🏈 Michigan will open its 2026 season in Germany vs Western Michigan

 

[50+yeartidefan]

Maybe Germany will keep them

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

Who in the WTF hell came up with this idea?

I can't think of ANY reason why they agreed to this.....

 

[TerryP]

Who is the WTF hell came up with this idea?

I can't think of ANY reason why they agreed to this.....

I've been looking since moving the post here and haven't found out how much either school is getting paid. Since this is a made for TV event, I can see Western Michigan getting more money than they would playing Michigan in Ann Arbor.

For Michigan, I can't see how it isn't a financial loss for them and the community.

For the fans in that area? Those schools are a little farther apart than Mississippi State and Alabama (for reference.) I think it's around 100 miles.

 

[bamaledge]

If you’re going to go all the way to Germany to play, play a real team!
1. I don’t think many people will want to watch this outside of Michigan. I won’t but Mrs Ledge will.
2. I can’t see how the network will recoup the money spent on this as…3.
3. Who would even sponsor this crap? Local Michigan companies?
4. It’s a lose lose proposition for WMU. Hey,“Get your ass kicked far from home” on international tv.
5. In football, the University of Michigan has a significant advantage in its all-time record against Western Michigan University, holding a 12-0 record. The series began in 1980, and Michigan has won every game since, according to Michigan State University Athletics. In men's basketball, Michigan has a 7-0 record against Western Michigan, according to University of Michigan Athletics.

 

[bamaledge]

For the fans in that area? Those schools are a little farther apart than Mississippi State and Alabama (for reference.) I think it's around 100 miles.

Damn good guess!!!!
Approximately 101 miles via I 94W.

 

[TerryP]

4. It’s a lose lose proposition for WMU. Hey,“Get your ass kicked far from home” on international tv.

I don't' believe this to be true. I don't see how it can be true.

IF they were getting a million (estimate, I imagine the $'s are lower) to play in Ann Arbor they're getting much more for this exhibition game. I suspect it's three or four times that amount.

 

[mando]

I don't' believe this to be true. I don't see how it can be true.

IF they were getting a million (estimate, I imagine the $'s are lower) to play in Ann Arbor they're getting much more for this exhibition game. I suspect it's three or four times that amount.

From a money standpoint no idea if you come out ahead. I suspect WMU will. As a player I would think this would be awesome. Been to Germany one time and it is a great place to visit... These kids from both teams will make a lot of memories.

 

[OldPlayer]

Expect the lowest TV ratings for an opening game

 

[alabama mike]

@bamaledge Pete, I agree on all your points except #4. WMU will use the payout to further fund its athletic program. Smaller, group of 4 schools need to do everything possible to have money infused into the athletic fund. With UM, MSU, Eastern, Central and Grand Valley all “nearby” the money is big for the Broncos. I do think it would be better to play the game instate at the Big House. Lord knows, UM, is not going to WMU.

On a sidebar, I will beat one of my dead horses. I wish Bama would have one home game a year against an instate school.

Hope you and the Mrs. Are doing well.

 

[TerryP]

WMU will use the payout to further fund its athletic program.

No details have been released. I believe they'll come out better than before. I haven't a clue how much they are paid, how many staff and support personnel they are taking overseas (not to mention the booster factions.)

They could turn this into something profitable: with the right spending (which we've seen blown in exhibition and bowl games.)

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

From a money standpoint no idea if you come out ahead. I suspect WMU will. As a player I would think this would be awesome. Been to Germany one time and it is a great place to visit... These kids from both teams will make a lot of memories.

I'd imagine they are getting a pretty good deal out of it... travel paid and such, plus game check. Wouldn't surprise me if we find out that UM is getting a pretty good deal themselves.

 

[TerryP]

I'd imagine they are getting a pretty good deal out of it... travel paid and such, plus game check. Wouldn't surprise me if we find out that UM is getting a pretty good deal themselves.

Here's the stumbling block for me.

When BC and GT met in Dublin GT was paid 900K, by BC. When NW played Nebraska the numbers weren't released: same with ND and Navy.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

I think they should play Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. I hear Western has a shot at the QB from Brandenburg College who just entered the gate, I mean portal.

Tear down that wall.

 

[OldPlayer]

@bamaledge Pete, I agree on all your points except #4. WMU will use the payout to further fund its athletic program. Smaller, group of 4 schools need to do everything possible to have money infused into the athletic fund. With UM, MSU, Eastern, Central and Grand Valley all “nearby” the money is big for the Broncos. I do think it would be better to play the game instate at the Big House. Lord knows, UM, is not going to WMU.

On a sidebar, I will beat one of my dead horses. I wish Bama would have one home game a year against an instate school.

Hope you and the Mrs. Are doing well.

They play Auburn at home in even years and return the favor in odd years

 

[rick4bama]

The game will be held at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany. If the players go to the red light district. Each building is at least three or four stories. Each floor is a different nationality too. You can be lost for weeks! @TerryP you can window shop too, just as long as you don't stop at any door. I wasn't station to far from Frankfurt.

 

[TerryP]

The game will be held at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany. If the players go to the red light district. Each building is at least three or four stories. Each floor is a different nationality too. You can be lost for weeks! @TerryP you can window shop too, just as long as you don't stop at any door. I wasn't station to far from Frankfurt.

For what it's worth, Rick, I've been to one of those "locations" once in my life. They wanted $12 for cheap beer; one 12 oz bottle. I left. I've never been back to a joint.

 

[TerryP]

They play Auburn at home in even years and return the favor in odd years

In consideration for your best comment on this forum.

 

[alabama mike]

They play Auburn at home in even years and return the favor in odd years

Indeed we do but I would like to see them play South Alabama, Troy and Jacksonville from time to time. North Alabama is also D 1, but they are still infants.