Where to Watch Michigan Wolverines Football

• Best spots to watch Michigan Wolverines football in Michigan, other states, and other countries.
• Top hotels near Michigan Stadium – do they have on-site parking? What about free breakfast?
• How to get to Ann Harbor – driving directions, trains and buses, closest airport, airport transportation.
• Ann Arbor’s hottest neighborhoods – getting around town, where to eat, and what to do.

The Secret to Michigan Football’s Success

The Michigan Wolverines football team was founded in 1879, when it played its first game against the University of Chicago. It won its first national championship in 1901. It is a member of Big 10 Football.

The University of Michigan’s football team has a long history of success. Not only has it won more games than any other team in collegiate football. It also also won an amazing 45 conference titles and 12 national titles.

So what is the secret to Michigan football’s success? First, there is strong coaching. Coaches like Coaches like Fielding H. Yost, Bo Schembechler, and Jim Harbaugh have played a significant role in the Wolverines success.

What’s more, players like Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard, and Charles Woodson have all won the Heisman Trophy, which has been awarded each year since 1935 to the best player in collegiate football.

Not surprisingly, the Michigan Wolverines’ success on the field has contributed to a passionate fan base and extensive coverage in the media.

The University of Michigan’s archrival is Ohio State University. When these two teams meet each year in “The Game”, huge crowds are drawn – both to the stadium and on television.

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Why Is the Team Called the Wolverines?

The wolverine is a carnivorous mammal that is part of the weasel family. It has short legs, long fur, and a long tail.

Wolverines are usually found in the colder, northern parts of Europe and North America.

Interestingly, wolverines are not native to Michigan. So why would the University of Michigan choose them to be their team’s mascot?

Actually, wolverines have been associated with the state since the 19th century because of their fierce and tenacious character, which early settlers thought were reflective of themselves.

The University of Michigan adopted the wolverine as its athletic mascot in the early 20th century in the hopes that its sports teams would embody the animal’s traits of strength, courage, and ferocity on the field.

Michigan Stadium – Home of the University of Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines football team plays home games at Michigan Stadium, which is often referred to as “The Big House.”

Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, it is one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a seating capacity of more than 107,000 football fans.

The stadium is renowned for its incredible atmosphere and dedicated fans, making it a formidable home field for the Wolverines. Michigan Stadium opened on 1 October 1927.

Where to Watch Michigan Wolverines Football

Needless to say, the best place to watch Michigan Football is at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

But what if the Wolverines are playing on the road? What if you can’t get a ticket? Or you live out of town?

First comes a list of some of the best places to watch Michigan Wolverines football in Michigan. Then an alphabetical list of states with a large number of UM alumni follows: California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Next comes a list of places to watch Michigan Wolverines football in other countries: Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, and England.

Finally, there is a comprehensive travel guide if you’re planning a trip Ann Arbor to watch the Wolverines play at the Big House.

Best Sports Bars for Michigan Wolverine Fans in Michigan

There are an estimated 211,025 University of Michigan alumni living in Michigan, which accounts for about 40% of the university’s alumni. Here is a list of some of the best Michigan Wolverines watch party locations in Ann Arbor and other Michigan cities.

• Monty’s Public House – 3140 Packard Street, Ann Arbor, 
• Ashley’s Ann Arbor – 338 South State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• The Pretzel Bell – 226 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Conor O’Neill’s – 318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Regents Field – 204 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Scorekeepers Bar & Grille – 310 Maynard Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• The Brown Jug – 1204 University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• The Garage Bar – 618 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Side Biscuit – 1232 Packard Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Fraser’s Pub – 2045 Packard Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Northville Sports Den – 133 West Main Street, Northville, Michigan
• Reno’s North – 16460 Old U.S. Highway 27, Lansing, Michigan
• Knights of Columbus – 3528 Fort Street, Lincoln Park, Michigan
• Haymaker Public House – 203 East Washington Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan – CLOSED!¹

 

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Where to Watch Michigan Football in California

There are an estimated 41,072 University of Michigan alumni living in California. About half of them live in greater Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Area. Some of the top sports bars in California for Michigan football games follow:

