You can rent this private space out for your party during U of M football games this fall.
The Big House Is Across The Street
When Michigan hosts Michigan State in a 2012 Big Ten football matchup this October, the game between the longtime rivals will be preceded by a private party hosted by Sports Illustrated at a new event location next door to the Big House.
According to annarbor.com, Martin Vloet, a photographer who works for the University of Michigan, has invested $80,000 and hours of his own personal labor in what he calls MGoPatio, a prime tailgating space that Vloet has begun renting out for corporate and private functions before, during, and after Michigan games.
The location is literally in the backyard of Vloet’s residence.
When Vloet bought the property at 312 Berkley Avenue in 2007, it came with a small garage in the back that he slated for removal. Hating to see it destroyed, he offered the structure as a “free garage to good home” on Craigslist, and was delighted when a family came and deconstructed the entire building in one day.
During construction of the new garage, Vloet rented out the newly vacant space for a birthday party. Between the positive reaction of the partiers to his location and having witnessed loud boisterous parties every week on a patio next door, Vloet decided to go with the flow and bring MGoPatio to Michigan fans.
You Can Rent It
The rentable space consists of a 1,500-square-foot red brick patio featuring a prominent block “M” and abutted by a two-story two-car garage. The garage building has multiple flat-screen TVs, a grill, tables, and lawn chairs. Renters have the option to provide their own food, or have their event catered.
Party and event planners can choose to rent all or part of the venue for $1,800 to $4,000 depending on the type of event and how much of the space will be used.
“The goal with having the event at MGoPatio is to bring the fun and high profile kind of upscale events back to Sports Illustrated,” said Andrew Robinson, who works for SI. “It’s going to be a party for some of our top-tier clients from in and around the area, giving them an opportunity to tailgate right next to the Big House.”
Find MGoPatio on Facebook
According to the article, bookings are still available for this football season. For more information visit the MGoPatio Facebook page here.
top photo: Martin Vloet
