Campus Martius Park is the center square of the city (and some would say the entire region), and this event is for all you Michigan State and University of Michigan fans out there on multiple weekends in October.
October 12 Big Game Detroit Rally
The Big Game Detroit Rally gears up the rivalry match between the state’s two nationally ranked powerhouses, Michigan State University and University of Michigan, at Campus Martius Park on Wednesday, October 12.
The lawn at the park will be done up in blue and green as it was last year with a day full of events for both alumni and fans. Activities, according to the Downtown Detroit Partnership, will include a pep rally with lunchtime field games, after work alumni flag football games, food and a beer tent.
As game day gets closer, the park will also be home to the Big Game Tailgate Party on Wednesday, October 26. The Big Game Detroit Rally and Tailgate Party are part of Quicken Loans Harvest Happenings, full-scale programming for the fall season at Campus Martius and other downtown parks.
“Last year’s first-ever Big Game Detroit Rally at Campus Martius Park was a spirited event that brought many alumni and fans of both Michigan State University and University of Michigan out for some friendly competition,” said Robert Gregory, chief planning and public spaces officer of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “With an additional event day this year, we expect an even bigger turnout and a higher level of enthusiasm.”
The Big Game Detroit Rally festivities officially kick-off with a pep rally and field games from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be cheerleaders and marching bands.
The field games give everyone a chance to play and compete for prizes in the Tug-of-War and Sack Race competitions. Those are open to all.
Now, there will also be alumni flag football games. Alumni from each university are invited to participate as team players with the public being invited to attend, cheer and enjoy the fun. Local sports media (to be announced) will serve as play-by-play announcers.
The Alumni Flag Football Games include a total of three rounds of competition with the final game producing the MSU vs. U-M alumni champion. Last year’s victor was Michigan State University. All games and competitions are coordinated and refereed by Come Play Detroit and are free for participants and spectators.
Those interested in participating in the field games or the Alumni Flag Football Games need to sign up ahead of time at www.DowntownDetroitParks.com/TheBigGame .
Big Game Tailgate On October 26
On Wednesday, October 26 there’s the Big Game Tailgate Party after work from 5 – 9 p.m. at Campus Martius Park.
More than a dozen restaurants from Detroit’s popular dining scene will serve up tasty samplings of chili and mac & cheese as they compete for People’s Choice Awards.
Additionally, there will be a beer garden featuring Atwater Brewery and cocktails available for purchase, and live music from 7 – 9 p.m. featuring The Randy Brock Group, on of Detroit’s hardest working blues/rock bands.
Tickets are required for this event and are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Admission includes a commemorative pint glass and keepsake photo. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.downtowndetroitparks.com. This event is 21+.