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Here in Ann Arbor, Saturday afternoons are known for only one tradition: football. This fall, students will make their way down to the Big House for eight Saturdays, and they will crowd around their TVs with friends for another four away games.
After a devastating season last year, and a record of 3-9, Michigan football can only get better this year, (at least, that's what we're all hoping). So, incoming freshman get ready to experience football in the Big House.
The majority of students usually prepare themselves for a big game by pre-gaming, because we all know that football games are so much more fun when there's a drunken guy ten rows in front of you leading the student section to a "Go Blue!" chant.
But, of course, the Michigan Review does not condone underage drinking, so there are many other ways students like to "pre-game." I recommend always getting some food somewhere before the game. If it's an early game, it's a great idea to go to breakfast at a place like Angelo's, or for a later game, you can always go to Quickie Burger or Pizza Bob's on State Street. You'll definitely want to be energized before the game, since you'll be standing and screaming the entire time. (And here's another recommendation, do NOT be one of those freshman that sits down during the game.)
Even if you're not really into drinking and pre-gaming yourself, you have to take a walk through campus by going past all of the fraternity and sorority houses on your way down to the Big House. You will probably see porches so packed with people they can barely move; more beer pong than you can imagine; and beer bongs coming from the roof. These parties are always amusing, even when you're perfectly sober.
Once you get to the game, be sure to know your cheers. You should have learned the fight song during orientation, but just in case you didn't, you will surely know it after your first football game. (You might even be singing "Hail! to the Victors" in your sleep.) However, another "need to know" cheer is the "You Suck" cheer. It is one that's used almost every game, even during some of our worst last season.
Once the game is finished (and Michigan wins, we hope) everyone will go out to celebrate. There are usually parties all across campus, and many students will go out for dinner. Be prepared for places like Blimpie Burger and Buffalo Wild Wings to be packed with hungry students after the game. Most importantly, to be a Michigan fan, you've got to have spirit and enthusiasm. At each game, you just have to keep on cheering. Whether you're singing the fight song; joining in on the cheers; or distracting the other team before a play; to be a good fan, you've got to keep up with the energy of the student section. So get ready for Michigan football in 2009. Go Blue!
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