A promotional banner displays the upcoming basketball game between Michigan State and Northern Michigan. On the left, Michigan State’s Spartan helmet logo is featured, while the right shows Northern Michigan's wildcat logo. In the center, white text reads "MICHIGAN STATE at NORTHERN MICHIGAN, Sunday, October 13 – 1PM – The Superior Dome," set against a dark green background with a subtle basketball design.

The Superior Dome Showdown

The Northern Michigan men's basketball team is set to host the Michigan State Spartans for a preseason exhibition game on Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Superior Dome in Marquette. This will be the first collegiate basketball action to take place in the venue.

This will be the first visit for 30th-year Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo to his alma mater to coach a game. Izzo was a 1977 graduate of Northern Michigan. The last two times the teams played at Northern Michigan, in 1974 and 1975, Northern Michigan's starting lineup included a guard from Iron Mountain in the Upper Peninsula, Tom Izzo.

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Game Day Timeline

  • 9 a.m. - Parking Lots Open
  • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Tailgating
  • 11:30 a.m. - Doors Open
  • 11:30 p.m. - Concessions Open
    • Alcohol sales begin at noon.
  • 1 p.m. - Tip-Off

Free Parking is available around the Superior Dome and sports complex.

Tailgating & Parking Map PDF

NMU Campus Map

Game Attendance Instructions

Arrive early and be prepared to walk.
  • Parking spaces/vehicles will park as they arrive on a first-come, first-served basis, and spaces will not be reserved.
  • Public Parking is located in the following lots (See map below)
    • Lot 50 (Angled parking west of the PEIF)
    • Lot 51 (Main Entrance to the Dome)
    • Half of this lot will be designated Handicap Parking
    • Lot 52 (Handicap Parking – Main Entrance to the Dome)
    • Lot 53 (Main Tailgating Lot) 
    • Lot 54 (North of the Dome - Staff and Broadcast Parking) 
    • Grass Area between Lots 54 and 55 
    • Lot 55 (Reserved – Permitted Parking)
    • Lot 56 (Gravel Lot South East of the Dome)
    • Lot 58 (East of the Berry Events Center)
    • Lot 60 (PEIF/Berry Events Center Lot)
    • Lot 12 and 65 (Along Presque Isle East of the Cohodas Building)
    • Lot 13 (West of Cohodas)

Tailgating Lots will open at 9 a.m.
  • See Tailgating Policy

Stadium Rules
  • Doors will open at 11:30 a.m.
  • See Bag Policy
  • NMU is a tobacco-free campus. No tobacco products can be used on campus at any time.
  • There is no re-entry once you leave the Dome.

Handicap Seating
  • Handicap seating will be available on the landing/lowest level of all bleachers
  • Tailgating is permitted from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Tailgating is not permitted during or after the event.
  • No tents/canopies allowed in the parking lot.
  • Tailgating is permitted in any parking lot surrounding the NMU Sports Complex area.
    • Lot 53 will open first for tailgating (See Map)
  • Parking spaces/vehicles will park as they arrive on a first-come, first-served basis and spaces will not be reserved.
  • Michigan law pertaining to the possession, consumption, and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances will be enforced.
  • Kegs, drinking games and devices, glass containers, or mass common alcohol containers
    are prohibited.
  • NMU is a tobacco-free campus. No tobacco products can be used on campus at any time.
  • Tailgaters must clean up their trash and respect the fans around you.
  • Open flame fires, including fire pits, are prohibited. Propane and charcoal grills are permitted.
  • No overnight parking/camping.
  • Pets are not allowed during tailgating hours.
  • Violation of any tailgating regulations may result in the immediate termination of tailgating privileges or criminal prosecution or other disciplinary action if the violator is a NMU student.

REMINDER: It is risky to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone other than yourself and your immediate party. Michigan law requires a license before a person can sell, trade, or give away alcoholic beverages. A violation of this law is a felony. Northern Michigan University does not condone illegal or irresponsible use of alcohol.

Tailgating & Parking Map PDF

Map of a university campus highlighting various buildings: Superior Dome, Berry Events Center, and several instructional, sports, and parking facilities. Streets include Presque Isle Ave, Fair, and Kaye. Numbered locations and fields are marked throughout.
Permitted Bags
  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
  • Small clutch bag, camera and binocular cases not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap.

Non-Approved Bags
  • Backpacks (even if made of clear materials)
  • Any non-clear bag exceeding the size limit (4.5” X 6.5”) including fanny packs, diaper bags, plastic bags, and purses.

Permitted Items
  • Medically needed items (must be in a clear bag)
  • Binoculars
  • Cell phones (no selfie-sticks)
  • Cameras
  • Child care items (no diaper bags, must be in a clear bag)
  • Seat cushions/ seat backs
  • Compact umbrellas (no large umbrellas, no metal tips)

Prohibited Items
  • Weapons
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Containers – Water Bottles, Tumblers, etc… (Including aerosol cans, spray cans, and pepper spray)
  • Large umbrellas
  • Noisemakers
  • Flagpoles
  • Helium balloons
  • Food – Any kind
  • Coolers, thermoses
  • Projectiles and other potentially dangerous objects
  • Use of tobacco products, campus-wide.
A group of spectators, eagerly cheer and clap while seated in a packed gymnasium, watching a basketball game

Game Day Activities

The game will be televised via the Big10 Network, click on the viewing party link to learn more.

Tour the campus and connect with alumni, visit local restaurants and shops, or tailgate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can also hike, bike, or visit the beach before or after the game.


Tailgating 101

To make the most of your tailgating experience, set up your tent, pack your coolers with food and beverages, and bring your favorite outdoor games. Be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly. 

Please set up your tents and gear in the green spaces and lawn areas around the Dome, specifically on the west side of the PEIF and Dome, nearest to Presque Isle Avenue.

On the Northwest edge of Dome, there will be food trucks available and open to the public during tailgate hours. 

Other Ways to Watch and Win With the Wildcats