As the cold rain fell, we snaked our way through the crowds and puddles and made our way towards NRG stadium. Few seemed to wear any rain gear, presumably unwilling to conceal the Michigan blue of Washington purple attire that proudly declared their allegiance.
No paper tickets in this day and age. Everyone in the line to enter NRG had his or her phone out, ready to have the priceless electronic ticket scanned at the stadium gates. The atmosphere seemed light-hearted and jovial for now. I felt a sense of relief after our tickets were successfully scanned, and the NRG worker smiled and told us to enjoy the game.
As we entered the stadium, my heart rate quickened, and I completely forgot about my wet clothes. The energy and excitement were palpable. I was expecting to see mostly students at the game. But as we crisscrossed the wide stadium hallways on our way to our seats, I immediately noticed that most of those donning Wolverine and Huskie jerseys and hats were far removed from college. Many seemed to be in their 30s, 40s, 50s or even older. I could not help but admire their school spirit.
After fifteen minutes of riding escalators and navigating crowded hallways, we finally made our way to our seats. I immediately noticed that I was engulfed in a sea of purple and gold. Across the way was a sea of blue and yellow. While I was indifferent to who would win on the ride to the game, it now seemed I had chosen a side. I would be cheering for Washington. Go Huskies!
The field was filled with players warming up. I never realized how big a college football roster is – eighty-five players. Some were passing a football back and forth while others were stretching. I watched in awe as the punters sent their practice punts soaring towards the stadium roof.
Fantasia performed an amazing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner as an enormous American Flag adorned the middle of the football field. The crowd proudly belted out the last verse of the anthem as the stadium erupted in cheers.
Minutes later, the Michigan team took the field, sprinting out from the end zone through a gateway of bursting flames that resembled a fire-breathing dragon. Next, it was Washington’s turn. Of course, I let out a cheer for my new-found team alongside all those in my section.
The kick-off had finally arrived. Washington would kick off to Michigan. As the kick soared through the air, I could not help but notice all the cellphone flashes going off as nearly everyone wanted to memorialize the first play of the championship game.
Michigan would go on to score on its first drive on a long run. Notwithstanding that only Michigan fans were cheering, the noise was deafening. I felt a smile come to my face. This was going to be a loud and exciting game.
The Washington fans got their chance to cheer wildly when the Huskies kicked a field goal to make it 7-3 late in the first quarter. When the Huskies scored in the final seconds of the half to cut the Michigan lead to 17-10, the noise in the stadium once again seemed deafening.
At halftime, attention was directed toward both the Michigan and Washington marching bands as they each performed under the bright lights of the stadium. Their well-choreographed routines were incredible to watch (and listen to).
As halftime neared its end, fans shuffled back to their seats, holding hearty servings of nachos and fries that they had purchased from the crowded concession stands that lined the stadium hallways. Everyone was ready to enjoy the second half.
Notably, during the second half, the DJ for the event energized crowds by playing popular music such as “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, and “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. Both Michigan and Washington fans screamed the lyrics to their hearts’ content, united despite their rivalry.
Slowly but surely, Michigan pulled away, and most of the cheers emanated from the Michigan side of the stadium. After the Wolverines scored in the final few minutes of the game to push the lead to 34-13, the Washington faithful started to exit the stadium, leaving behind only a sea of blue and yellow.
After the final snap, the players started to shake hands as cheers from the Wolverine fans cascaded across the stadium. Michigan had just capped off an undefeated season, winning its first national football championship since 1997.
For the grand finale, the Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh, hoisted the championship trophy over his head on the makeshift platform quickly erected post-game. In the background, Michigan players exchanged hugs and high-fives as confetti rained down.
