Posted on Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 9:20 a.m.
One night game each year at Michigan Stadium 'would be a great goal,' says AD Dave Brandon
By AnnArbor.com Staff
While discussing the Michigan brand in a Q&A session with Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com, athletic director Dave Brandon said the school won’t commit to more night football games until after the Sept. 10 game against Notre Dame.
But if all goes well, he says, “my expectations would be we would try to do a night game at least once a year. I don't know that we would necessarily go much beyond that, but to have one a year in Michigan Stadium would be a great goal.”
Brandon said the ideas he’s brought to the football program since he was named athletic director (night game, throwback uniforms, neutral-site game vs. Alabama) are meant “to pump some energy and create some excitement and bring Michigan back to the stage we’re used to playing on.”
Comments
Hailmary
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
Am I the only one that detects a note of excitement in the postings on this site? Must be Michigan football seaon is just around the corner. Best of luck to the team, Coach Hoke and staff, you to DB.
Hailmary
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 10:13 a.m.
RJ, I am old fashioned by choice because I feel values and the morals of a time gone by are more suited to my taste.That being said, I'm always up for new ideas as long as folks are respectful to each other. Bo said a lot of things and I don't hold Bo to everything he said. Bo liked the order of things and to break tradition was almost sacrilegious by Bo's standards. There is nothing wrong with that and it was acceptable during Bo's tenure at Michigan. Well RJ, it's a new day at Mich. and with that a whole new coaching staff and administration and most certainly changes in the program up to and including night games. There are many reasons why folks don't want night games that may have slipped your thoughts. Some folks are uncomfortable driving at night. For some folks (especially seniors) they are taking medications and are just to tired to be away from home that late. Some folks are just plain creatures of habit and as Bo said, night games break with tradition. RJ, I think after one or two night games everyone will adjust and get comfortable that is as long as the whole process goes relatively smooth. Michigan is entering a new and possibly exciting era. There will be changes in old traditions, it's the way of things. For some, that comfort zone of old familiar traditions will be an old familiar nice memory. I say to Mich. fans of an older era gone by, share your memories of yesteryear, share your memories of the great Michigan Wolverines and to you younger fans, when you reach your golden years, share your memories to the younger fans. That my friends is what keeps tradition alive.
RJ12688
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
appeal**
RJ12688
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
I understand all the negative sides to the night game. Traffic at night, people walking on dark roads, and of course the people that party a little too hard post-game. A night game is definitely going to appear more to the younger half of the fan base more so, and id say there's nothing wrong with doing that for one game a year. I love tradition, its a big part of why i love Michigan, and im not against sticking to it most the time. I just think this should be an exception because its a pretty cool idea. Keep the values and morals. Add the night game.
RJ12688
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 7:05 a.m.
I think its a fantastic idea. I like the idea of one a year.. It will be a game to look forward to, and once a year will keep it special. I've never heard of a player that didnt like playing under the lights. It was always the best game day experience as a high school player, and doing it in front of a sold out big house crowd would be incredible. It may not appeal to the "old fashioned football" fans that live by Bo's words of "College football should be played at 1:00 pm on a Saturday afternoon" but big deal. I love tradition and everything, but i have nothing wrong with implementing a new fresh idea if it makes sense. We have a new Coach and its a new era for UM football, and i think adding the night game is an exciting addition. The players will love it, the crowd will love it, TV will love it, and so will recruits. Just my opinion of course. And if you fall under "old fashioned fan" label, im sorry if i hurt your feelings... And i hope Bo will forgive me..
1st Down
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.
2 loudest Michigan Stadium moments in the past 30 years happened as it got darker and darker and the TV lights were on in the Big House to illuminate the play: 1985 Harbaugh to Kolesar vs. Ohio (I was there as a child) 2005 (?) Penn State game where Henne hit Manningham in the end zone as time ran out (I was not there but heard that it was pandimonium in the stands)
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.
Add to it the overtime win against MSU in 2004! Good Night and Good Luck
Mick
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 11:32 p.m.
@Hailmary, It's Voila not "Walla", just thought I'd help you out buddy, not trying to be snippy. My goodness, all the furor about a night game, it amazes me that people can be so paranoid. Live a little and enjoy, I hope all patrons will be respectful of people who live close to "The Big House"! Act like the classy fan base that we are, and if someone sees anyone acting out, then all nearby people should let that person know they could be ruining it for everyone!
Hailmary
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 10:26 p.m.
