Coming into enemy territory is never easy, but for Michigan State fans traveling to Ann Arbor for the big game on Saturday, there will be plenty of places to see friendly faces.

From tailgating spots all around Michigan Stadium to bars downtown, there’s sure to be lots of green and white mixing with the city’s maize and blue décor. Scott Westerman, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association, said the group’s tailgate at the University of Michigan Golf Course off South State Street is one of the biggest events it's putting on this year.

“There are literally thousands of Spartans that live and work in the Ann Arbor area,” he said. “It has one of the largest concentrations of Michigan State alumni in the state.”

Pre-registration for the tailgate is required, with the deadline set for Friday. The tailgate will feature a buffet lunch spread and MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon and Athletic Director Mark Hollis will be among the guest speakers. The tailgate runs from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Fans can register on the Alumni Association website.

Westerman said he’s heard of many Spartans in the area holding various events at their homes and tailgates around the area Saturday. This year’s game is likely to bring an extra level of intensity to the rivalry as both teams are undefeated and ranked in the Top 20, he said.

“It’s always a time of celebration,” Westerman said. “It’s a little more exciting this year because of the historic significance of the game and resurgence of two great football programs. For both Spartans and Wolverines, it’s a great time to party.”

For Spartans who can't make it to the game at the Big House, there will be plenty of places around the city to watch it.

The Arena, 203 E. Washington St., is one of the meeting places for the Washtenaw County MSU Alumni Club and is usually home to a sizable gathering of Spartans on Saturday afternoons.

Manager Vinny Badalamenti said both of the owners of The Arena graduated from MSU.

“It’s always a good time here when Michigan State comes to town,” he said.

The Arena will be opening at 11 a.m. Saturday and will have its featured beer of the month, Newcastle Brown Ale, on special for $3.50 per pint.

Another Ann Arbor establishment is expecting a sizable mixed crowd on Saturday.

Good Time Charley’s, 1140 S. University Ave., will likely have a mostly pro-Michigan crowd on Saturday but is also expecting to see lots of green and white all weekend, said manager Adam Lowenstein.

“We always have people from opposing teams that come in … and that’s especially true with MSU fans,” he said. “We get a lot of people who have Michigan friends and it’s definitely a welcoming atmosphere.”

He said the atmosphere is usually best when Michigan wins because if Michigan State starts winning “it can get a little rowdy.”

Charley’s will be opening at 11 a.m. and will have normal beer specials and stacks of maize and blue shots on offer.