“We are looking forward to playing in Detroit, a city that means so much to our program and university.”

The move to Ford Field should not come as a surprise. Thanksgiving weekend games at Spartan Stadium have had the tendency to be middling at best in regard to attendance and a big miss as of late. Last season, it was noted how empty the stadium was as the Spartans were thrashed by Rutgers, 41-14.

Many long-time Spartans beat writers noted it was the emptiest they had seen Spartan Stadium. Michigan weather can be thanked for that along with the poor play of the 2024 squad.

Despite such concerns, vice president and director of Michigan State athletics Alan Haller noted the positive feedback he had received from the last outing.

“Playing at Ford Field is an exciting opportunity for Spartan football,” Haller said. “The 2023 game proved that this can be a successful and enjoyable venture. I heard from fans, donors, students, and media, all of whom universally raved about their experience at Ford Field.

“We witnessed what the Detroit Lions experience every game, that Ford Field can be a tremendous home field advantage. Our student-athletes dream of playing in the NFL and to have the opportunity to play in that stadium is a thrill for them as well.”

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