ANN ARBOR, Mich. – At the Brown Jug, the party had already started. The bar was packed with students eating, socializing and studying ahead of the big game.
Outside at Good Time Charley’s, students lined up early — some camping out for free admission.
“There’s no place I’d rather be,” said Luca Lazaris, who brought his air mattress with him.
Lazaris said he arrived around 11:30 p.m. Sunday night, expecting no one to be waiting — but quickly joined them. “I came here at 11:30 (and) thought, no way are there people camping out,” he said.
The wait felt worth it for Sofia Gollard and her friends, who said they coordinated “shifts” to hold their place. “Me and my friends have done shifts. Thankfully, we have been on rotation,” Gollard said.
She said the first shift started at 4:30 a.m. Soon after, they set up a tent and waited through bouts of rain, sleet and wind.
“I’m just excited to be here today — the energy around. I cannot believe the line is this long,” Gollard said. “No matter where you go, people are just ready for the game.”
Many bars also offered a paid option — a “leap line” — where $100 or more could get fans a wristband and a reserved spot.
“We woke up and got here as soon as we could,” said Olivia Burke, who was picking up a wristband from the Garage Bar so she could return after an exam.
Ann Arbor police increased their presence along South University Avenue and Church Street, but crowds did not mean chaos.
“It’s been very orderly, as expected,” said Ann Arbor police Chief Andre Anderson. “We’re hearing ‘Go Blue’ a lot — ‘Go Blue.’”
For many, the long lines were part of the buildup.
“My heart’s been racing all day — from nerves, excitement, everything,” said Brady Teishman. “It’s a special day. A special day in Ann Arbor.”