All about Ann Arbor
When you first drive into Ann Arbor, Michigan Stadium is hard to miss. Affectionately known as the Big House due to its stature, which is easily visible from the window of your Ann Arbor rental car, Michigan Stadium is the home football field of the University of Michigan Wolverines and hosts some of the best match ups in the Big 10 Conference. Regardless of how many stadiums you've been to, there's nothing quite like watching a game in the Big House with the more than 100,000 fans who fill the stadium each Saturday during football season.
Fielding Yost designed the Big House as a sight to be seen. When it was constructed in 1926, the venue had a capacity of 72,000, but today, after numerous additions and renovations, Michigan Stadium has 109,901 seats. The most recent makeover occurred in 2010 when permanent lights were added to the infrastructure, allowing the Big House to host primetime football games "under the lights" and attract more professional sporting events. In the years since, Michigan Stadium has hosted the NHL Winter Classic and the Guinness International Champions Cup.
Ann Arbor attractions
Ann Arbor is one of the finest destinations in southeastern Michigan - and for good reason. Main Street is dotted with beautiful scenery and interesting shops and is easy to get to in your rental car. Cherry Republic is a shop with a uniquely Michigan feel to it, located at the corner of Main Street and Liberty Street. This store "perfectly captures the flavor of northern Michigan," according to The Washington Post, as it offers dozens of cherry-inspired products including salsas, chocolates, jams, drinks and even a summer sausage. If you want to commemorate your trip to the Big House with some maize and blue University of Michigan souvenirs, head half a block south on Main Street to The M-Den, where you'll find a variety of clothes, jerseys, hats and novelty items emblazoned with the block 'M'.
When you're ready to eat, fine dining isn't hard to find on Main Street. The Black Pearl is a local favorite, hailed for its fresh seafood and interesting cocktails. Located on the corner of Main Street and Liberty Street, the Black Pearl embodies a "lounge atmosphere" and even has a late night bar menu to satisfy your midnight cravings. For those who love a good glass of wine, Vinology - located on Main Street between Washington and Huron streets - is a must-visit. With a small dinner menu and a robust wine selection, Vinology is a great place to hang out and unwind after a long football game.
Getting to the Big House
Michigan Stadium is really easy to get to from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. After you pick up your Ann Arbor car rental, all you have to do is get on Interstate 94 and drive west about 30 miles. Get off at exit 175 and turn right onto Ann Arbor-Saline Road, which will eventually become South Main Street. The Big House is located at the corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard, about 2 miles from the exit. Due to the large volume of fans flooding the streets before kickoff, many drivers choose to park near the University of Michigan Golf Course and tailgate until game time.