• Q’s Billiard Club – 11835 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California
• The Woodman – 13615 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, California 
• Burgers & Beer – Rancho Mirage – 72773 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, California
• Baja Sharkeez – 52 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, California
• Clubhouse 56 – 723 56th Street, Sacramento, California
• Cooney’s at the Market – 38 West Victoria Street (at Chapala), Santa Barbara, California
• Britannia Arms Almaden – 5027 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, California
• Freewheel Brewing Company – 3736 Florence Street, Redwood City, California

 

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Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in Florida

There are an estimated 16,422 University of Michigan alumni living in Florida. Not only that, lots of Michigan fans like to visit Florida in the winter. Here are some of the most popular Michigan football fan bars in the sunshine state:

• DOM’S – 1010 Brickell Avenue #200A, Miami, Florida
• Upper Deck Ale and Sports Grille – 906 East Hallandale Beach Blvd, Hallandale Beach, Florida
• Friendly Confines – Winter Park – 3088 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, Florida
• Duffy’s Sports Grill – Boynton West – 6545 Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach, Florida
• Raffurty’s Bar and Grill – 1888 Main Street, Sarasota, Florida
• Miller’s Ale House – Naples South – 6827 Collier Blvd, Naples, Florida
• The Brass Tap – Bonita – 28010 Race Track Road, Bonita Springs, Florida
• Hobbit American Grill – East – 400 Capital Circle SE # 16, Tallahassee, Florida
• Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill – 1320 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, Florida
• Harpoon Harry’s Crab House – 225 South Franklin Street, Tampa, Florida

 

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Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in Illinois

There are an estimated 26,374 University of Michigan alumni living in Illinois. Close to 90% of them live in the greater Chicago area. Some of the top Michigan bars in Chicago follow:

• Fatpour Tap Works-Wicker Park, 2005 West Division Street, Chicago, Illinois – Home of the Michigan Wolverines!
• Duffy’s Tavern and Grille, 420 West Diversey Parkway, Chicago, Illinois – Chicago’s Big House!
• Moe’s Cantina River North, 155 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, Illinois
• Black Barrel Live!, 455 West North Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

 

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Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in Maryland

There are an estimated 9,704 University of Michigan alumni living in Maryland. Here is one of the most popular Wolverines game bars in Maryland.

• Tommy Joe’s Bar + Grill – 7940 Norfolk Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland

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Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in New Jersey

There are an estimated 8,000 University of Michigan alumni living in New Jersey. This is one of the best Michigan Wolverines fan bars in New Jersey.

• Scotty’s Bar & Grill – 172 Piermont Road, Cresskill, New Jersey

 

Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in New York

There are an estimated 25,360 University of Michigan alumni living in the New York State. And 13,200 of them live in the New York City area. Here are some of the best Michigan alumni sports bars in New York:

• Brickyard Craft Kitchen & Bar – 23 Park Place, New York, New York – M Alumni Association New York City
• Shaffer’s – 151 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York
• All Stars Sports Bar & Grill – 327 West 57th Street, New York
• Blue Haven East – 493 Third Avenue, New York, New York
• VERSA – 218 West 35th Street, New York, New York
• Bk Background – 151 Banker Street, Brooklyn, New York
• Junior’s Bar & Grill – Albany – 2080 Western Avenue, Guilderland, New York

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Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in Pennsylvania

There are an estimated 9,000 University of Michigan alumni living in Pennsylvania. This is one of the game game day bars for Michigan fans in Pennsylvania.

• Blue Sky Kitchen & Bar -211 North Whitfield Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

 

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Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in Texas

There are an estimated 11,908 University of Michigan alumni living in Texas. Some of best game day bars for Michigan fans follow.

• Little Woodrow’s – Shepherd – 720 Shepherd Drive, Houston, Texas
• Haymaker – 2310 Manor Road, Austin, Texas
• Harwood Arms – 2823 McKinnon Street, Dallas, Texas
• The Brass Tap – North Dallas – 6959 Arapaho Road #108, Dallas, Texas
• Reservoir-Bar, Patio & Kitchen – 1001 Foch Street, Fort Worth, Texas
• The Revel Patio Grill – 9305 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas

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Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in Virginia

There are an estimated 10,344 University of Michigan alumni living in Virginia. These are two of the best Michigan Wolverines watch parties in Virginia.

