Should you be headed down to New Orleans this New Year for our Michigan Wolverines return to BCS prominence, there is much fun and debauchery to be had. Not only is there much tailgating to do in anticipation of the game, but there is also the madness of New Orleans all around. For those lucky souls who get to go down to the Big Easy for the January 3rd game, here are some of the things you cannot miss leading up to the Sugar Bowl.
Everyone knows that Bourbon Street is the spot to be for nightlife and all-out ridiculousness, and if that is all you want to do in New Orleans, we don't blame you. For a guide to the best clubs in New Orleans on Bourbon St, check this out.
If you are interested in spending time with like-minded Michigan fans, check out our 2012 Sugar Bowl Visitor's Guide below! Enjoy New Orleans and try to make it back alive!
Best Michigan friendly Bars
1. The Boot (1039 Broadway Street)
Famous for their 50 cent Tuesday nights, The Boot is widely known as the best college bar in New Orleans. The Boot has made guest appearances in shows like The Jersey Shore and The Real World.
2. Phillips (733 Cherokee Street)
Phillips is a much classier bar, and would be a great location for the older crowd who wants the fun of the bar scene without the screaming sorority girls. Philips features lots of nice seating and expensive drinks that are sure to please anyone looking to drop a bit of money for a fun night in NOLA.
3. Bruno’s (7538 Maple Street)
Bruno's is an excellent place to go to relive your college glory days. Bruno's has lots of great beer and drink specials, and fantastic food to match. This bar has a much louder atmosphere, and features pool, shuffleboard, and darts. If you are looking for a rowdy time with your old college bros, Bruno's is definitely the place to go.
4. The Palms (7130 Freret St)
For the younger, college aged crowd, The Palms is the quintessential college bar. The Palms proudly asserts "Leave your dignity at the door and prepare to party till the sun comes up," so you know there is much havoc to be raised here. They are most famous for their “Flip for it Friday” in which you can flip for your drink, and if you call it then drinks are on the house.
Best Breakfast Spots
1. Cafè Du Monde (800 Decatur St.)
Cafè Du Monde is the quintessential New Orleans breakfast place to visit. They are famous for their scrumptious beignets and spectacular café au lait. You simply cannot visit New Orleans without making a stop here.
2. Stanley Restaurant (547 St Ann Street)
Stanley serves some of the best classic New Orleans cuisine in the entire city. If you are looking for a fantastic place to get breakfast, Stanley offers the best Bananas Foster French Toast and Po Boys. Stanley would be a great place to visit with friends and family if you have some spare time before game day.
3. The Court of Two Sisters (613 Royal Street)
The Court of Two Sisters is just as well known for their fantastic brunch as they are for their Louisiana atmosphere. Not only do they have delicious carving stations and fresh treats from their bakery, but they also have live jazz music as well. The Court really has it all, a great location from the water, amazing food, and a stellar atmosphere.
What Hotels team is staying at?
If you are looking to catch a glimpse of the players prior to the game, there is a decent chance you can catch a glimpse of them at their hotel. Both teams are staying at the New Orleans Marriott, located not that far from Bourbon Street. Players from both teams will have daily press conferences in the lobby and in the main ballroom, so keep your eye out for a chance to catch a glimpse of some of your favorite players.
Which sections are Michigan fans sitting in?
If you are looking to sit with other people in Maize and Blue there are a bunch of sections designated for Wolverines fans. Sections 111-117 behind the Michigan (away team) bench is a big U-M fans section, and I would assume that most if not all sections in the upper bowl above sections 111-1117 are designated for U-M fans as well.
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Any pep rally’s for Michigan with coaches, players, announcers?
Prior to game time there will be a multitude of pep rally’s and fun events for UM students, fans and alumni.
On January 1st there will be the Official University of Michigan Block Party and Pep Rally on Sunday, January 1, at 4 p.m., outside of the Sheraton New Orleans, 500 Canal Street. The block party will feature a speech by Brady Hoke, The Michigan Marching Band, The Michigan Cheer Team, special guests, and a bunch of free give aways. Additionally, on both January 1st and January 2nd from noon-8pm All State is hosting their official Fan Fest. Both events will feature appearances by The Michigan Marching Band, team pep rallies with cheerleaders from both schools, football skills challenges, chances to win a Sugar Bowl V.I.P fan experience, and opportunities to take pictures with the Sugar Bowl Trophy. Admission to both of these events it free. Prior to the game on January 3rd, from 4-6:30 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, is the official 2012 University of Michigan Sugar Bowl Tailgate. This event is co-hosted by the Victors Club and will feature a full dinner buffet, cash bar, DJ, special guest appearances, give aways and lots of Maize and Blue pride.
New Years eve: alumni parties, bars hosting Michigan fans, etc
If you are lucky enough to arrive in The Big Easy prior to New Years Eve, there are a plethora of lewd, crude, and if you are lucky nude things to do on January 31st. For a complete list of ever possible thing you could want to do on New Years read this article. As expected, there will be lots of great music, fireworks, and boozing all over the city so there is really no way to go wrong.
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Let’s hope our beloved Wolverines go into The Big Easy and bring back a sweet tasting Sugar Bowl Trophy to Ann Arbor. I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, and a Happy New Years to all. Always and forever - GO BLUE!
