The long time PA announcer at Michigan Stadium, Carl Grapentine is profiled. For over 50 years, Carl has been instrumental at the public address microphone at Michigan Stadium. Carl is also revered as the Michigan Marching Band public address announcer...he and his voice are legendary.
If you have ever been to Michigan Stadium for a football game, it is an experience. And nothing adds to that experience more than the impressive baritone voice that greets you on the public address system every week. The booming words, "BAAAAAAND...TAKE THE FIELD!" sends shivers of excitement and anticipation up the backs of every Wolverine fan in the building. For over 50 years that voice that delivers those words has belonged to Carl Grapentine.
Carl is as much a tradition at Michigan Stadium as the winged helmet. Look, we all love the games, the coach's, players, and plays that stay in our memories forever. But, lets also be honest that the experience of Michigan Stadium is the sights and sounds of the place. The team running under the banner. The Flag being raised in the south end zone and the anthem being sung. And of course, the Marching Band charging out on the field out of the eastern tunnel and performing the M fanfare and the Victors as they march toward the north end zone. None of that is as memorable without Carl Grapentines voice taking us step by step through the performance. Imagine the stories he has after 50 plus years in the pilot's seat for Michigan Stadium's historic existence...well, let's hear some of those stories in my Conversation with...Carl Grapentine.