College football in East Lansing is full of tradition is perfect for your next football family outing. On Saturdays, Spartan Stadium comes alive with fans, students and families ready to cheer on Michigan State University.
Your kids will love walking around the electric stadium or watching Sparty, the mascot, lead the marching band through the roar of crowd chants.
Bringing the kids along to a college football game can be loads of fun with the right preparation.
Here’s everything you need to know about tickets, traditions and tips for enjoying Spartans football with your family. Plus, tap into:
- An overview of the “big three” football experiences in Michigan
- Tips for attending a Detroit Lions football game with your family
- Insights for hitting a University of Michigan Wolverines football game
MSU football games happening in 2025
The Spartans still have plenty of action at home this season. Look forward to rivalry games that bring extra excitement and the following matchups that make for a great family day out.
- University of Michigan, rivalry game: Oct. 25, 2025
- Penn State: Nov. 15, 2025
- University of Maryland (@ Ford Field, Detroit): Nov. 29, 2025
Check out the MSU Football Schedule online for the latest times and updates.
Costs for a Spartans game
Ticket prices for Spartan Stadium vary depending on the opponent. Family-friendly sections at the top of the stadium are around $70, providing a good view without breaking the budget.
For big games like the U-M rivalry game, the same tickets increase to $155. Find what works best for your family online.
MSU football offers group ticket deals, and some home games have promotions with special themes to celebrate and dress up for.
Don’t forget to budget for concessions, parking and Spartans gear for the kids.
Pre- and post-game fun
MSU’s campus is full of family-friendly traditions on game day. Tailgating is a major part of the culture, with these areas offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to student-heavy spots:
- The Munn Tailgate: at the nearby Munn Field, the Munn Tailgate has fun yard games and multiple food and drink vendors.
- Tailgating on Campus: There are plenty of public lots and green spaces on campus to set up your own family tailgate, as long as you arrive early enough. Lots also have shuttles that can take your family to Spartan Stadium.
If you want to extend the fun beyond the stadium, try these fun attractions with your family:
- Impression 5 Science Center: A hands-on science museum that’s great for curious kids
- Broad Art Museum: An eye-catching building with free admission and family-friendly exhibits
- Downtown East Lansing: Walkable streets with shops and restaurants just a short ways away from campus
Food to keep your family cheering
Inside Spartan Stadium, you’ll find all the classics: hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and pizza, plus more varied concessions like BBQ and vegetarian options. Find the full list of stadium restaurants online. MSU is now cashless, so plan to use a card or mobile pay.
Outside the stadium, families can fuel up at:
- MSU Dairy Store: Famous for its ice cream — a must-try after a win
- HopCat: Kid-friendly options plus a large beer selection for parents
- The Cosmos: A wood-fired pizza joint that was featured on The Food Network
While outside food and beverages are not permitted in the stadium, empty water bottles are allowed and can be filled at hydration stations.
Key tips for a fun MSU experience
- Parking: Plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early. Closer lots cost around $40, while farther lots are around $20. Expect heavy post-game traffic. It may be easier to hang around campus for a bit before driving home.
- Noise: The stadium gets loud! Pack ear protection for kids who may be sensitive to sound.
- Traditions: Don’t miss the MSU Marching Band’s pregame performance, the team entering the field to the Spartan fight song and chants of “Go Green! Go White!” echoing through the stadium. Your kids may even be able to get a picture with Sparty before the game.
Spend the night
East Lansing and nearby Lansing offer family-friendly hotel options if you want to make a weekend of it:
- Near Spartan Stadium: Hotels like The Graduate by Hilton and The Wild Goose Inn are within walking distance and offer perks like breakfast and a hot tub.
- East Lansing/Downtown Lansing: There are a ton of Airbnbs in East Lansing and the downtown Lansing area that will give you and your family a cozy home base during your stay.
Get the detailed football guides
Discover the family insider scoop for all three major football experiences in Michigan! That includes a guide to MSU rival U of M — plus hometown NFL team Detroit Lions.
This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
