Fans Celebrating NCAA Win Set Fires in Ann Arbor, MI
The Detroit News
(TNS)
Ann Arbor — Thousands of Michigan basketball fans poured onto South University Avenue in downtown Ann Arbor moments after the Wolverines defeated the UConn Huskies, capturing their first NCAA national championship in 37 years.
Ann Arbor police officials said early Tuesday that two people were arrested during the post-game celebrations.
Authorities also said Ann Arbor firefighters extinguished more than 40 fires. In addition, multiple street signs were damaged, according to police. However, they said no serious injuries were reported.
Some fans set off fireworks on the downtown Ann Arbor street after Michigan's historic 69-63 victory.
Fans rushed out of Good Time Charley's immediately after the game's end, toppling chairs and leaving behind broken glass. The bar was empty within seconds as the revelers took the streets.
A stop sign was torn down, and people climbed trees, light poles, and picnic tables.
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Multiple rounds of fireworks were set off in the middle of the densely packed crowd to screaming applause, and small bits of debris rained down.
Those standing next to businesses were at times crushed into the building walls by the swarms of blue and maize-clad basketball fans.
By 1 a.m. Tuesday, police had dispersed the crowd on South University Avenue, and some of the revelers had returned to nearby bars that remained open. The street curbs were littered with spent fireworks boxes, single shoes and empty alcohol containers.
UM freshman Joseph Stout grew up in Ann Arbor watching Michigan basketball. He said it feels really special to witness the win as a college student. His favorite moment was UM’s first three-pointer.“I’m feeling wonderful,” he said just a few minutes after the victory as students filtered out of the watch party at Crisler Center.