Michigan Stadium Rules

As is the case with most world-class venues, attendees who head to Michigan Stadium for the day are expected to adhere to a few basic rules. Here is a rundown of what you need to know. Please pay lots of attention to the below rules and regulations to ensure your safety at the game and for others. These are basic rules that all fans must adhere to enjoy the game at its best.

University of Michigan’s Regents Ordinance:

  • NO alcohol, possession and/or consumption in any University facility, arena or stadium where any event is taking place, athletic or otherwise.
  • Throwing, projecting or dropping any projectile or object that could cause injury, damage or interference in the spectator or playing area is strictly prohibited.
  • Unauthorized entry onto the playing surface before, during or after the event is prohibited.

There will be consequences, such as lawsuits and fines, to offenders who are found guilty of breaking any of the University’s Ordinance guide and rules. Fans should be on their best behavior so that everyone can enjoy the game together.

Permitted Items:

  • Foam seat pads
  • Small non-pocket seat cushions without storage slots
  • Binoculars (w/o cases)
  • Cell phones and pagers
  • Small cameras (those with a lens shorter than 6 inches) and radios
  • Blankets and rain apparel, except umbrellas

Prohibited Items:

  • All bags (including purses, fanny packs, clear plastic bags etc.) All bags of any kind, are prohibited.
  • All bottles (including all types of water bottles)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Aerosol and spray cans
  • Any tobacco-based products and/or e-cigarettes
  • Animals (except service animals for persons with a disability)
  • Apparel or signage displaying profane or abusive language
  • Containers of any kind (including coolers, thermoses, cups, cans, flasks)
  • Flags and flagpoles
  • Food of any kind
  • Irritants (eg. noisemakers, horns, whistles)
  • Projectiles (including footballs, Frisbees and beach balls)
  • Seat cushions containing any type of metal or those with pockets, storage slots, seat
  • Any unmanned and/or remote-controlled aircraft (drone)
  • backs, armrests, or attachments of any kind
  • Strollers
  • Video camera, tripods, and selfie sticks
  • Umbrellas
  • Weapons
  • Any other item that may obstruct or impair the view or enjoyment of another attendee

Bag Policy

Bags, fanny packs, and purses are not permitted in the Stadium. Exceptions are only made for visitors with special child care or medical needs – for example, prescription medication or devices, diaper bags, etc. Items like these will be screened by security at the gate. If you’re going to Michigan Stadium, just take the essentials. And remember, you can get any refreshments you need once you’re in. If you have any specific questions or requests, you can email [email protected] to find out more.

Cameras and Video Equipment

It’s probably best that you stick to cell phone photography at the Stadium. Professional photos and videos are better left in the capable hands of the press and T.V. people.

Single-frame flash photography is allowed, but lenses over six inches are prohibited. No video is allowed to be taken, and lighting or tripods are also a no-no.

Child and At-Risk Adult ID Wristband Program

To keep your kids safe, Stadium Guest Services has its own Child and At-Risk Adult ID Wristband Program for bigger events. Guests can write their contact number and seat number on the wristband in case they need to be located by Stadium staff. You can get a wristband at gates 1, 2, 4, 8, or 9.

Concessions

You can locate all the concession stands in the Stadium on a stadium map. Remember to take your credit or debit card because the Stadium is cashless and contactless. Other than debit and credit cards, you can also use mobile payment services like Google Pay and Apple Pay. So, enjoy the hot dogs but don’t try and pay for them with any dollar bills.

Restrooms

You’ll find public restrooms on the Crisler Center’s concourse level. You can get there through the Northeast Entry off the Blue Lot, where there are also M Den Stores.

Gender-inclusive restrooms are also available and can be found on the Stadium map. These are single-occupant restrooms available to anyone (regardless of gender, sex, gender identity, familial status, etc.).

Elevators

Michigan Stadium’s 14 elevators are only available to guests with tickets to premium seating areas (Suites and Club Level) and disabled visitors.

Leaving and Entering the Stadium

Try to get inside the stadium in time to enjoy pregame festivities and avoid crowds near kickoff time. Arriving early is likely to make for a better gameday experience. The Stadium staff recommend you get in at least an hour before kickoff.

Once you’re in, it’s best to stay in until the event is over, because guests are not allowed to leave the Stadium and return on the same ticket unless it’s an emergency. If you do have an emergency, you can clear it with the Gate Supervisor.

Fan Conduct

The usual rules apply. No intimidation, harassment, intoxication, or disruptive behavior is allowed. Going onto the field or throwing anything – in the stands or onto the field – is permitted. Insulting, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, highly critical, or abusive behavior will see the perpetrators/s removed and possibly even arrested.

Season ticket holders who break the rules may lose their attendance rights if they violate the code of conduct.

First Aid

Emergency medical services are on standby at all games. If you need any medical or emergency assistance, find a Michigan Stadium Event Team member or go to the First Aid building at Gate 9. Medical personnel can also be found in seating areas.

Guest Services

Guest Service Teams are always around to answer questions or address any immediate issues. You can find the Guest Services kiosks at Gates 2, 4, 8, and 10 or visit the main Guest Services Building at Gate 9. For Guest Services and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities, visit the tent at the Stadium’s south end.

Safety

To find out more about the safety procedures at the Stadium, visit the Safety at Michigan Stadium page.

Tickets and Admissions

The Stadium gates open two hours before kickoff, and Suites and Club Level Areas open two and one-half hours before. Tickets will not be refunded or replaced if they are lost, stolen, or destroyed, and children also need tickets for admission. Hold on to your ticket stub at all times.

Tobacco Policy

The University of Michigan is a tobacco-free campus, so tobacco use is prohibited in all University buildings, facilities, and grounds.