Describe the characteristics of the Traditions in Sparty's Statues.
It is tradition for some alumni and other Spartan fans to have a picture taken with the Spartan statue to mark major life events. During graduation season there is a steady stream of recent graduates and their families posing with the statue. On weekends it is not uncommon to see newlywed couples doing the same. During the week before the annual football game against the University of Michigan Wolverines, members of the marching band take turns each guarding the statue against vandalism by fans of the rival school. The tradition is known as "Sparty Watch"; a similar vigil takes place at the Michigan Diag, where the inlaid "M" is defended against MSU fans. During the full team walk from Kellogg Center to Spartan Stadium that takes place prior to each home football game, players and coaches toss or place pennies at the statue as they proceed past it.  After the final home football game the Spartan Marching Band circles the statue once before heading home to Adams Field.
University of Michigan alumni marching band Diag Spartan Michigan Wolverines Sparta vandalism Spartan Stadium rival Wolverines football