ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan marching band has been told it won't be traveling to Texas for the season opener against Alabama in September.
Why the snub?
Band members were informed of the decision Thursday afternoon.
Alabama's marching band will be making the trip to Arlington.
In an email, Michigan spokesman Dave Ablauf said the Wolverines are treating the event as a typical road game.
What the school is saying
"We are treating the Cowboys Classic game against Alabama as any other road game," Ablauf wrote. "We do not have a travel allowance for the band like we would for a bowl game. They traditionally travel to conference games and our rivalry game against Notre Dame. We have not taken our band on similar trips in the past."
The contract
Michigan will be paid $4.7 million for appearing in the game. In its contract for the match up, it was guaranteed seating for the band.
Tonight on Local 4 News at 6
Local 4's Lauren Podell is in Ann Arbor. She'll have reaction from band members on the school's decision to keep them on the sideline for the season opener.