Breslin Center

Lansing FAQ

Where can I park? What is the cost? Is there parking for buses and campers? Can I tailgate?
There is parking for cars and buses in the area of the Breslin Center. The cost for cars is $10.00 (cash only) and $40 for busses (cash only). Breslin parking lots open at 6:30 a.m. Refer to Breslin Parking Map

Assembly participants who have limited mobility and wish to be dropped off should use the Birch Road entrance via Kalamazoo. Please refer to the map for details.

Bus parking also is available free of charge at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing. Because parking space is limited at St. Thomas, parishes interested in this option are asked to complete a parking registration request form. [Please note that there is no shuttle service from St. Thomas to the Breslin; a 1.75 mile walk.]

Is there parking for trailers or oversize campers at the Breslin Center?
With the expectation that attendance at the Assembly Gathering will be a “full house,” and due to the limited capacity for both buses and cars in parking lots adjoining the Breslin Center, we are unable to accommodate requests from Assembly goers who wish to bring either a trailer or oversize camper (one requiring more than one parking space).

Is tailgating allowed?
YES. You are welcome to tailgate at the Breslin by bringing lawn chairs, picnic lunches, etc. as long as you are not obstructing drive lanes or blocking access and you aren’t to take up more than one car spot. Please keep in mind that the Eucharistic Procession likely will arrive at the Breslin Center at 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon Assembly Gathering will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m.

Is alcohol allowed in the parking lot?
No.

Is there security in the Breslin Center?
Yes, MSU and the Breslin Center provide police security for all events such as these.

Is seating assigned? Can I block off seating for my parish?
No, seating is not assigned. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. We cannot absolutely ensure that your whole group will be able to sit together. However, groups may arrive early and save seats for others.

Where and when will the Sacrament of Reconciliation be offered?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in seven of the concourse suites in the Breslin Center during select times of the Assembly Gathering. Details will be finalized on or before September 1 and will be posted on the website.

What can I bring (food, bags, strollers, cell phones) into the Breslin?
Security concerns are such that event-goers cannot enter the Breslin Center with a purse, handbag, bookbag, diaper bag or cooler.

The Breslin Center does allow event goers to bring in strollers (to be left with a platform attendant), cameras (without cases), seat cushions (no pockets, pouches, or zippers) and medically necessary or child care items can be brought in clear one-gallon plastic bags. Please keep in mind that you may NOT bring food or bottled water into the Breslin Center.

Sorry, we will not be able to store prohibited items for you at the Breslin Center. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, please leave these items at home or in your vehicle. If you have any questions, please call the Breslin Center Administration Office during standard business hours, 517-432-1989.

What are the meal options at the Breslin? Am I able to bring in food to the Breslin Center?
The Breslin Center does NOT permit food or water bottles to be brought into the Breslin Center; however, you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, store it in your vehicle, and enjoy eating it outside of the Breslin Center in what we hope will be beautiful weather. *

Area eateries: There are a number of restaurants and food options within a several-block walk of the Breslin Center, including: Brody Square Cafeteria on the MSU Campus; Harrison Roadhouse; and, the State Room at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Within one mile of the Breslin are many other eateries, with most of these located along Grand River Avenue (and east of Abbot Road).

MSU Concessions (operating from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.): The Breslin Center concession areas will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Options and prices at the Breslin are as follows: water: $4.00; candy: $3.50; caramel corn: $4.00; fried chicken sandwich: $6.50; chicken tenders: $6.50; coffee/cocoa: $3.50; 22oz fountain soda: $4.50; French fry: $4.50; ice cream products: $5.00; hamburger: $6.50; cheeseburger: $7.00; hot dog: $4.50; kosher dog: $5.00; bratwurst: $5.50; veggie burger: $6.50; nachos: $4.50; pizza slice: $5.00; popcorn box: $4.00; pretzel: $5.00.

*Security concerns are such that event-goers cannot enter the Breslin Center with a purse, handbag, book bag, diaper bag or cooler. The Breslin Center does allow medically necessary or child care items to be brought in, but these must be contained in clear one-gallon plastic bags. Event goers may bring in strollers (to be left with a platform attendant), cameras (without cases), and seat cushions (no pockets, pouches, or zippers). If you have any questions, please call the Breslin Center Administration Office during standard business hours, 517-432-1989.

What special accommodations are available at the Breslin?
Handicap seating will be widely available. Transmitters and sign language will be available for the hearing impaired. Translators will be available for Spanish speakers as well. Those with food allergies will need to make other arrangements as the Breslin Center concessions do not widely accommodate for food allergies.

Barrier-Free Parking
Accessible parking is available in both of the lots immediately south of the Breslin Center, and are used on a first come, first served basis. Additional questions regarding special needs may be addressed to Cathy Blatnik: blatsie63@yahoo.com
Wheelchair Availability
Complimentary wheelchairs are available for use at the Breslin Center. A valid driver’s license will be required as a deposit to obtain a wheelchair at the Guest Services booth across from the Hall of History Gate.
Accessible Seating
The Breslin Center has accessible seating platforms and seating areas on the floor level (for most events) for those needing special seating. Elevator access to the floor level is available in the Elevator lobby.

Is there childcare at the Breslin? Is it free?
As of early August, we have reached full capacity for childcare at the Breslin Center.

Will there be low-gluten hosts available at the Mass?
Yes. There will be four communion stations on the concourse level and four communion stations on the main floor level exclusively for reception of low gluten-hosts. There will be signage for these communion stations, which will be located at the north, south, east, and west sides – so they should not be hard to find.

What activities will be available at the Breslin beyond the speakers and Mass?
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the procession will be live-streamed and there will be lite programming on the main stage. From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. the following will be available:

  • Replica of the Shroud of Turin (2000 sq. ft. display)
  • Presentation of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World (displayed all around the concourse).
  • Sacred relics will be available for viewing and veneration
  • Display of the Miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe
  • Periodic live music in the concourse by local musicians
  • Vendors such as: Dynamic Catholic, Word on Fire, Magis Center, Augustine Institute, EWTN, Renewal Ministries, two separate religious goods stores, and more!
  • Outdoor activities such as inflatables for kids, lawn games and tailgating.
  • The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in the suites around the concourse from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Eucharistic chapel will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Details and locations of these activities will be posted to the Assembly Gathering page of the website and here on or before August 15.