One of my favorite places to visit is Ann Arbor Michigan at the big house. The University of Michigan’s football stadium is the largest football stadium in the world. I entered the stadium on a sunny saturday afternoon with thousands of other fans all wearing the great blue and maize. Because of the mass collection of people My family and I had to park a fair distance away and walk to the stadium. The journey from the parking garage to stadium is a mix of traffic from car, fellow pedestrians, store fronts, and tailgaters. Once I reached the stadium I was welcomed by a large black gate with the Michigan block “M” Perhaps its there to make certain that those who pass by know where they are if they happened to be blind to the large Maize “M” on the back of jumbotrons. On the side of the gate are small openings big enough for about 2 people where they were letting people in.
Once my family and I entered the stadium on the south side we were greeted by the large structure of the stadium its large oval construction of concrete and steel and 2 long rectangular towers of brick construction only partially visible from the short side that we entered from. As we headed to our seats we walked right around the stadium and through the right towers opening. As we enter the tower on the wall farthest from the stadium opposite the concession stands hung plaques commemorating every national championship football in Michigan’s history dating back to the early 1900’s each plaques gave the year a picture of the team and their record. The plaques lined the entire wall and were evenly spaced out. Seeing the early teams with the leather helmets and blue and maze sweaters reminds me of the rich history of Wolverine football and the heritage that lives on the this day. Because of those plaques I now appreciate more the value of teamwork, tradition and heritage.The plaques remind me of my trips to museums in places like Chicago and Washington D.C. seeing the rich history of our country. Seeing artifacts of past wars and events shows me the importance of knowing past events and treasuring them.  That fact that I got a similar experience from plaques and war machines opens my eyes to a new level of passion and excitement for football. Just like how people say you must learn from history’s past mistakes and solutions I see Michigan football in the same way its important to never forget where you been what you have accomplished and how you have failed,  but realize thats what in the past should stay there and what’s happening today is important. Seeing how far football has come since the early days makes me think of how big football really is and how I am only a speck compared to the massive amounts of fans the watch and play the sport.
Once we reached our section we entered the interior of the stadium it was absolutely incredible to see. Seeing the massive amounts of noise and people gave me chills I remember thinking now this is how football was meant to enjoyed. I was up fairly high in the South corner giving me an elevated view of the stadium, From the outside the stadium doesn’t look all that big but once you enter you realize that 60% of the stadium lies below ground level. A construction project that was likely time consuming and difficult, but all the years of history, passion and tradition would make all the labor worth it.  The middle of the stadium  consisted of the large green rectangular patch of turf known as the football field or the GridIron the turfs green and white strands meshed together to form a picture from this distance. Its green grass like turf was contrasted by the white lines signifying yard line boundaries and end zones.  on each end stood the yellow goal posted and under the uprights the name of the great state this university resides. Surrounding the field is the stands filled with thousands of fans. unlike a lot of stadiums the big house consists of only one bowl going all the way up to the top of the stadium instead of elevated seats near the top. nothing but maize and blue could be seen in the crowd. On each end stood jumbotrons making it easier to see the action on the field and show replays. On each side of the field stood opposing armies set for battle after they shake hands and toss a coin. Each team has prepared diligently mapping out a strategies and studying the enemy like generals ready for war.
“Go Blue” is a constantly recurring phrase from the crowd throughout the game as the marching band plays the “Victors” at high points during the game. Throughout the game spurts of passion and excitement come forth from 1st downs, big hits, interceptions, sacks, terrible calls, and touchdowns. As the game comes close to the end,with excitement at its peak, a winner is decided. My first time experience at the big house is something I will cherish forever My love for the sport and for the team has helped shape who I am today. Football and the Wolverines has taught me sportsmanship, responsibility, teamwork and dedication through their ability to work as a unit and stay optimistic throughout a season. UofM have helped make my weekend and help destroy them but no matter how poorly or exceptionally Michigan performs in collegiate football my passion for the team will be constant. Go Blue!!!