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Michigan State University’s football stadium is aptly named “Spartan Stadium” and is
tucked in to the sprawling university campus in East Lansing, the state’s capital.
By sprawling, we mean that the college actually occupies a lot of space even beyond
the borders of the campus itself. As you make your way to East Lansing, you will drive
through acres of rolling farmland and fields, many with “out buildings” serving as
research centers and facilities germane to various academic pursuits.
Once you get to MSU, your focal point will take you to East Grand River St, the wide
boulevard straddling the campus’ north border. The college commercial strip is on the
north side of the street, endless fast food joints, some restaurants, tons of t-shirt and
Spartan souvenir stores and college bookstores. While very clean and pleasant, the
district lacks a central square or focal point…it is just blocks of retail.
Spartan Stadium opened in 1923 as a 14,000 seat stadium. Where have we seen this
before? The stadium was added on to several times. Capacity increased to 51,000 in
the 50s, and later on upper decks were added on each side to its current capacity of
just over 75,000 seats. In 2005, the stadium unveiled a modern new press box and
suite tower on the west side, along with exterior façade improvements. The tailgate
scene here is adequate if unspectacular. The lots closest to the stadium are reserved
for big ticket donors, some even if personalized parking spots, and some private lots
bordering the campus also welcome tailgaters.
Michigan State plays in the Big Ten, a storied power conference. They boast five
national titles, the last one in 1966, but also have numerous bowl appearances to their
credit. So with this nominal record of success, one would think the game day
experience would be replete with various unique experiences and traditions.
So weren’t we disappointed to discover absolutely nothing special about MSU.
Granted, their national championship flags are outside the building on the south side,
but if you are looking for that unique chant, the marching band’s signature, or the spark
of the hometown crowd, forget about it. Well, Sparty is one of the better mascots
around despite the lack of things to cheer about.
The lack of fan passion here was felt very heavily. Granted, in 2006 the team’s
promising 3-0 start imploded when they gave up a huge late lead to lose to Notre
Dame and then were upset by Illinois,. But this was Ohio State, the number one team
in the country, coming in to town. Surely that would get the crowd jacked up; that would
get the student section going nuts; that would pack the place.
Instead, the crowd sat quietly on their hands and were not a “12th man” factor at all.
Many of the students left at halftime to adjourn to their local Taco Bell and McDonalds
for their happy meals. There were yawning gaps of unsold seats in the upper decks
and the corners.
Thankfully, the visiting Ohio State fans and their marching band made this dismal
show somewhat worthwhile. Their band entertained, they provided the chants, pretty
much taking over the building. Michigan State’s answer to game day entertainment
was Jake the Wonder Dog catching Frisbees in his teeth during timeouts. It got old
fast.
This was the seventh USRT visit to Big Ten football venues… as of now we have to
rank the Michigan State experience dead last.
Game report – It got ugly two plays into the game. MSU’s first long completion was
called back on a penalty. That drive into the red zone resulted in a punt, and Ohio State
answered right away, scoring at touchdown and going on to an easy 38-7 victory. By
the second quarter we had lit the victory cigar.
tucked in to the sprawling university campus in East Lansing, the state’s capital.
By sprawling, we mean that the college actually occupies a lot of space even beyond
the borders of the campus itself. As you make your way to East Lansing, you will drive
through acres of rolling farmland and fields, many with “out buildings” serving as
research centers and facilities germane to various academic pursuits.
Once you get to MSU, your focal point will take you to East Grand River St, the wide
boulevard straddling the campus’ north border. The college commercial strip is on the
north side of the street, endless fast food joints, some restaurants, tons of t-shirt and
Spartan souvenir stores and college bookstores. While very clean and pleasant, the
district lacks a central square or focal point…it is just blocks of retail.
Spartan Stadium opened in 1923 as a 14,000 seat stadium. Where have we seen this
before? The stadium was added on to several times. Capacity increased to 51,000 in
the 50s, and later on upper decks were added on each side to its current capacity of
just over 75,000 seats. In 2005, the stadium unveiled a modern new press box and
suite tower on the west side, along with exterior façade improvements. The tailgate
scene here is adequate if unspectacular. The lots closest to the stadium are reserved
for big ticket donors, some even if personalized parking spots, and some private lots
bordering the campus also welcome tailgaters.
Michigan State plays in the Big Ten, a storied power conference. They boast five
national titles, the last one in 1966, but also have numerous bowl appearances to their
credit. So with this nominal record of success, one would think the game day
experience would be replete with various unique experiences and traditions.
So weren’t we disappointed to discover absolutely nothing special about MSU.
Granted, their national championship flags are outside the building on the south side,
but if you are looking for that unique chant, the marching band’s signature, or the spark
of the hometown crowd, forget about it. Well, Sparty is one of the better mascots
around despite the lack of things to cheer about.
The lack of fan passion here was felt very heavily. Granted, in 2006 the team’s
promising 3-0 start imploded when they gave up a huge late lead to lose to Notre
Dame and then were upset by Illinois,. But this was Ohio State, the number one team
in the country, coming in to town. Surely that would get the crowd jacked up; that would
get the student section going nuts; that would pack the place.
Instead, the crowd sat quietly on their hands and were not a “12th man” factor at all.
Many of the students left at halftime to adjourn to their local Taco Bell and McDonalds
for their happy meals. There were yawning gaps of unsold seats in the upper decks
and the corners.
Thankfully, the visiting Ohio State fans and their marching band made this dismal
show somewhat worthwhile. Their band entertained, they provided the chants, pretty
much taking over the building. Michigan State’s answer to game day entertainment
was Jake the Wonder Dog catching Frisbees in his teeth during timeouts. It got old
fast.
This was the seventh USRT visit to Big Ten football venues… as of now we have to
rank the Michigan State experience dead last.
Game report – It got ugly two plays into the game. MSU’s first long completion was
called back on a penalty. That drive into the red zone resulted in a punt, and Ohio State
answered right away, scoring at touchdown and going on to an easy 38-7 victory. By
the second quarter we had lit the victory cigar.
SPARTAN
STADIUM
East Lansing,
Michigan
Saturday,
October 14,
2006
Ohio State
Buckeyes
at
Michigan
State
Spartans
STADIUM
East Lansing,
Michigan
Saturday,
October 14,
2006
Ohio State
Buckeyes
at
Michigan
State
Spartans
| East Lansing, Michigan |
Spartan Stadium