Well yes, there are negatives to night games. As a matter of fact, there are negatives to day games so maybe the best thing to do is cancel football altogether or for those of you afraid of the dark, maybe you should stay home. Take a good ol fashioned hay ride for example, which would you rather do, night vs day hayride, I thought so. How about skinny dipping which would your rather night vs day, I thought so to. There is a whole lot of fun events enhanced by participating at night and I don't think one night game a year will hurt unless you let it. If it doesn't work out then walla, no more night games. Somehow many colleges compete at night and talk about rock and roll I think it looks like a blast again, if Michigan can't handle it, then no more night games.
Terry Star21
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
This is a horrible idea - the only good that can come from this is making more money for the University. To a football fan and faithful, this is a nightmare and literally - an inconvenience, a real inconvenience ! The dangers - drinking, darkness safety (walking/driving problems), transportation - just to name a few, highly out weigh any fan benefits. Please remember, Bo had the patent on college football; 'College football should be played at 1:00 pm on a Saturday afternoon". MgoBlueForTiM...........and "for God's sake", mid-day Michigan football games !
aawolve
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
Probably best to stay home, for safety's sake.
heartbreakM
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 2 a.m.
The drinking thing is a big big fear of mine. It seems nobody is taking this seriously, but it makes you wonder if there won't be alcohol related injuries and/or arrests. It is very early in the year academically so students are in party mode, and many alumni have plenty of alcohol at their tailgates. I hope smarts prevail.
Blue Marker
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
I see the "get off my lawn" crowd has spoken up. For goodness sake people lets have some fun. A night game will look and feel incredible! If they can do it in Tuscaloosa we should be able to handle it in Ann Arbor.
Terry Star21
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
I'm pretty sure to say this, you have not driven to/attended night games !
a2cents
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
Drunks can urinate in public (in yards) under cover of darkness... the real motivation?
1st Down
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 8:39 p.m.
What do the players want? Id guess that playing night games would fire them up....I used to love playing under the lights...its a special, hyper charged atmosphere that is different than a day game... Id bet the players love these games and 1 a year would be special to them.
Blu-dogg97
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
specially in early September where is usually 80 degrees during the day games..at night will be cooler,and to the players perspective,seems like they would enjoy the cooler temps..
RJ12688
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 6:53 a.m.
As a fan, the game id like to go to the most would be the one under he lights. and 1st down makes a good point about playing under them too.. Nothing gets you more amp'd up than that as far as im concerned.
heartbreakM
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 2:01 a.m.
I second what Terry Star21 says, and wish to add---it's not always best for the public safety either!!
Terry Star21
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
That's a pretty fair point ! But sometimes it is not always best for the fans.
EightySeven
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
@Craig I've heard that Dave Brandon went to ESPN/ABC had them pony up the cash for the lights. They said yes, cuz what they will get is to put the Big House on prime time. This will be a Marquee stage for college football.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.
If Dave Brandon was able to convince E$PN/ABC to pay for the things, then he is much smarter than a lot of people give him credit for. Get the lights that will make Michigan more attractive to the prime time slot, increase the amount of people watching, AND get the cable network to pay for it? Brilliant! I have not heard that rumor, so I have no way to judge it's authenticity. But if it is true, that is a major WIN.
deb
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.
I have also talked to some local restauranteurs who think this is going to hurt their business. These are not just bars, but serve dinner too, and now they expect no after game dinner patrons for night games like this, as opposed to those fans that come after 12 and 3:30 starts. Maybe they will go before, but most likely patrons will be tailgaiting
Pete Warburton
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:38 p.m.
One night game per year on Saturday ....fine....Never on Thursday...
johnnya2
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.
Agreed. "Michigan football is a religion and Saturday's the holy day of obligation."
Blu-dogg97
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5 p.m.
off subject question? does anyone know when the summer/fall practice starts? when are the players allowed to practice etc? please advise.. Thank you in advance... GO BLUE..
Blu-dogg97
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
thats mgoblue.com
Blu-dogg97
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Thanks Mick... I did contact goblue.com and they kindly answered me today,and practice starts Aug 8th ,so you are correct.. Can't wait,they usually have great video of practice,coaches and players.. Thanks again..
Mick
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.
Hey Blu-dogg, usually about 3 1/2 weeks before the season starts, if I'm not mistaken. Somewhere around Aug. 10th or so.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.
somebody will fill us in, I don't really know.
Blu-dogg97
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.
thats funny Craig ! but on a serious note,when are they starting practice/drills etc with coaching? I know B1G meeting is July 29th..
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:25 p.m.
"when are the players allowed to practice..." any time they want, there is no limit. Sincerely, Rich Rodriguez.
treetowncartel
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
The level of inebriation after 12 hours of tailgating at the golf course and other spots will be both entertaining and frightening at the same time.
