You don’t have to be in East Lansing or Detroit to feel the excitement of the Michigan State Spartans’ push for the NCAA Championship- for the first time in nine years. The Saturday night victory over the University of Connecticut was on the minds of probably every Spartan fan on either sides of the Flint or Tittabawassee Rivers. In fact, the game was perhaps the more than appropriate focus at The Great Divide in Flint Township.
“15 minutes before the game we we’re still packed,” said Dan Vert, who works for the store. Crowds were buying up lots of MSU gear just before the Final Four match-up between MSU and the east coast basketball powerhouse. During the game, however, even those working at The Great Divide got a chance to watch the action.
“The game started and it died down so me and my friend Justin grabbed a table, ordered pizza and watched the game. No one came in and Dave, the owner called us and said, lock the doors, you can stay,” Vert said.
The next day, the fans came back in droves and perhaps with even more Spartan spirit fresh off the big win. Owner Dave Broadworth said sales look just as good as in the past.
“The sales have been tremendous,” he said. “My partner and I went back through the last Final Fours and the sales are all matching; even in the bad economy we are in,” he said.
Despite the economy, Spartan fans aren’t afraid to travel long distances to support their own. We came across Rob Berriman who traveled from Chicago where he lives now, to Detroit for Saturday’s game, and then back to his native Genesse County to buy what ever MSU goods he could find.
“It’s fantastic for the state of Michigan, and the city of Detroit. It’s just a great feeling. We’re going up against a tough Carolina team, but I think we will take it,” he said.
Of course it’s called The Great Divide for a reason, so I couldn’t help but wonder how Michigan fans might be doing. Owner Dave Broadworth said they have been joining in on the celebrations- well, sort of.
“I think that Michigan fans are silently rooting for Michigan State since they are playing in the state of Michigan. But a Michigan fan will always be a Michigan fan.”
Broadworth said pre-orders of MSU championship items have already been made and will be ready come Tuesday morning, if the Michigan State Spartans defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels.
