5 Tips for Attending a Michigan State Football Game

Here in the heart of Michigan, fall means trees displaying a riot of color, apple picking, and cider sipping. As the weeks pass, the weather turns cool and for Michigan State University football fans, it’s the season of tailgating and the satisfaction of a good Spartan victory. Listen carefully and you’ll hear not only the bells of Beaumont Tower but the rallying cry of “Go Green!” followed by the answer of “Go White!” Some may argue that THIS, this season right here, is the most wonderful time of the year.

If you’re coming in to town for Spartan football, there are a few things to note. We’ve provided some basics below, but please note that policies may change or get updated so be sure to utilize the links for the latest information.

Sign up and get the most up-to-date game day information by texting SPARTANFB23 to 888777

1. Parking

Arrive early and be prepared to walk. 

Also, keep in mind that the streets surrounding Spartan Stadium are closed to vehicles unless you have a valid parking pass.

Public parking on campus is available at:

• the Southeast corner of Harrison and Wilson
• the ramp at the intersection of Red Cedar Lane and Trowbridge Road (by the Communications, Arts & Science Building)
• the Grand River ramp (accessed by Grand River Avenue)
• Ramp 1 on Shaw Lane (just east of Abrams Planetarium)
• Commuter lot on the corner of Mt. Hope and Farm Lane

Public game day parking is available for $30. Lot 89 (commuter lot) parking is $20 and a shuttle starts two hours prior to game and returns a reasonable amount of time after the game.

Accessible parking is available in Lot 48, Natural Resource Building. Enter from Trowbridge extension off of Red Cedar or Farm Lane. Parking in this area is $20, which includes shuttle transport to the northeast corner of Spartan Stadium. The shuttle starts two hours prior to kickoff and returns for a reasonable amount of time after the game. The shuttle bus returning to accessible parking is accessed from the northeast stadium gates.

Timing is everything. Tailgating lots will now open on campus at 7 a.m. for noon to 4 p.m. kickoffs and 11 a.m. for night games. These times apply only to Saturday games.  
All fans are encouraged not to arrive before these times as traffic lineups will not be permitted.

2. Stadium Rules

Welcome to Spartan Stadium! Spartan Stadium is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023 as the home of Michigan State football. Since its opening in 1923, Michigan State has won nearly 70 percent of its games played in Spartan Stadium (all-time record: 383-166-13, .693). The Spartans hosted their 500th game at Spartan Stadium on Oct. 12, 2013, against Indiana on Homecoming.

Fans are allowed to bring clear bags into Spartan Stadium. In accordance with Michigan State Athletics security guidelines, the only bags, packages or containers permitted to be carried by fans as they enter the stadium are the following:

• Bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bag, camera and binocular cases, not exceeding 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a handle or strap

If the weather’s threatening, you can bring some wearable rain gear but no umbrellas. 

The gates open 1.5 hours before the game starts or 2 hours if you’re heading to a suite.

New this year inside Spartan Stadium: MSU concessions will include alcohol sales by the Sept. 16 game versus Washington and then at each of the final three homes games this season. Alcohol sales will begin one hour before the game and end with five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Fans will be able to purchase two drinks per transaction.

Note that all tobacco products are not allowed anywhere on campus.

3. Accommodations

Make your reservations as early as possible. Rooms for home game weekends fill up fast and may require a minimum two night stay. The newest AC by Marriott and Hyatt House co-joined properties on Michigan Avenue are within 1.5 miles to the stadium. The newer Graduate East Lansing, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and the East Lansing Marriott at University Place are within walking distance to Spartan Stadium. But there are others in close proximity, too. 

4. Enjoy Your Stay

Plan on a weekend getaway and take in some other points of interest in Michigan’s capital region. You’ll find great shopping, attractions and dining.

Want to check out where some of the students hang out?

Besides the still-going-strong Pinball Pete's arcade, you can grab a meal at Crunchy’s, The Peanut Barrel, Harrison Roadhouse, HopCat or Jolly Pumpkin. Seasoned alumni will remember old favorites like Beggar’s Banquet and Coral Gables.

You'll definitely want to check out both the Lansing Experience Pass and the Lansing Craft Beverage Pass while you're in town! These free digitized passes give you curated lists of all the fun things to see and do in the region plus allow you to check in, accumulate points and redeem those points for some fun swag. The Lansing Experience Pass lists close to 50 attractions, museums, entertainment centers and recreation spots throughout the area. Find categories like Don't Miss, Free Things to Do and more. Then when you're feeling thirsty, the Craft Beverage Pass lists the nearly 20 local craft breweries, wineries and distilleries that are sure to please your palate.

5. Don't Miss the MSU Dairy Store

Remember that a visit to Michigan State University campus is never complete without stopping to get Dairy Store ice cream. No matter what flavor you prefer, this is the best ice cream you’ll ever taste. The MSU Dairy Store is located at Anthony Hall on Farm Lane just south of Shaw.  

Photo Credits: 

1. Sparty - Michigan State University
2. Sparty & Spartan Stadium – Tom Gennara
3. East Lansing - GLCVB
4. Spartan Stadium - GLCVB
5. MSU Dairy Store  - James Lenon