During the MSU vs. U-M rivalry week of Oct. 2 to Oct. 7, members of the Spartan Marching Band, or SMB, will be holding their annual “Sparty Watch.” That’s the name of the event where students gather at Spartan Statue, a landmark of MSU and monument of its mascot. Their goal is to protect the statue from Michigan fans and others, who have vandalized it in the past. 

For each night of the week, organizers of "Sparty Watch" have something special planned. Ilene Gould, a chairperson on the committee that organizes the event, provided the following list of events that will take place each night at Spartan Statue. 

Monday, Oct. 2 features a game night for the SMB, complete with bingo and other games, with the purpose of letting the band members have a chance to interact and hang out with each other.

Tuesday, Oct. 3 features the appearance of Spartan football coach Mark Dantonio who in years past has arrived with mass amounts of pizza for students to eat as they’re on guard. The appearance also includes a speech from Dantonio to the band members that are devoted to protecting the Spartan Statue.

Wednesday, Oct. 4 showcases members of various MSU ac appella groups. The a cappella communities sing and perform in collaboration with guarding Spartan Statue alongside members of the SMB. 

Thursday, Oct. 5 features a movie night that begins at 12:00 a.m. on Demonstration Field, which is adjacent to the statue’s location. Another incarnation of Sparty, the one featured at MSU football games, will also be making an appearance.

Friday, Oct. 6 will see members of MSU’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps taking over the watch for the SMB. The band members will then prepare to travel to Michigan Stadium, where they will support Michigan State’s football team in its annual matchup at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Stick with the State News for additional coverage of rivalry week and Sparty Watch.