Meangoblue2
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 4:16 p.m.
As usual MEAN....you are a genius.... check this one out... But take my advice, you don't stand a chance (MCC) Freaks are so bad they got their own dance(Josh Groban or Do you know the man crush crowd) So if you wanna live a nice quiet life Do yourself a favor, don't come out at night (MCC Ann Arbor chapter 52-14)
RWBill
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
The lights are used for more than just night games, they are used for every TV-induced 3:30 game, and they cost a fraction of what the football program brings in in revenues.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
as far as I'm concerned they can play all their games at night if they want too.
Meangoblue
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
Night games might be a good idea but I wrote my concerns in the form of poetry below....... Now when freaks get dressed to go out at night (Theo and the MCC) They like to wear leather jackets, chains and spikes They wear rips and zippers all in their shirts Real tight pants and fresh mini skirts(Lorraine) All kinds of colors runnin' through their hair And you could just about find a freak anywhere(Dusty) But then again, you could know someone all their life But might not know they're a freak unless you see them at night MEEEEEEEEANchigan football will emerge from the dark!!! A fresh new poem Meangoblue shall now bark!! Areturn to MEEEEEEANchigan football is upon us!! TiM.....Go Blue!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 10:09 p.m.
Always classy, Miss Lorraine! Good Night and Good Luck
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
Mean....kiss my buckeye!
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
how much did those permanent lights cost? the ones that light the Stadium at night?
johnnya2
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
The lights were rented on a regular basis anyway. A 3:30 pm kickoff in November is going to be dark by halftime without the lights. The lights were a good move whether this is the only night game ever or not. I have mixed feelings about this. If it is done for early September or late August games, I am all for it. If they think that a 8 pm kick off on November 23 against OSU is a good idea, I say NO FREAKING WAY
deb
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 6:06 p.m.
Host more concerts and other events? How about you start with one concert or other event (not counting the big chill here) whens the last other event or concert the stadium has had
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.
Yes, Spartan Stadium has lights. In fact, if memory serves me, their home game against Notre Dame last year was a night game.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:33 p.m.
another strike against the Stadium in attracting big time concerts is the lack of free flowing alcohol for purchase IMO. Not a deal killer but a big strike against it.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:19 p.m.
upon further review does Spartan Stadium have lights? They just hosted U-2 the last time I was in that place was 1972-73
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
good point...I concede
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
A lot...but the existence of the lights also means that Michigan Stadium can host more concerts and other events as well. The lights aren't just meant for the football team alone. They do have a variety of other uses.
Mick
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.
We're in the 21st Century, we have to keep up with the joneses if not set the precedence. We want to be the leaders and best, well sometimes that means doing that under the moon as well as sun light. We have a beautiful huge stadium that will look awesome at night. It will be great in maintaining exposure, we'll be the most talked about team that day, most likely. One night game a year is fine. It will also help the team be accustomed to playing at anytime of the day, such as a road or bowl night game. I want the team to be versatile and prepared for anything.
RJ12688
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 6:47 a.m.
I agree too... I'd love to see the big house under the lights
Blu-dogg97
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.
agreed Mick.. the Big house will look awesome all lit at night..
81wolverine
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.
Night games typically get really big TV audiences, especially if they're played between two big programs like Michigan and ND. So, it's really good exposure that can boost recruiting - especially if you win! It'll be interesting to see how this first one goes. After so many years of day games, shifting everything into the evening will be a different experience. I think dealing with the lighting will be the biggest challenge, but doable. Night games are played successfully at many other venues across the nation, so I'm guessing it will be successful here too.
David Briegel
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
David, WHY is a night game better? Do good things happen on a Sat night after midnight in bumper to bumper traffic?
aawolve
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
One benefit is that I'll be able to stand and loudly cheer my team, without being complained to by people who should be watching from home.
RJ12688
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 6:45 a.m.
"Hard to keep the players motivated to play so late" Really? Ive heard some ridiculous arguments about the night game idea, but thats crazy. I always thought playing under the lights in high school was the best game experience ever... And i surely wasnt playing in front of 110000+ fans. I think the players would be very excited for that atmosphere. If i could choose one game to go to all year it would be the one under the lights...
deb
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 7:25 p.m.
like the interaction of foot traffic and auto traffic in darkness on the main street side of the stadium? I have also talked to some local restauranteurs who think this is going to hurt their business. These are not just bars, but serve dinner too, and now they expect no after game dinner patrons for at least one of the 6-8 home games the University has.
Joe Friday
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
Bo didn't like them. Hard to keep the players motivated to play so late. Overall I think this might generate more problems than excitement.