ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Record snowfall has dramatically limited available tailgating spots around the city of Ann Arbor prior to the much anticipated Michigan-Michigan State football game on Saturday.
A fabled rivalry, the game is expected to draw humungous crowds despite the snow and cold, causing increased congestion and traffic around the city.
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Complicating the congestion is the closure of available tailgating locations.
Due to soft ground caused by recent amounts of snow dumped onto the city, Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club, a go-to tailgating spot, will only be open to club members before Saturday’s game.
According to its website, the University of Michigan Golf Course will also be closed to tailgating due to safety concerns. ADA cash sales will only be available in the paved Green Lot in front of the clubhouse. Drivers should note that the State St., Main St. and Driving Range entrances will be closed off.
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The parking lot at Pioneer High School will also have very limited parking due to piles of snow. Some event parking sites, like Michigan Event Parking, say that the lot will only be open to those who have prepaid passes.
🚨11/16 FOOTBALL vs. MICHIGAN STATE 🚨 Due to grounds conditions, parking will be limited to PREPAID PASSES ONLY at Pioneer High School
— MichiganEventParking (@MIeventparking) November 14, 2019
Previously, the lot could hold the bulk of tailgating enthusiasts, who would also be able to buy extra space around their vehicles. This year, a fraction of that number will have to access the lot, and those who bought extra space ahead of time are not likely to actually have it.
For those wishing to push their luck, spots at the various parking structures operated by the city are likely to be open; however, some will only offer event-rate parking. Parking will begin around 7 a.m. in some lots.
Take our football shuttle to Saturday's U of M vs MSU game! Just $1.50 each way. It's an easy and safe way to get to the game. Learn more at https://t.co/qmJqeheMFL. pic.twitter.com/zkjf9AOUIU
— TheRide (@CatchTheRide) November 14, 2019
An alternative for dedicated fans is to park at farther locations and taking TheRide into the downtown area or near the stadium. FootballRide tickets cost $3 round-trip and can be used to hop on and off five different shuttles from various locations around the city.
For a full list of shuttle locations, visit the TheRide website.
Updated parking information the day-off by the U-M and WAZE website here.