LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Whereas Michigan State soccer defeated Western Michigan 23-6, followers mentioned lengthy concession strains, cashless funds and unclear allergy labels dampened the expertise.
Getting into its third 12 months of alcohol gross sales, Spartan Stadium added the variety of areas that can be purchased drinks.
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This 12 months, MSU moved from university-operated concessions to Chicago-based hospitality firm Levy. The corporate gives meals and beverage operations at main leisure and sports activities venues, together with Barclays Middle in Brooklyn, Uber Area in Berlin, Staples Middle in Los Angeles, Ford Discipline in Detroit and Wrigley Discipline in Chicago.
Levy additionally manages meals operations at Michigan live performance venues Pine Knob in Clarkston and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights.
With Levy managing the concessions expertise, gross sales are actually cashless. Acquainted recreation day choices like scorching canines and pretzels stay, alongside Little Caesars Pizza, Auntie Anne’s and others. There are additionally new grab-and-go stations unfold out on the concourse.
Michigan State brings again tailgating at Munn Discipline
MSU additionally introduced again four-hour sanctioned pre-game tailgates at Munn Discipline, with distributors promoting meals and alcohol.
Tailgating at Munn Discipline was a preferred custom till the college banned kegs in 1994, and later banned alcohol solely in 1998. That 1998 determination led to a pupil riot, leading to property injury and police dispersing crowds with tear gasoline. MSU banned tailgating solely in 2018.
What occurred on the Michigan State-Western Michigan recreation?
Whereas followers left Spartan Stadium feeling elated that MSU gained 23-6 and quarterback Aidan Chiles went 17-for-23, threw for 155 yards and one landing, the concessions expertise left room to develop, in response to followers.
Michigan State takes down Western Michigan in season opener
Followers mentioned strains have been lengthy by means of the primary three quarters, with some ready greater than half-hour. Some reported closed stands or understaffing, and mentioned the grab-and-go stations made it tougher to maneuver across the concourse.
Strains at Spartan Stadium. (WLNS)
Tony, a fan who traveled to East Lansing from Macomb Township, referred to as the expertise “disrespectful.”
“I feel like I’ve been in line everywhere,” he mentioned. “To get in, to get food, just… lines are crazy. It’s disrespectful is what it is.”
Strains at Spartan Stadium. (WLNS)
Mikia Lawrence, an MSU pupil who has a meals allergy, mentioned allergens weren’t correctly labeled.
“I went to buy a bratwurst like i have the past three seasons and when I bit into it it had cheese and jalepenos in it,” Lawrence wrote in a social media submit that she shared with 6 Information. “I’m just grateful that my allergy is manageable, and I hope this post allows others to avoid situations like this in the future.”
Lawrence’s social media submit contains a minor edit of “manageable.dand” to “manageable, and” to right a typo.
MSU’s response
Michigan State Affiliate Athletic Director Matt Larson mentioned MSU acknowledges the frustration and can work with Levy to enhance.
Lengthy strains, cashless funds frustrate followers at Spartan Stadium
“Offering an impressive recreation day expertise is a prime precedence for Michigan State Athletics,” Larson said in a statement. “Friday evening, the vitality in Spartan Stadium was distinctive because the MSU group gathered to cheer the Inexperienced and White on to victory. We additionally acknowledge that followers skilled lengthy waits and inconsistent service in our concession strains. MSU Athletics will proceed to work with our concessions accomplice Levy to create an improved expertise transferring ahead.”
What’s subsequent?
Michigan State’s subsequent recreation is Saturday, Sept. 6 towards Boston Faculty at 7:30 p.m. ET. The sport will air on NBC and Peacock.
