A-Maize-ing: Wolverines, Band and Fans Unite for Night to Remember

Saturday, September 11, 2021, was certain to be noteworthy for obvious reasons. On a beautiful day not unlike this day 20 years ago, the nation commemorated the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Pennsylvania.

It was also a time for people to come together in a familiar way though, and a fall Saturday in Ann Arbor featured the usual sights, scents and sounds of pregame tailgating, kids – and adults -- playing catch. More than 108,000 people made their way to Michigan Stadium to see the the University of Michigan football team take on the University of Washington.

The day encompassed a unique duality: a time for introspection, reflection and patriotism; and an opportunity to come together and passionately cheer the Wolverines on to victory.

It turned out to be a night to remember in many ways.

Pregame Ceremony

As the 8:12 kickoff approached, dusk became the backdrop of a somber scene. Michigan alumnus and New York native Adam Schefter introduced a stunning pregame ceremony that opened with Air Force Retired Master Sergeant David Vittetoe performing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes from the 50-yard line. As he played, the names and photos of Michigan and Washington alumni who lost their lives on 9/11 scrolled on the videoboard. The touching tribute concluded with the crowd erupting into cheers of USA! USA! USA!

Two special guests were then honored on the field, representing the victims and the first responders. Nicole Pila, a 2021 Michigan graduate, is the daughter of 9/11 victim Jim Gartenberg and Jill Pila, both of whom are also U-M alumni. Swartz Creek native Randy Josey was an EMT and 9/11 volunteer who worked at Ground Zero on September 12 and spent nearly a month as part of a search and rescue team.

The Detroit Youth Choir performed God Bless America as more than 100 local first responders unfurled an American flag that spanned the length and width of the field. The breathtaking scene duplicated that from September 22, 2001, the first football game in Michigan Stadium following the attacks.

Watch the Michigan Athletics stream of the pregame ceremony as featured on the video boards:

Michigan Marching Band Halftime Show

The sellout crowd was treated to a Michigan Marching Band halftime show unlike any other. Dedicated to the resilience of America, the show paid tribute to those who selflessly ran toward danger to help and the thousands of civilians who lost their lives. All stadium lights were turned off for a dramatic and captivating light show that included formations spelling out "HEROES" and "UA 93" as well as the American flag and an outline of the United States.

Watch the Michigan Athletics stream of the band's halftime show as featured on the video boards:

Watch the Michigan Marching Band's video of the halftime show (high angle):

We remember. Thank you for remembering with us, America.

Full video coming soon ???? pic.twitter.com/x2I5E3NkLQ
— Michigan Marching & Athletic Bands (@umichband) September 12, 2021

What a halftime show tonight, @umichband. ?? #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/Wpn8XBXysk
— Michigan Alumni (@michiganalumni) September 12, 2021

Maize Out

The 10th night game in Michigan Stadium history was promoted as a "Maize Out," and the Michigan faithful fully embraced the idea. As fans filled the aisles and rows of the Big House, it was clear that this special night would be cloaked in maize like never before. The energy and excitement were palpable as a sea of maize filled the bowl.

Following the game, the Wolverine players joined the maize-clad student section to sing “Hail to the Victors” in celebration of a 31-10 Michigan triumph.