EAST LANSING, Mich. -- City and university officials have some words of advice for the thousands of fans expected to gather for this weekend's game between rivals Michigan and Michigan State: have fun, but behave.
They don't want -- and don't expect -- a repeat of the disturbances in March after Michigan State was eliminated from the NCAA men's basketball tournament. So they're offering some reminders going into Saturday's game.
"The rivalry is great fun," Michigan State President Peter McPherson told The State News. "I feel as intensely about this football game as anybody. I will jump up and down and scream and yell just like the rest of our fans."
McPherson would like to see fans celebrate with that kind of enthusiasm.
"I expect the fans and the students, in particular, to reflect their schools," he said. "And I know there is a high consciousness of the students of how important that is."
To avoid trouble, officials are taking precautions. Inside the stadium, fans can expect to hear an announcement from Michigan State head coach John L. Smith reminding them to be safe in celebrating.
Police are warning fans to refrain from rushing the field when the game is over. Anyone who comes on the field can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $100 fine.
In March after Michigan State lost to Texas in the NCAA Tournament, at least 30 people were arrested, with the majority being Michigan State students. The disturbances caused $40,000 in damage to the city and the campus.
Outside Spartan Stadium this weekend, police will be out in full force. They have requested assistance from nearby agencies and police say they are expecting a busy weekend, with the game coming a day after Halloween.
"Celebrate responsibly, and do your own thing, but don't take over the streets or do anything like that," university police Capt. David Trexler said. "We've seen that in the past, and it is not something we are proud of and want to continue at MSU."
Originally published Thursday, October 30, 2003
