It's Game Week

Well everyone, it's been a long and painful off-season, but finally football has arrived! For a day anyway...

MSU Spring Football is here, and it's finally game week! It's a little different, obviously, because no one is sitting here breaking down an opponent, or trying to figure out a good hotel in Madison. Regardless, lets preview game day:

Time and Date: 1:30 p.m. on April 25th

Location: Spartan Stadium

Parking Lot's Open: Early! As this is not an official game, there are no special tailgating rules. This means that the tailgating lots should be wide open like they are any random Saturday.

Tailgating: Do it! However, as there are no special tailgating rules, normal MSU laws are in effect. This means that technically no alcohol is allowed anywhere. Past experience suggests that as long as you don't cause a problem, you won't have a problem.

Admission: The game is free!

Spirit Shop and Garage Sale: In past games, the MSU Spirit Shop in the stadium has been open. MSU has no plans to do an athletic garage sale this year.

Weather: As of today, the forecast for East Lansing, MI is a high of 76, Partly Cloudy.

Food: In past years, some concessions in the Stadium have been open. If grilling at a tailgate isn't your thing, my suggestion would be to grab a quick lunch up at Panchero's on Grand River, and after the game, head down to Leo's Lodge on Jolly. This is where you are most likely to run into me anyway...

Stadium Seating: Because there are no tickets, feel free to sit where ever you want! Some people prefer their regular seats, or just sit where their season tickets are out of habit. Others head right for the "Best Seats," those down closer to the field around the 50 yard line. My suggestion is to try someplace where you couldn't normally ever sit. Not many students come to this game, so check out their view from the student section. Ever wondered what the worst seat is? Check out the top corner of the upper deck! Or for $50 bucks, sit in the press box.

Kids: There is a free youth clinic 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. on game day at the grass practice fields behind the Duffy Daugherty Football Building. Kids 8-12 years old. Parents should come along, no registration or equipment is required. There will be an autograph session afterward.

TV: No live TV. Unlike last year, the Big Ten Network is not showing any of the Spring Games live. They will have highlights on later that evening. There is also no live-steam on the internet.

Radio: Spartan Radio Network will broadcast the game, although it's not entirely assured that every affiliate throughout the state will carry the broadcast.

Other Stadium Thrills: Don't expect much. Past games generally lack most of the normal game day traditions, such as the Marching Band or Thunderstruck. Some years, band members have shown up and played from their spot in the stands (Awesome!). There will be a short halftime show with the start of a charity bike ride to Mexico which will include some former Spartan players, including NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure.

So, everyone attending should look forward to an exciting event. Good weather, free parking and admission, tailgating... all in a very relaxed, casual atmosphere because there is no stress caused by 1) Sold out crowds or 2) Fear of losing. It should be a beautiful day for football!