Legendary College Football Program Opening 2024 Season With Primetime Matchup

After hoisting the College Football Playoff trophy for the first time and adding its 12th all-time national championship, the Michigan Wolverines will begin their title defense in Michigan Stadium in the primetime television slot.

The Wolverines will begin the 2024 season from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor against the Fresno State Bulldogs on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. (ET), the Wolverines announced Monday. The game will be televised on NBC as part of the network's opening slate of games during Week 1.

The Aug. 31 contest will also be the first game in which alcoholic beverages will be sold within Michigan Stadium.

Primetime contests at Michigan Stadium are typically cherished as a luxury given this game will be the 17th all-time night game in Michigan Stadium history. The game under the lights at Michigan Stadium happened in 2011 with the Wolverines’ thrilling 34-31 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in front of 114,804 fans.

The announcement drew a list of social media reactions from everyday fans to television outlets.

“Home Opener Night Game. National Championship Ceremony. Beer in the Stadium. Folks, we are going to have ourselves a hell of day,” noted BlueByNinety on X.

“Big Ten Saturday Night is BACK,” announced NBC on X.

“Defending champions Michigan kickoff their season on NBC’s Big Ten Saturday Night against Fresno State. Week twos Big Ten Saturday game will be Colorado @ Nebraska,” Zane Dodge posted on X.

While some hailed the announcement, there were some who thought the night game designation was worthy of another opponent.

“Smh should’ve been Texas at night,” replied Jack Hook on X.

“Devaluing the specialness of night games at the Big House again,” posted Robert Collick on X.

Despite the mixed reactions from fans, Michigan football will begin its championship defense on August 31 in front of a raucous Michigan Stadium crowd. 

Another Michigan fan let this Stone Cold Steve Austin GIF explain their disappointment.