Michigan Stadium’s gate opening for Saturday’s game against UTEP could be pushed back if severe weather rolls through Ann Arbor.
Michigan Athletics and public safety officials are watching the forecast closely for lightning and other weather that could impact the 3:30 p.m. kickoff at the Big House. Gates are currently set to open at 1:30 p.m., but officials said that timeline may change depending on how the weather develops.
Fans are being told to keep an eye on Michigan Athletics’ official channels for the latest updates, including MGoBlue.com, the department’s X and Facebook accounts, the Michigan Athletics mobile app and radio broadcasts. If the gates are delayed, officials want fans to stay in their cars or indoors in a safe place and not head to the stadium until they get the all-clear.
There’s also a heads-up on communications: cellular service around Michigan Stadium can get spotty as the crowd builds and kickoff gets closer, so emails, texts and app alerts may not land on every device right away.
The weather could ripple beyond the gates, too. Parking lots, traffic flow, shuttle service, travel times and pedestrian routes around the stadium could all be affected.
Fans are being urged to verify that their parking spot is open before leaving home, leave extra time for the trip and follow directions from parking, traffic and public safety personnel. Michigan Athletics is also posting updates on parking availability, including options and prices.
The Wolverine Walk, scheduled for about 1:15 p.m., is also in play. It could be delayed or canceled if the weather turns, and fans planning to go are being asked to check the athletics website and official social media before making the trip.
For those tracking the pregame schedule, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Tailgate Show is set to start four hours before kickoff on WCSX (94.7 FM), the Michigan Athletics app and the Varsity Network app. WTKA (1050 AM) will also carry coverage.
On the field, No. 19 Michigan and UTEP are set to meet for the first time.
The Wolverines come in at 2-0, and their defense has been stingy through two games, allowing just 11 points per contest. Michigan has given up only four field goals and one touchdown so far.
A few names have already stood out on that side of the ball. Troy Bowles leads the team with 21 tackles and also has two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. Dominic Nichols has two sacks and three tackles for loss, while John Henry Daley has one sack and three tackles for loss.
Bryce Underwood has done damage both through the air and on the ground. He has completed 17 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown, and he’s added 134 rushing yards with two rushing scores. JJ Buchanan leads Michigan with eight catches for 174 yards.
Field position has also gotten a boost from Cameron Brown. Against Oklahoma, six of his seven punts were downed inside the Sooners’ 18-yard line, including two that ended up at the one-yard line.
Michigan is hoping to keep its 2-0 start moving forward against UTEP, if the weather allows.
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