Michigan State Spartans

Location: East Lansing, MI
Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Date/Time: September 28; 7:00pm
TV Network: Peacock

RSVP for the Tailgate

School Details:

Team Site
Travel and Lodging
Weather
Tickets and Parking
Stadium Chart

Fan Websites:

Spartan Nation
Only Colors Blog
Spartan Avenue Fan Site

Big Ten School Review

The co-founders of CletusFest have attended football games at every Big Ten Stadium. Although each school visit includes great memories, we thought it would be helpful for Buckeye fans to know what they were getting themselves into when considering a Big Ten road trip. Our Rating is based on a Five Point Scale (5 being best):

Overall Rating: ****

Spartan Stadium

This stadium provides a great atmosphere for college football. Although the team intro. video is a little disturbing (it includes MSU's victory over the Buckeyes in 1997), the fans get into the game and you can always count on a few "Go Green; Go White" cheers.

Fans

One thing for sure is that Spartan fans and Buckeyes have one major agreement: They both dislike U of M!! MSU fans are courteous, fun to be around, and welcome visitors with open arms.

Tailgate/Parking

There are parking lots right next to the stadium, but get there early. Tailgating in East Lansing is a great time. The fans celebrate throughout the day, and there are lots of entertaining moments to enjoy.

Nightlife/City Atmosphere

The downtown is a party paradise!! There are numerous clubs and bars to pick from. Definitely make a trip to "Sharkey's". Their shark bowl drink will rock your night away!

View From the Other Side

Cletusfest has polled MSU Alumni about their city, and here are their thoughts on what you should check out in East Lansing:

What are the Top 5 Restaurants?

El Azteco
The State Room (Kellogg Center)
Harrison Roadhouse
Harper's (The old Dooley's. Now a micro-brew)
Peanut Barrel
What Landmarks / Important Things Should a Visitor check out around town or on campus?
East Lansing is an Oasis in the middle of corn fields, therefore, not much happening in the way of Landmarks off campus

Name the Top Hotels to Stay

Marriott Downtown East Lansing
Kellogg Center (On Campus)
Residence Inn East Lansing
TownPlace Suites East Lansing
Fairfield Inn- Okemos
What is the Best Bar for Alumni?
Landshark

What is the Best Bar for Visiting Fans?

One of 3 choices: Harpers, Rick's Cafe, or Landshark

What is the Best Bar for Getting Your Drink On?

One of 4 choices: Landshark, Rick's Cafe, Crunchy's, or The Post

What are the best Game Day Traditions?

Team Walk from Kellogg Center to the Stadium (2 hours before gametime)
Band warmups - Music Building field
Band March to the Stadium- (1 hour before gametime)

Where should a Visitor Park on Game Day?

The lots closest to the stadium are reserved parking only, with the exception of Munn Field. (By Breslin Center) It's a great place to park close to the stadium, however it is a no alcohol lot, so plan on walking to another tailgate or not drinking if you park there (probably not an option for most Buckeyes that I have met) There are multiple parking areas with green-space for tailgating on the outskirts of Campus. A good choice if you get there early is at the corner of Kalamazoo Street and Harrison Rd. Other good unreserved lots are located at the end of campus directly adjacent to Grand River Ave. (Downtown East Lansing). The city of east Lansing ha multiple Parking decks if you are planning on not setting up a tailgate. If You do not want to deal with the traffic and congestion of campus, you can easily park on the far South Side of campus in the commuter lots at the corner of Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Rd. Lots of tailgate room, however you will have to take the buses that are provided to the stadium. Lots for parking open at different times depending on game time. Consult www.msuspartans.com or www.homefootball.msu.edufor frequent updates.

Where should a Visitor go to Tailgate?

All of the following areas have a great tailgate atmosphere relative to music, location , food, etc.. However, I have rated them on a scale of 1-10 (10, being the wildest, younger crowds, etc...)
Tennis Courts (directly South of the Stadium) rating: 10
"A Lot" directly north of the Stadium rating: 7
Kobs Field (baseball fields, west of Sparty statue) 7
Breslin Center lot- rating 5
Jenison Field House- rating 5
RV lot- rating 8