• Recovery Sports Grill -1672 Sentinel Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia
• Solace Outpost – Falls Church – 444 West Broad Street, Falls Church, Virginia

Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in Washington, DC

There are thousands of University of Michigan alumni living in the nation’s capital. Some of the best sports bars for Michigan football fans in DC follows.

• Ivy and Coney – 1537 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC
• Johnny Pistolas – 2333 – 18th Street NW, Washington, DC
• The Midlands Beer Garden – 3333 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC – Home to the Michigan Wolverines

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Where to Watch Michigan Football in Other Countries

An estimated 640,000 University of Michigan alumni are living in 180 countries around the world. And they often gather at local sports bars to root for the Wolverines.

Where to Watch the Wolverines in Canada

There are an estimated 3,883 University of Michigan alumni living in Canada. This is one of Canada’s best sports bars for Michigan football fans.

• Thirsty Fox Pub – 1028 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario

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 Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in the Czech Republic

Believe it or not, there is even a sports bar in Prague where U-M fans watch football games!

• Wingz – Janovského 44, 170 00 Praha 7-Holešovice, Czechia

 Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in England

 This is one of the best Michigan football game watch spots in the United Kingdom:

• Passyunk Avenue – Waterloo – 22 Leake St, London SE1 7NN, United Kingdom

Where to Watch the Michigan Wolverines in France

 This is one of the best places to watch Michigan games in Paris:

• Au Caveau Montpensier – 15 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris

Traveling to Ann Arbor for a Game?

If are you planning a trip to Ann Arbor to watch Michigan Wolverines football, you can drive, ride the train, take a bus, or fly.

By Car –

From Detroit Metro Airport and points east: Take I-94 west to Ann Arbor-Saline Road (exit 175). Turn right and follow Ann Arbor-Saline Road as it turns into Main Street, going north for approximately 1 1/2 miles. Michigan Stadium is on the northeast corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard.

From Chicago and points west: Take I-94 east to Ann Arbor-Saline Road (exit 175). Turn left and follow Ann Arbor-Saline Road as it turns into Main Street, going north for approximately 1 1/2 miles. Michigan Stadium is on the northeast corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard.

From Toledo and points south: Take U.S. 23 north to I-94 west. Follow directions from Detroit Metro Airport.

From Flint and points north: Take U.S. 23 south to I-94 west. Follow directions from Detroit Metro Airport.

Source: MGoBlue

• By Public Transport –

Amtrak – the Amtrak station is located at 325 Depot Street. The distance to Michigan Station is 1.7 miles. You can walk it in about 40 minutes.

Greyhound – the Greyhound Station is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 115 East William Street. The distance to the Stadium is 1.7 miles. You can walk it is about 40 minutes.

Airport Near Michigan Stadium

The University of Michigan Wolverines play football at Michigan Stadium, which is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is roughly 25 miles west of Detroit.

The closest passenger airport is Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), which is located about 25 minutes from the University of Michigan.

Detroit Metropolitan is served by most American airlines and several foreign carriers.

Check out cheapOair or TripAdvisor for the best Detroit travel deals. 

If you book a flight on one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Airport Transport

Michigan Flyer offers 12 daily round trips between Detroit Metropolitan Airport and downtown Ann Arbor. Other options include taxis, shuttles, limousines, and private cars.

Hotels Near Michigan Stadium

If you’re going all the way to Ann Arbor for a game, why not spend one or more nights at a hotel?

The following hotels are all less than 4 miles to Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most of them have free on-site parking. And most of them offer complimentary breakfasts.

• Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown – 1.1 miles to UM. Free full American breakfast. ✬✬✬✬1/2
• Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel – 1.9 miles to UM. FP ✬✬✬✬
• Courtyard Ann Arbor – 1.9 miles to UM. FP ✬✬✬✬
• TownePlace Suites Ann Arbor – 1.9 miles to UM. Free buffet breakfast. FP ✬✬✬✬1/2
• Fairfield Inn Ann Arbor – 1.9 miles to UM. Free hot breakfast. FP ✬✬✬1/2
• Residence Inn Ann Arbor North – 3.8 miles to UM. Free full American breakfast. FP ✬✬✬✬✬

FP – indicates hotels near Michigan Stadium with free on-site parking.

✬ – basic accommodation with little more than a bed and a bathroom and minimal services, perhaps a TV.

