MSU-U of M tailgaters practice peaceful co-existence

by Guy Larcom

photos by Frank Kwarcinski

The Michigan-Michigan State football game itself may be heated but off the field, in the midst of the collegiate tailgate seen, the opposing fans seem to have a less heated relationship.  Tailgating along side one another and occasionally representing both teams at the same time.

There is no reason for these two teams to like each other.  Only an hour's drive from East Lansing to Ann Arbor separates the two schools, so bragging rights are important. The Spartans can make their season by
winning and then ruin Michigan’s season at the same time.  With so much riding on this one game one would think tensions would be high among not only players but students and fans, too.

A number of fans receive and deliver insults to one another.  Lukas Pederson, a Michigan State alumnus, experienced some of this firsthand. Pederson was casually walking down the street representing his alma mater when suddenly a Michigan fan sent a profane word his way.  It was not the most welcoming gesture Ann Arbor has to offer but then again Pederson has witnessed some Spartans giving Wolverine fans good reason for the insults.

“I would say Michigan State fans are mean in general.”  Pederson said. Some Spartan fans seem to bask in the insults of opposing fans and almost welcome them.  A little banter between fans is a part of what makes college football so popular.  And for the most part fans stay within a certain boundary.

Below the clashing allegiances and banter of opposing fans lies a layer of college football, which all fans appreciate and embrace.  It is tailgating with one another.  One woman’s sweater exemplified the scene outside Michigan Stadium.  On the left side there was a Michigan State “S” and the sleeve read “Go Green”.   But then, sure enough, the right side had a blue Michigan “M” printed beside the Michigan State logo and down the right sleeve were the words “Go Blue”.  

It’s true, here in Michigan many families even have opposite beliefs as to which school is superior.
Friends who attend the two universities are able to get together and enjoy the collegiate football experience together.

Ashwin Rameshbapu, a freshman engineering major, expressed what might be a reason for the friendly atmosphere that most tailgates offer.  “I can’t say anything back, we do suck,.” Rameshbapu said, referring to any reply he may have for an insult directed towards his Michigan State loyalties.

Most Spartans, however, don’t use friendship as an avenue around insults. Fans tailgating together is just plain fun and every fan who takes part is in good spirits.  Jess Stralkowski an English major in her senior year says the day is all about having a good time at the game.  “It’s really just a friendly competition.” Stralkowski says.  And from the looks of it that is exactly how most of the people going to the game have the same idea.  

At nearly every gathering one Michigan State fan was present.  At some tailgates Michigan fans sat in green chairs embroidered with Michigan State logos.   Besides the differing allegiances fans who attend these rivalry games are actually closer than fans attending non-rivalry games.  Maybe a certain respect surfaces during the festivities and so fans like to celebrate the joy of competition together.       

When the score from the Detroit Tigers- New York Yankees game was announced, every fan, whether Spartan, Wolverine or anywhere in between cheered wildly seeing that the Tigers were looking at a win that would send them into the second round of the playoffs. If tailgating and an appreciation for college football still failed to fully unite everyone attending the game then this moment when every fan sitting in Michigan Stadium let out a cheer for a common team provided for this unifying experience.

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