AST LANSING, Mich. - In an attempt to revitalize a potentially important cog in the tailgating experience at Michigan State, the university announced on Monday that tailgating at Munn Field is coming back. Michigan State is introducing The Munn Tailgate for the 2025 season. Michigan State will integrate an area called the 517 Beer Garden with what has been established in recent years as the Meijer Fan Fest. The integration will include the return of tailgating, limited to the southwest corner of
EAST LANSING, Mich. – In an attempt to revitalize a potentially important cog in the tailgating experience at Michigan State, the university announced on Monday that tailgating at Munn Field is coming back.
Michigan State is introducing The Munn Tailgate for the 2025 season. Michigan State will integrate an area called the 517 Beer Garden with what has been established in recent years as the Meijer Fan Fest. The integration will include the return of tailgating, limited to the southwest corner of Munn Field.
“We’re excited to introduce The Munn Tailgate as a pregame destination for Spartans of all ages,” athletic director J Batt said in a statement released by the university on Monday. “Gameday traditions, including tailgating and the pregame experience, are an important part of what makes Michigan State football gamedays special. I’m confident The Munn Tailgate will quickly become a pregame tradition for many, providing food, drinks and fun for the entire family, and adding to the energy around Spartan Stadium.
“I’m incredibly grateful to President Guskiewicz, his team, and our campus partners (DPPS, IPF, Kellogg Catering, IM Sports and others) for all their work to make The Munn Tailgate a reality.”
Michigan State discontinued tailgating as an option at Munn Field in the 1990s, citing unruly behavior. The space was used for non-alcohol parking intermittently in subsequent years. The space went unused on gameday at times. The university tried to revitalize Munn Filed as a pregame activities area in 2018, with rock bands and DJs on stage, along with yard games and photo backdrop opportunities, but those events failed to draw crowds.
According to the press release, the new Munn Tailgate will include a new pregame destination for Spartan fans looking for food and beverage options – the 517 Beer Garden. Located directly across from the south entrance to Munn Ice Arena at the north end of Munn Field, the 517 Beer Garden will feature multiple bars and food service areas. A variety of food options will be available for purchase including entrées, snacks and dessert. The bars are slated to serve beer, seltzer and craft cocktails. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available. Patrons will be required to show ID at the time of purchase. To streamline service and reduce wait times, the 517 Beer Garden will operate as a fully cashless experience. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment methods will be accepted.
The 517 Beer Garden is open to all Spartan fans, regardless of parking location, and will begin service four hours prior to kick-off. Service will end 30 minutes prior to kick-off at which times fans should make their way to Spartan Stadium.
Beginning this season, parking and tailgating will be permitted in the southwest section of Munn Field, with entrance off Birch Road. Cars will require a parking pass distributed by MSU athletics – no general parking is available, and “All-Event” staff parking passes will not be honored due to limited space. The lot will open in alignment with all general parking lots (2 p.m. for Aug. 29, 7 a.m. for games that kick off before 6 p.m., and 11 a.m. for kickoffs at or after 6 p.m.), and all tailgating rules will apply. Individuals with parking passes to The Munn Tailgate will not be permitted to set-up their tailgates prior to lot open times as their specific parking location will be dictated by order of entrance onto Munn Field. Should parking at Munn be closed due to inclement weather, a parking pass to The Munn Tailgate will provide access to any public lot.
“Michigan State football, the Spartan gameday experience and Spartan tailgating have been a foundation in our lives for more than 30 years,” said Brian Russ, MSU Class of 1994, Electrical Engineering. “What began in the early 1990’s on Munn Field with just a few friends and family has grown into a lifelong tradition – a place where bonds were forged, memories were made, and Spartan spirit became part of who we are. Over the years, this tailgate has become so much more than a gathering, it’s become an extended family.
“The Spartan gameday experience at Munn Field is unlike any other. My wife, Richelle, and I, along with our entire tailgate family are so excited to start a new tradition at The Munn Tailgate, while honoring all that was awesome about the past. Spartan Nation, this is the new beginning we’ve all been waiting for. Come experience the magic that happens at Michigan State on Munn Field and let’s gather to prepare Spartan football for glory.”
Meijer Fan Fest, which has activated at Munn Field since 2018, will continue to operate in the northeast corner of Munn Field. Featuring live entertainment and fan activations, including yard games.
Michigan State football opens the 2025 season Friday, August 29 against Western Michigan at 7 p.m.
Category: General Sports
