Travelocity's Gnome Roaming Through Southeast Michigan

By Edward Cardenas

SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - He may be a little small to take the court, but Travelocity's Roaming Gnome will be hanging out around Crisler Center - and southeast Michigan - for the Michigan-Wisconsin basketball game.

The Roaming Gnome has been traveling around Ann Arbor - and southeast Michigan - and highlighting his visits on Twitter and Instagram in the days leading up to the game

"(The Roaming Gnome is) checking out all the local sites, bars, restaurants, landmarks," said Jeff Shelton, Travelocity Roaming Gnome handler who visited the WWJ  Newsradio 950 studios Friday. "He loves visiting them, and loves people coming up to  him and taking pictures with him."

Shelton's job is similar to the keeper of hockey's Stanley Cup, and he accompanies the Gnome on its travels which have included:

The Gnome will also make an appearance later Friday at locations around Ann Arbor including the museum of natural history. Before the game Saturday, he will be with cheerleaders, pep bands and fans during pre-game broadcasts in Ann Arbor.

In addition to posing for photos and selfies, Shelton said the Gnome and Travelocity are offering deals to the Bahamas with the code NAS250 and 250NAS, Punta Cana and French Alps.

"It is a perfect time to get away," Shelton said. "It's cold out there. The sun is welcome."