:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/39563666/20140920_jla_aa1_424.jpg.0.jpg)
Michigan is having a tough time getting its students to come to games. Part of that is because the team is pretty bad, part of it is because the schedule is terrible, and part of it is because the tickets are so expensive. For such a historic program, the empty seats can be a stain for some fans, who like to hype up their massive fan base.
It looks like someone is at least trying to combat the latter right now ... even though they might be doing so in the most embarrassing way possible. A promotion at the student union is advertising that fans can get two free tickets to this weekend's Michigan-Minnesota game with the purchase of two Coke products.
U-go's in the @umich Union is giving away 2 @umichfootball tickets if you buy 2 coke products (Photo: @ByAZuniga ) pic.twitter.com/iKeFD5rRhg
— The Michigan Daily (@michigandaily) September 22, 2014
We were skeptical too, but an MGoBlog user claims to have gotten two tickets for the game through the promotion, as have other Twitter users.
Spent $6 to get 4 football tickets. If anyone wants to come up for the game let me know pic.twitter.com/33oZ46oBEl
— pete elliott (@pete_elliott24) September 22, 2014
How pathetic are Dave Brandon and Michigan football? Well at my work if you buy a coke for a 1.50 you get a free ticket.... #embarrasing
— Paul Jr (@pwilk5) September 22, 2014
Are you kidding me? And people think fans will show up because it's tradition. I think not. This has 2b rock bottom. pic.twitter.com/3mabfxP3Wv
— Jeff Riger (@riger1984) September 22, 2014
This is likely a ploy for Michigan to continue its streak of having 100,000+ fans at a game, which stretches over 254 games to 1975. Promotion or not, we could very well see the Big House emptier than we have in a long time this weekend. Losing and playing Minnesota will do that to you.
The deal does make the Wolverines the cheapest ticket in town. It would cost fans more to see a high school team play on Friday night than it would to take in the game in the Big House.
For $3 (two Cokes) you get free tickets to Michigan-Minnesota. It costs $5 for a Pioneer HS game. #FireHoke #FireBrandOn
— † Wolverine Devotee (@WolverinesMike) September 22, 2014
UPDATE: Michigan has pulled the promotion, citing "a miscommunication" with Coke.
Full Michigan statement on Cokes for tickets promotion pic.twitter.com/1GGdOgOr5R
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) September 23, 2014