✬✬ – a bit more comfortable. Might have a small workspace, Wi-Fi, and a basic breakfast.

✬✬✬ – mid-range hotel with more comfortable rooms and services such as a restaurant or café, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and better staff.

✬✬✬✬ –  upscale hotel with nicer rooms, better amenities, and more professional services. There will be one or more food-and-beverage outlets and perhaps a spa and valet parking.

✬✬✬✬✬ – luxury accommodation with beautiful rooms and suites, gourmet restaurants, a cocktail lounge full-service spas – the list goes on..

If you book a room at one of these hotels, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Getting Around Ann Arbor

The Ride

Downtown Ann Arbor is very walkable, and the university is in the heart of town. But you still might want to take the bus – especially on game day!

The Ride is a public transit system serving downtown Ann Arbor, downtown Ypsilanti, and surrounding communities.

The Ride offers a football shuttle service when the Wolverines are playing at the Big House, linking it with downtown, nearby hotels, and parking sites.

The service starts two hours before kickoff and runs approximately every 20 minutes. The last shuttle departs 30 minutes before the game starts.

What to Wear to a Michigan Football Game

Whether you’re planning to attend a University of Michigan football game at Michigan Stadium or a friendly sports bar near you, you will want to show your Blue Pride by dressing the part. Go Blue!

Check out AMAZON.COM for a complete selection of U-M fan apparel including sweatshirts, hoodies, T-shirts, caps, throw-blankets, socks, and other types of clothing.

What Is the Bag Policy at Michigan Stadium?

The bag policy at the Big House is a bit more restrictive that the ones at NFL stadiums. So go over these lists carefully to make sure you don’t need to leave something at the gate.

The following items are allowed at Michigan football games:

• Binoculars without cases
• Blankets
• Cell phones
• Foam seat pads
• Radios
• Rain apparel (excluding umbrellas)
• Small cameras with a lens shorter than 6 inches
• Small non-pocket seat cushions without storage slots

Check out AMAZON.COM for more blankets, pillows, and other fans gear.

You can find Michigan

The following items are NOT allowed at Michigan football games:

• Aerosol/spray cans
• Alcohol
• Animals, except service animals
• Bags
• Bottles
• Containers such as coolers
• Flags/flagpoles
• Food
• Irritants
• Items that could obstruct the view of others
• Profane apparel and signs
• Projectiles such as footballs and beach balls
• Seat cushions with metal or pockets, storage slots, seat backs, arm rests
• Selfie sticks
• Strollers
• Tripods
• Umbrellas
• Video cameras
• Weapons

Exploring Downtown Ann Arbor

According to the Discover Ann Arbor, the city’s downtown is divided into four districts. A quick overview for Michigan football fans follows.

South University Area – home to the University of Michigan, the South University Area has classic college town atmosphere with an eclectic dining scene. Make sure to visit The Common Cup, for a taste of collegiate student life.

State Street District – full of historic architecture, the State Street Area is a thriving cultural hive, with performance venues, art galleries, and museums. Don’t miss the University of Michigan of Art, one of the best collegiate art museums in the United States.

Kerrytown District – named after County Kerry in Ireland, the Kerrytown District is a tree-lined neighborhood with unique shopping and globally inspired dining. No visit in Ann Arbor is complete without a visit to Zingerman’s Deli, which some foodies call the “best deli in America”.

Main Street District – a foodie’s paradise, the main Street District has an internationally flavored food and beverage scene. If you’re a Wolverines fan, Rally House is a “must-visit”! As the official retailer of the University of Michigan, it has an unsurpassed array of UM clothing, merchandise, and gifts.

Your Feedback Wanted

Have you watched a Michigan Wolverines Football game at any of these sports bars? If so, would you recommend it to other Buckeyes fans? Why or why not.

Please let me know if any of these sports bar have closed or if you know of any that should be added to the list.

Have you stayed at any of these hotels near Michigan Stadium? If so, would you recommend it? Why or why not.

Finally, what recommendations do you have for fans planning a visit to Ann Arbor to attend a Michigan Wolverines game?

#bluepride #michiganfootball #michiganwolverines # wolverinenation #goblue #bighouse #annarbor #big10football #sportsbars