As the University of Michigan football team prepares to clash with Ohio State on November 29, Michigan Stadium will be abuzz with anticipation. However, beyond the sea of fans and the spectacle on the field, a dedicated team works behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Facilities manager Kyle Kipke and his team are pivotal to orchestrating the seamless operation of Michigan Stadium and the Junge Family Champions Center. For Kipke, the moment when the crowd erupts as the football is kicked off is a cherished culmination of meticulous preparation. “Sometimes you have to stand back and soak it all in,” Kipke noted, highlighting the unique experience of working in such a storied venue.
With a small but efficient crew comprising Morgan Petriko, Scott Clayton, Rourke Barth, and Ross Stofflet, Kipke’s team is responsible for readying the stadium for over 110,000 spectators, as well as players and coaches. Their tasks range from ensuring the field’s pristine condition to managing waste disposal and ticket scanner functionalities. “I’m nothing without those guys,” Kipke remarked about his team’s dedication and hard work.
How it’s done
Preparations for a game begin early in the week, and the threat of inclement weather always looms. The team sets up barricades, ensures ticket scanner tents are equipped and lit, and addresses any maintenance issues from previous events. Michigan Stadium’s zero-waste policy requires strategic placement of compost, recycle, and landfill bins, a task Kipke’s team expertly manages.
By midweek, attention shifts to the field, where Barth uses specialized equipment to maintain the FieldTurf’s condition. The crew ensures the proper placement and functionality of the end zone pylons, goal post pads, and sideline benches. Timing is crucial, especially as visiting teams and broadcast crews start to arrive on Friday, requiring the team to complete field preparations in advance.
Petriko, managing a group of 30 student workers from various universities, emphasizes the importance of tasks like preparing ticket scanners and maintaining cleanliness. “They’re doing the stuff that helps out with strength in numbers,” Kipke said, recognizing the students’ contributions.
On game day, the team is on standby, ready to respond to any issues, such as technical difficulties or spills. As Petriko explained, the aim is to ensure everything is set up so that the need for intervention during the game is minimal.
Post-game, the cleanup process commences. A partnership with Father Gabriel Richard High School sees hundreds of students clearing trash for composting, recycling, or landfill. This season, the team managed to avoid consecutive home games, unlike the previous year’s grueling schedule that featured high-profile matchups.
More than football
Beyond football, Michigan Stadium hosts various events, including professional soccer, NHL games, and concerts. The facility’s versatility was on display with the recent Zach Bryan concert, which required innovative solutions like securing a tunnel-accessible crane for stage setup. Kipke reflected on the concert: “Overall, the concert went great. Was it a lot of work? Yes. Was it a lot of time? Yes. Was everybody tired? Yes. But overall, it went really well, and we got lots of positive feedback from it.”
Looking ahead, the team anticipates more challenges with events like an upcoming two-day concert featuring Morgan Wallen. The quick turnaround between shows will test their logistical prowess, particularly in managing waste and resetting the stadium for the next day’s events.
In the off-season, the team supports events at nearby venues and readies the stadium for spring activities, including commencement and the Big House 5k. As the season finale against Ohio State approaches, Kipke reflects on his role, “The energy of the building is just totally different that day.”
