Things to Do at Michigan Stadium

Complete Guide to Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor

About Michigan Stadium

Stadium tours cost $10 (no currency conversion needed) and run on non-game days, showcasing the tunnel where players touch the famous "Go Blue" banner before taking the field. The bowl design sits 85 feet below ground level with the field at 881 feet above sea level, creating natural acoustic amplification that reaches 115 decibels during touchdowns. Arrive 2 hours before kickoff to experience the pregame tailgating atmosphere and avoid the traffic crush that locks up every road within 3 miles of campus. The Michigan Marching Band practice echoes across the concourse before games, mixing with the smell of bratwursts and the excited chatter of 107,000 fans converging from every direction.

What to See & Do

Game Day Experience

Nothing beats experiencing a Michigan football game here - the crowd of 100,000+ creates an electric atmosphere that's genuinely memorable, especially during big matchups

Stadium Tours

When games aren't happening, you can take guided tours that include the field, locker rooms, and press box - gives you a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic venue

Michigan vs. Ohio State

If you can somehow get tickets to 'The Game' against Ohio State, you'll witness one of college football's greatest rivalries in its most intense setting

Tunnel of Pride

Watch players emerge from the tunnel before games - it's become a tradition for fans to line up and create an incredible wall of sound as the team takes the field

The Wave

Between the first and second quarters, the entire stadium turns to wave at patients in the nearby C.S. Mott Children's Hospital - surprisingly moving moment that shows sports at their best

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Stadium tours typically run year-round except on game days and during certain events, usually 10am-4pm on weekdays. Check the official athletics website for current tour schedules as they vary by season.

Tickets & Pricing

Game tickets range from $50-300+ depending on the opponent and seat location, often selling out quickly. Stadium tours cost around $10-15 for adults. Tours can be booked online through the University of Michigan athletics department.

Best Time to Visit

Game days from September through November offer the full experience, though tours during off-season let you explore more freely. October games tend to have perfect weather and beautiful fall colors.

Suggested Duration

Games last 3-4 hours, while stadium tours take about 60-90 minutes. Plan extra time on game days for pre-game atmosphere and post-game crowds.

Getting There

The stadium sits directly on University of Michigan's campus in Ann Arbor, roughly 45 minutes west of Detroit. Traffic is brutal. On game days, expect to park miles away and walk-many fans do exactly that. The university pushes public transit and ride-sharing for good reason. Ann Arbor connects easily via I-94, and downtown has an Amtrak station serving Detroit and Chicago routes. Walking around Ann Arbor beats dealing with cars. Most visitors book walkable spots near campus rather than wrestling with game day parking chaos.

Things to Do Nearby

University of Michigan Campus
Beautiful campus with impressive architecture, the Law Quad, and the iconic Diag - worth a stroll even if you're not a prospective student

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Interactive science museum that's surprisingly engaging for adults too, with rotating exhibits and a decent planetarium

Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Peaceful gardens and conservatory about 10 minutes from campus - nice escape from game day crowds and beautiful year-round

Downtown Ann Arbor
Walkable downtown with excellent restaurants, breweries, and bookshops - the kind of college town atmosphere that actually lives up to the hype

Kerrytown Market & Shops
Local farmers market and artisan shops in a historic area - good for grabbing local food and getting a feel for Ann Arbor beyond the university

Tips & Advice

Arrive early on game days - not just for parking, but because the pre-game tailgating scene is genuinely part of the experience and worth witnessing

Dress warmly for late-season games, as Michigan weather can be brutal and the stadium offers little wind protection

If you're taking a tour, wear comfortable shoes since you'll be doing quite a bit of walking on concrete

Download the stadium app for game days - it helps with finding concessions, restrooms, and navigating the massive venue without getting lost