Champions Circle offering Michigan vs. New Mexico VIP game experience through free-to-enter sweepstakes

Champions Circle, the official collective of University of Michigan athletics, is offering a VIP experience at Michigan football’s season-opener against New Mexico Aug. 30. Fans can enter online for free, or contribute to Champions Circle to receive more entries and a better chance to win.

The victor of the “grand prize experience” will win the following:
• Two tickets to Michigan vs. New Mexico Saturday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Michigan Stadium
• Two pregame sideline passes
• Michigan football gear package
• Two invitations to the private Football Alumni of Michigan (FAM) Tailgate on game day
• One signed football by Michigan junior running back Justice Haynes

The deadline to enter the sweepstakes is Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 at noon ET.

Entries are free, but contributions ensure a better chance to win. Here’s the breakdown:
• $10 ~ 100 entries
• $25 ~ 250 entries
• $50 ~ 500 entries
• $100 ~ 2,000 entries: 2x bonus
• $250 ~ 5,000 entries: 2x bonus
• $500 ~ 15,000 entries: 3x bonus
• $1,000 ~ 30,000 entries: 3x bonus

There’s also a sharing bonus: “For every friend that contributes at least $10 off of your sharelink, you earn 100 free entries per contribution!”

This experience allows fans to take in Michigan game day similar to how a recruit on an official visit does. Recruits watch warmups from the field, before taking their seats, receive free gear and mingle before the game.

The signed football will be autographed by one of the key members of Michigan’s 146th football team. Haynes, an Alabama transfer, racked up 448 yards and 7 touchdowns on 79 rushes and 99 yards on 17 receptions as a member of the Crimson Tide last season. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder is expected to carry a great deal of the workload in the backfield along with sophomore Jordan Marshall, who broke out for 100 yards in the 19-13 ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Alabama.

In a Q&A with Michigan supporters this summer, athletic director Warde Manuel pointed to supporting Champions Circle as one of the most important ways fans can help the department. While revenue sharing has been implemented across college athletics due to the House v. NCAA settlement, going “above the cap” through NIL is crucial.

Champions Circle has been a key reason why Michigan athletics have thrived during the NIL era, including with roster building in football and men’s basketball.

“The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era has redefined collegiate sports, creating opportunities for athletes to monetize their personal brands. Champions Circle works hard to unite donors, businesses, and alumni to provide career-building opportunities and financial support for student-athletes, ensuring that each of their NIL ventures are meaningful,” Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said in a statement posted on the Champions Circle website. “Champions Circle helps our athletes tap into diverse networks that will drive long-term success and provide stability amid the ever-changing NIL landscape.

“By working with Champions Circle and embracing a transformational philosophy, a framework has been developed that supports athletes today while preparing them for tomorrow. Their goal is to empower student-athletes with skills, knowledge, and resources that extend beyond their playing days. The Champions Circle model ensures that NIL initiatives remain impactful and beneficial for everyone involved.”