NEW YORK – One of the most prominent national landmarks took part in celebrating Michigan football’s championship win on Monday night.
The Empire State Building in New York City changed its exterior lights to shine maize and blue, the University of Michigan’s colors, to acknowledge the team’s major achievement. On Monday, Jan. 8, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies to earn the national title for the first time in 26 years.
In response, the 102-story New York skyscraper lit up with blue and yellow lights from about 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. the following morning. Officials say the building’s exterior lights always turn off at 2 a.m.
Shining in Maize and Blue until 2AM in honor of @UMichFootball’s @CFBPlayoff National Championship pic.twitter.com/KVvyeO58VN
— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) January 9, 2024
The energy coming off of the Wolverines’ victory Monday night could be felt around the country, and was particularly tangible here in Michigan. Fans flooded the streets of Ann Arbor, with crowds cheering and chanting for their undefeated team.
Michigan football finished their season with a perfect 15-0 record. This was their third-straight trip to the College Football Playoff, but the first time they managed to advance past the semifinal round.
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Ann Arbor fire crews reportedly extinguished 17 couch and debris fires in the city amid celebrations. No one was hurt, and no arrests were made, officials said.
---> Crews put out 17 fires in Ann Arbor amid Michigan football championship celebrations