“We’ve been doing the campout for over 30 years,” Lupe Izzo said. "It's a great thing for our students to come together and to support our team and to be part of one of the largest cheering groups in the country. It means a lot.” 

Izzone members began their night by watching MSU basketball take on the University of the Incarnate Word during an exhibition game. 

After the Spartans won the game 89-59, students made their way back to Munn Field.

As the sun went down, MSU basketball returned to East Lansing to mark its 128th season. The celebration continued with a drone show above the field, with over hundreds of drones synchronizing in the air to create images of the Spartan logo and Tom Izzo. 

“I love the chants, they’re amazing," exploring business sophomore Clarence Oliveros said. “That's the tradition itself, like the chants we do during the basketball games. It's amazing and gets the game hyped.” 

Though it was a chilly night, students were ready to show their school spirit and support the basketball team. While the MSU fight song played, the field was alive with excitement as students welcomed the start of a new season. The stage was set, awaiting Tom Izzo and his team.

“We’re looking forward to getting introduced to the new players,” junior human resources and labor relations major Alivia Simi said. “It's a good way to learn about the new team and all the new players.” 

Named after Izzo, the student section began in 1995 with just under 200 students and has grown into one of the most recognized student sections in basketball. The tradition extends past the stands, though. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Izzone Campout and Tom Izzo's 32nd year as head coach of the Spartans. 

This year's campout changes as the NCAA allows three exhibition games for the first time. Instead of Michigan State Madness, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will hold an autograph session on Oct. 10 at Munn Field. Students will have the chance to connect with MSU basketball ahead of the season.