Michigan State University, home of the Spartans, houses 23 athletic teams; 11 men's and 12 women's.  The Spartans have been members of the Big Ten Conference in 1949.  Originally, the university was an agricultural college, but as it expanded in size, Michigan State decided to eliminate "agriculture" from its name.  When the University of Chicago abolished its football program, thus exiting the Big Ten Conference, Michigan State immediately jumped at the chance to join the Big Ten Conference. 

In addition to winning six national championships, the Spartan football team has won the Rose Bowl in 1954, 1956, 1988.  The football team is also one of three Big Ten football teams who have an annual non-conference game against Notre Dame.  Many former Spartans currently play for the NFL including Andre Rison, TJ Duckett, and Plaxico Burress.

The men's basketball team won the national championship in 1979 and 2000.  Magic Johnson, Milwaukee Bucks coach Scott Skiles, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Bell all played for Michigan State's basketball team. 

Michigan State boasts the most attended hockey game in history: "The Cold War."  A hockey rink was set up at Spartan Stadium on October 6th, 2001.  The Spartans played University of Michigan and the game ended in a 3-3 tie.