There is nothing like game day at a major college. My friends and I spent the last weekend in Ann Arbor, Mich., for our yearly trip to the Big House, also known as the University of Michigan. I am not quite as big of a Michigan fan as my friends, but I do cheer for the maize and blue, and I am always up for a fun trip.

Ann Arbor is an interesting city. Located about 45 miles west of Detroit, it has a population of about 114,000. At the Saturday football game between Michigan and Purdue, the attendance was 112,115. That number comparison always boggles my mind. The Big House is the largest stadium in the United States and the third largest in the world.

Remarkably, despite that big of a crowd, there really aren’t many problems. Shuttle buses ease the parking situation. Lines for food and restrooms are actually manageable. The crowd is passionate yet good-natured. It is a fun, memorable experience every time we go.

This year we spent the entire day near the campus. After the game, we enjoyed pizza at the Cottage Inn, followed by an evening of watching other college football games at Ashley’s, a sports bar with a huge selection of libations. I enjoyed a Unibroue Ephemere, a white ale brewed with an apple must. Ashley’s allows you to step away from your usual selection and try interesting, unique beverages.

I went to DePaul, a university without a football team. Adopting Michigan as my team has allowed me to experience and appreciate the fun associated with being an alum of a collegiate football powerhouse.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist