FAQ
Does my MSU student need their own ticket to attend Family Weekend?
Yes. Each Family Weekend participant must be registered, including MSU students (and their non-MSU siblings). There is no charge for children under 5 years of age, but they must be registered.
Students can use their own ticket to the football game, if they have student tickets. However, they will not be able to sit with you if you do not purchase them a ticket through the Family Weekend football ticket program of the MSU Athletic Ticket Office.
Can I get a refund if I am unable to attend after purchasing the registration(s)?
Yes.
Why is there a fee to attend Family Weekend?
Family Weekend is hosted by Spartan Family Connections, a nonfunded office for programs and events. The registration fee supports the weekend's events, including a household gift, facility fees for the opening and pregame events, food during events, and any marketing and supporting materials for the weekend such as signs and maps. Any net income from the weekend goes toward supporting the attendance of families unable to pay the fee and toward the planning of the 2024 Family Weekend.
Can I purchase Family Weekend tickets over the phone?
No, tickets must be purchased through the official registration website. No on-site registration will be available, so tickets must be purchased in advance.
What if I cannot pay for my family to attend?
Scholarship applications have closed for 2023. Watch for scholarship opportunities for Family Weekend 2024 in May.
I am interested in supporting another family's attendance. How can I do that?
We are so thankful that families are willing to support other Spartan families through the scholarship program. In addition to your registration, contributions can be made to our Spartan Family Connections Programming Fund. Your support will enable Spartan Families to attend our upcoming event who would otherwise be unable to join. A gift of $100 covers the cost for a family of four to participate in Family Weekend programming. Please click here to donate.
Why is Family Weekend at MSU the same weekend as U of M?
Each football season has a different slate of home and away game dates and a bye weekend. These factors limit the home game dates during which we can offer Family Weekend. This effort occurs at every institution facing the same scheduling demands, which means there will often be decisions families must make.
Are families from multi-households considered one family or two?
Families have the option of choosing tickets together and submitting one registration form or submitting their registration separately. Registration includes one gift per household, so if registering more than one household on the same registration, only one gift will be available. Please note, student tickets need only be applied to one registration form.
Is participation in Family Weekend capped with a maximum number of families attending?
No, we welcome all families who wish to purchase registrations to attend the Family Weekend events!
How will I know if registration for additional events for Family Weekend are sold out?
As you register online, the registration system will indicate if tickets for a particular event are sold out.
Will our tickets be mailed to us?
No, for security and logistical reasons, families must pick up their Family Weekend packet at Family Weekend Check-in.
Is it appropriate to bring my student's sibling(s) to Family Weekend?
Siblings are welcome to attend Family Weekend activities! The events included with the registration are family friendly, and there are many things in and around the Lansing area that will be of interest to family members of all ages. If you are interested in finding out what is available in the larger community, #LoveLansing like a local, and visit the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Many Saturday events are listed as TBD for the timing of the event. When will kickoff and other event times be announced?
Kickoff is typically announced by MSU Athletics about 10 days before the game. We aim to share the time of kickoff and other related events as soon as possible. Keep an eye our of schedule of events page.
When is the best time to arrive in East Lansing?
If participating in the Friday afternoon activities, we recommend arriving around noon (Eastern Time) to connect with your student and get a bite to eat before participating in the many available afternoon activities.
Where should I stay?
Hotel information can be found on the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau website, lansing.org/hotels. MSU is not responsible for any room blocks or availability in or around the Lansing area.
What are the parking options?
Parking information is available on the Family Weekend website, under the parking information button. We are pleased to be able to offer complimentary parking in several locations on campus Friday and Sunday. Saturday will follow standard game-day parking procedures until approximately 90 minutes after the game ends, at which time parking will be available in several central locations. Please note, transportation to and from parking areas is neither included nor offered in Family Weekend planning.
Can I use Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) buses while on campus?
Yes, CATA buses, which are free for students (the routes starting with "3"), are free for the MSU community. You are welcome to park in one of the complimentary parking areas noted and use CATA buses to traverse campus. Please note the hours and routes of operation as well as game-day modifications on the CATA MSU website.
We have accessibility accommodation needs. How will these be accomodated for Family Weekend?
MSU is an accessible campus, though we are unable to provide mobility services, so please be sure to bring your own mobility device with you to Family Weekend. Captioning services will be available during included events, and appropriate menu items will be offered for most special dietary needs. If you have concerns beyond this information, please email family@msu.edu for further information.
Will my student have class on the Friday of Family Weekend?
The university does not cancel classes during Family Weekend. If your student normally has class on Friday, then they will have class on the Friday of Family Weekend. We still encourage families to arrive in town on Friday as there will be many events that you may wish to participate in without your student.