Michigan's final Florida practice at IMG Academy draws 5,000 fans
Michigan's final practice in Bradenton, Florida took place in front of a crowd of 5,000 people.
By
Tom Fornelli
•
1 min read
Although Bret Bielema, Mark Dantonio and Butch Jones weren't able to make the trip, the turnout for Michigan's final practice, which was open to the public in Bradenton, Florida, was still pretty strong.
According to the Associated Press, about 5,000 people showed up to watch Michigan practice, proving once again that those from Big Ten country will find any reason to seek sunshine in the winter.
"It really made it closer to a game than a normal practice," Harbaugh said of the atmosphere. "It was great to see the stands full. Lots of maize and blue."
Harbaugh also said that "there were no negatives" about Michigan's Florida excursion this spring, and that he recommended other football programs do it as well. The problem is we don't know if Michigan, or any other program, will be allowed to do it again.
While Harbaugh and Michigan didn't see any negatives about practicing at IMG Academy -- the school is home to some of the top high school football players in the country -- plenty of other coaches did, particularly those in the SEC and ACC. Also, NCAA president Mark Emmert didn't seem to be a big fan of the idea, either, recently saying "there's a difference between not being prohibited and being OK" when asked about it.
All of which means that by this time next year, it likely will be prohibited and not OK, but at least Harbaugh and the Wolverines will always have their memories.
