Michigan Could Have Multiple Night Football Games, Including MSU

It was reported yesterday that Michigan could soon be looking at multiple night games a year, thanks to the Big Ten’s new TV deal that puts the control for these decisions at the hands of the conference and the TV networks, not the Michigan athletic department.

This means that starting next year, we might be getting a sudden increase in “Under The Lights” affairs.

Recap: The History of Night Games At U-M

Michigan held its first night game at the Big House on Sept. 10, 2011: “Under The Lights.” This was in the works under Athletic Director, Dave Brandon, who wanted to create an atmosphere unlike any other in college football. The idea of a night game before then was just a thought until after stadium renovations and lots of planning made it a reality.

For the game itself, a game winning throw from Denard Robinson to Roy Roundtree to beat Notre Dame 35-31 created an instant classic in front of 114,804 in attendance.

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The first “Under The Lights” game against Notre Dame created alot of buzz, so Michigan followed it up with another on September 7, 2013. That second edition “Under The Lights” game created the largest crowd in history at The Big House with 115,109 in the 41-30 win over Notre Dame. Then in 2014, Michigan played Penn State in an 18-13 victory that pitted Christian Hackenberg against Devin Gardner.

Who Turned Out The Lights?

Since 2014, Michigan has not had a night home game, but that is about to change thanks to TV deals controlling game times and its outside of the hands of administration.

Athletic Director, Warde Manuel, told the Detroit Free Press on Monday, “It is a possibility. When the schedules come out, we can have up to two night games.”

And as for the possibility of a night home against MSU: “It’s still a concern,” Manuel said. “The only difference is, the Big Ten and television can assign us to a primetime game and it’s not our option. In November, we have the option if we choose to do so. I don’t anticipate that choice being made.”

This would mean OSU-Michigan would still be off-limits.