammed in your greasy skull at the tailgate, you’ll need at least a drink or two and something to eat at the game.

    6. Seat Cushion. It serves so many purposes. First, it marks your spot in the tight M stadium rows. Next, it provides some comfort to your bony butt.  Finally, it actually gives you an extra inch of torso height above the guy in front of you—really.  Don’t think that matters? Try it sometime – it does.

    7. Phone/PDA/Blackberry. In case something crazy happens you’ll need to call your boys. And the “other scores” communication at M stadium is lackluster at best.  You’ll need your device to keep current on the big games of the day, and follow the latest tweets and Facebook blasts.  (P.S. The comedy relief on Twitter during the Alabama game saved me and others I’m certain.)

    8. Keys. While most the folks in my section have keyless entry to their luxury sleds, you still don’t want to forget your keys. Keep them in your pocket.  And P.S. — It is no longer cool to shake your keys during a “key play”.

    9. Seeds. A personal preference of the but I always enjoy a few seeds to help cut the tension.

    10. Shades. Similar reason as the hat. If you’re in the North or East sides of the field they are mandatory. Wear them for no other reason than to hide your pickled bloodshot peepers.

    Optional #1:  the handheld Fan Vision unit.  I haven’t heard them promote the device this year, interested to see if they’ve added some features or views or improved the quality.

    Optional #2:  Especially this year – invest $5 in a game program!  Check out the history features (hint, hint).

     

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