The University of Michigan is gearing up for the highly anticipated football clash against Ohio State on November 29 at Michigan Stadium. As passionate fans fill the stands, a dedicated team ensures the venue is ready for the showdown. Led by Kyle Kipke, the facility manager, this team plays a crucial role in hosting “The Game” at the iconic stadium.
Amid the roaring crowd and the placekicker’s decisive strike, Kipke takes a moment to appreciate the culmination of a week’s meticulous preparations. “Sometimes you have to stand back and soak it all in,” Kipke remarked, reflecting on the unique workplace. The facility team, comprising Morgan Petriko, Scott Clayton, Rourke Barth, and Ross Stofflet, along with temporary student workers, ensures everything from pristine fields to operational ticket scanners.
In the lead-up to the game, the team tackles a range of tasks to prepare the stadium for over 110,000 attendees. They meticulously check every detail, ensuring a seamless experience for fans. Kipke credits his team’s hard work: “I’m nothing without those guys. They work super hard and are really good at what they do so it makes my life a lot easier.”
How it’s done
The preparation plan is well-established, with unpredictable weather as the main concern. Early in the week, the team sets up concourses, barricades, and ticket scanner tents, while addressing maintenance issues. As a zero-waste facility, they strategically place numerous compost, recycle, and landfill containers.
By midweek, field maintenance begins, led by Barth, who employs a large magnet to collect loose metal and a sweeper for trash. The team ensures end zone pylons, goal post pads, and sideline benches are correctly positioned. Urgency is crucial as they must complete these tasks before the arrival of visiting teams and broadcast crews on Friday.
Petriko manages 30 student workers from various universities, overseeing tasks like charging batteries for security devices and preparing ticket scanners. On game day, the team handles any issues that arise, from minor spills to technical glitches, ensuring smooth operations.
Post-game, cleanup is a priority. U-M partners with Father Gabriel Richard High School to sweep the stadium for trash, which is sorted for composting, recycling, or landfill. This season’s schedule allowed for some respite, unlike the previous year’s consecutive home games.
More than football
Beyond football, Michigan Stadium hosts diverse events, including professional soccer, hockey, and concerts. The recent Zach Bryan concert showcased the crew’s adaptability, requiring the use of a crane to build a stage at midfield. Concert preparations involved logistical challenges, from accommodating equipment in parking lots to re-installing goal posts afterward.
Looking ahead, planning is underway for a two-day concert event featuring Morgan Wallen. The team anticipates challenges such as managing trash removal and maintaining cleanliness between shows. Kipke’s team remains dedicated, ensuring Michigan Stadium continues to host memorable events seamlessly.
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