As college athletics go more and more corporate, one trend that does not seem to be going away is the increase in neutral site games. The revenue is too tempting for programs and conferences (though can get messy as we saw with the Michigan-Duke fiasco), and even from a competitive standpoint there is an argument for moving off campus when considering things like the NET rating.
Still, fans are nearly universally aligned that we have reached too many neutral site contests. Thankfully, the Wolverines
will not need to travel to Germany to face…Western Michigan, but we still have silly situations like the fake home-and-home with Wake Forest that saw the teams play in Detroit and Greensboro instead of in their own nearby arenas.
If this is the reality, then maybe we just have to lean into it. Below are my rankings for some of Michigan’s past (non-postseason) games, but let us know where you disagree!
10. Charlotte
The Jumpman Invitational is rightfully dead, but I did like the idea of Michigan belonging to a closed group of top programs. Obviously, Charlotte itself is no special location, but there is value in this sort of arrangement. I am cautiously optimistic about the rumored Diamond Cup and find it strategic for Dusty May to secure his program’s seat at the table. Yes, neutral sites are dumb, but those are the table stakes to be in these sorts of setups.
9. AT&T Stadium
Michigan football played twice in Arlington, TX in the 2010s. The blowout against peak Alabama in 2012 was extremely forgettable, and the win over Florida in 2017 would be as well if not for the (controversial) maize jerseys. Both opponents have great home stadiums; these are the classic examples of unnecessary neutral site games.
8. The Palestra
In January 2024, Michigan took on Penn State in one of the country’s most historic basketball venues. Unfortunately, there is really nothing positive to remember about that experience. The wheels had not fully come off in Juwan Howard’s final season, but things were certainly heading in that direction. It is Howard’s baffling decision to allow Phil Martelli to coach the game, though, that sticks in our minds. Also, this was not really a neutral location.
7. London
Michigan and Kentucky were supposed to play a three-game series that featured a home-and-home plus a game at the O2 Arena in London. Largely because of Covid, only that one contest actually took place. While this international game is unique, it is mostly forgotten due to the team’s NIT-bound season and the disaster of the Howard era. It was a cool concept, but happened at the wrong time.
6. Hockey at NFL Stadiums
The Wolverines took on Michigan State at Soldier Field in 2015 and Ohio State at FirstEnergy Stadium in 2023. Outdoor hockey is always cool, and it makes sense to find spots in the Big Ten schedule to make these games happen. I do think the NFL stadiums work a little better than the games at Comerica Park, Wrigley Field, and Progressive Field, as the extra capacity is worth the tradeoff with the sightlines, but college stadiums are still preferred.
5. Little Caesars Arena
Michigan-Michigan State hockey is one of college sport’s great rivalries, and the Duel in the D is a tradition that should never go away. Games at the Joe were fantastic, and even at LCA there is something to look forward to every season. Yost and Munn are great arenas, but sacrificing one game on campus a year to see the mixed crowd in Detroit is absolutely worth it. Basketball games, however? Stay in Ann Arbor.
4. Wrigley Field
Last year’s game against Northwestern certainly felt unique, and the walk-off nature of it will help its place in history. However, the Wildcats are just not that appealing of an opponent, and the Wolverines did everything they could to try to lose the game. Even though it is not my favorite hockey venue, the Friendly Confines do get a small bump for hosting multiple Michigan sports over the past two seasons.
3. Battle 4 Atlantis
If games are going to be played away from campus, then teams might as well fully embrace it. Multi-team events are the poster child for neutral sites, and the Bahamas are perfect for this sort of contest. The 2019 Battle 4 Atlantis was the introduction of Howard (and his floor mopping!), with wins over No. 6 UNC and No. 8 Gonzaga leading to the trophy. Results were less positive in 2023, but at least the weather was still great.
2. Madison Square Garden
These final entries may feel pretty standard, which says a lot about neutral sites. The Garden has hosted the Wolverines on numerous occasions, including the 2018 Big Ten Tournament which saw Michigan go back-to-back. Both basketball and hockey have participated in B1G Super Saturdays as well, including the 2016 sweep of Penn State.
1. Maui
Atlantis is great, but it is a clear tier below the Maui Invitational. Though Michigan’s appearances in the event have not coincided with its best rosters over the past few decades, it still has the prestige that few other MTEs offer. Neutral site games are suboptimal, but the Lahaina Civic Center is about as good of an option as there can be.
