June 22, 2007
Club suites, expansion approved for Big House
Despite the posturing and protests from certain groups, the University of Michigan Board of Regents approved a $226 million renovation of Michigan Stadium on a 6-2 vote. The next step will be for the university to seek bids on the project.
When work is completed in 2010, the stadium will include 83 suites and 3,200 club seats, raising its total seating capacity from 107,501 to more than 108,000.
The work will be done over a three year period so that it does not interrupt the home game schedules.
They consist of 400,000-square-foot additions and include two, multistory masonry structures on both the east and west sides of the stadium, which will stand 10 feet higher than the current scoreboards and include 83 suites and 3,200 club seats.When the renovations are complete, the Big House will have capacity for more than 108,000 fans. The plan also includes construction of buildings to house concessions, restrooms and support functions such as first aid, security and ticket windows at the north and south end zones.
It's those "masonry structures" that have some up in arms, as it will give The Big House more of a bowl stadium look, according to the Ann Arbor News.
By far the most controversial aspect of the plan, the boxes will be housed in three-story sideline buildings that will remake the appearance of the bowl-shaped stadium.The structures will bear a resemblance in brickwork and other architectural details to Yost Ice Arena and the Intramural Building on the athletic campus.
For it's part, the university will have five to six suites to itself. The rest will be leased, with prices in the mid-$50K/year range up to the high $80K/year range.
Joe Parker, the athletic department's head of development, said that since he started selling the suites about a week ago, more than five people have signed commitment letters. The suites, which will have lease terms of three, five or seven years, will cost between $55,000 and $85,000 annually. Parker added that all of the commitments so far are for the $85,000 price zone.
Construction will begin after the 2007 season, so Big House purists can enjoy a few games before their own personal hell begins.
Comments:
Zac said:
posted on June 22, 2007 3:40 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
The "Big Wigs" at WVU did the same thing to Mountaineer Stadium, including a Big Screen replay score-board, etc., etc., etc. While it seems like a waste of money, if it keeps people employed (construction workers, etc.), why not run with it?
SEMINOLE_NATION said:
posted on June 22, 2007 6:01 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?
The Big House is obviously a historical landmark in CF if you will. It's like Fenway Park.
However, the stadium is old and due to it's design if you're in the "upper" rows you're sitting very far back from the field. It's hard to imagine Michigan football without the big house but $226 million is a pretty penny to invest in an old stadium - especially since it's not really going toward repairs, mainly additions. How long does Michigan plan on playing in the big house? Forever?
Mc Duck said:
posted on June 22, 2007 10:26 PM — 63.229.128.5 — link — abuse?
Michigan Stadium is one of the stadiums I hope to visit and watch a game in someday (maybe when I retire). The others are Camp Randall, Notre Dame Stadium, Neyland Stadium (under the lights) and Beaver Stadium. From what I've seen and heard, Michigan Stadium is a truly remarkable place. And even though Lloyd Carr said Autzen Stadium was the loudest he'd ever been in, I'm sure that the Wolverine faithful will make sure the Ducks and their fans receive a raucous welcome. Go, Ducks!
goodolnuma5 said:
posted on June 22, 2007 10:52 PM — 65.24.221.145 — link — abuse?
SEMINOLE NATION, no way that stadium compares with Fenway Park.
That stadium sits in the ground, sight lines are horrible, and any sound the crowd makes goes up and out. Look, I hate em, but at 226 mil, how much more would it cost for a new one?
SEMINOLE_NATION said:
posted on June 23, 2007 9:21 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?
My comparison between the Big House and Fenway is based on their historical standing in their respective sports. The Big House is one of the oldest and most famous CF stadiums in america, as is Fenway in MLB. Both the Big House and Fenway have some extremely crappy seats with bad views due to their design and age.
To invest 226 Million in a stadium that old to me is a clear sign they have no plans of building a new stadium. If they decide to build a new stadium 10 years down the road that 226 mill would be a total waste. They must have long, long term plans of staying in the Big House.
badgerballer said:
posted on June 23, 2007 1:38 PM — 209.44.140.182 — link — abuse?
Sometimes you get stadiums that look great on tv, but aren't all that nice impressive. Sometimes vice versa. Then there's the Big House, which, when you see it on tv, doesn't look like a great place to see game. And, when you're there, it ISN'T a great place to see a game. I imagine rows one thru fifteen, inbetween the forty and the forty aren't so bad...but I wouldn't know.
The place is big and imposing, but its far from a great venue. Sure, I'm a homer, but Camp Randall has it all over that place. Of course there's a place for nostolgia and lore, especially in college football, but they really should implode that joynt and start all over again. A handfull of luxury boxes = putting lipstick on a pig. You still have a, made up, pig.
goodolnuma5 said:
posted on June 24, 2007 12:24 AM — 65.24.221.145 — link — abuse?
Oh God, M GO BLUE will post.
Badgerballer, youre right, Camp Randall IS better,(food pretty good too.)
UM looks good on TV, but its like watching from a parking lot.Anyone been to Marhall's stadium? One of my boys say its a slice of heaven.
Mc Duck said:
posted on June 24, 2007 9:34 AM — 63.229.128.5 — link — abuse?
Autzen Stadium is the place you want to be to watch College Football on a Saturday afternoon. Sure, it only seats 54,000 but it can hold close to 60,000 when you include Standing Room Only tickets. But there is not a bad seat in the house. Also, instead of the noise going out and away from the stadium it is concentrated onto the playing field. The entire complex is remarkable. The Moshofsky Center provides great eats, adult beverages (the state of Oregon produces some fine Micro-Brews) and entertainment before each and every home game. The tailgating is out of this world. I always have a good time at Autzen Stadium. Check it out sometime, I think you will like it.
The Mayor said:
posted on June 24, 2007 4:37 PM — 24.7.49.173 — link — abuse?
McDuck, do you want my tickets for Septemner 8th now? The Big House sounds like another Sun Devil Stadium or USC Coliseum...they're just big that's all.
I'd have to disagree with you on the Tailgating at Autzen though. Don't get me wrong, I have a ball when I am in town but there's not too much imagination in the Parking Lot at Autzen.
Mc Duck said:
posted on June 24, 2007 4:54 PM — 63.229.128.5 — link — abuse?
Mayor...I really had dreams of seeing a football game at Michigan Stadium...but all these negative reports have caused me to have a change of mind. I'd be interested in knowing how Wolverine fans treat Ducks fans. I heard some not too flattering reports on how Michigan fans were treated at Autzen. Which is a shame. I am hoping to secure some tickets to see the Ducks play the Dawgs in Seattle. What has been your experience up there?
The Mayor said:
posted on June 24, 2007 11:02 PM — 24.7.49.173 — link — abuse?
45 Years of watching the Ducks...never been up to Seattle for a game, go figure. I have to say that me and my peeps treated the Blue very well while they were in Eugene a few years ago. Not one Woverine had to pay for their cocktail in my presence. But also went out of my way to be cordial to the Sooners last year. Also bought a lot of Sooner cocktails after the Hoilday Bowl loss...losers pay on the road.
The owner of my firm is a 72 year old Michigan Alumni and he suggested that I not wear any Green and Yellow to the game...!!!???!!
I get so annoyed at our fans that treat the visitors poorly. Who wants that reputation, besides everyone knows the OSU Buckeyes are the worst hosts, so why try to compete with that legacy? Cal fans here in the Bay Area are a close second by the way. My wife and I got spit on by my own fraternity brothers (EX) while visiting Cal two years ago...
Mc Duck said:
posted on June 24, 2007 11:45 PM — 63.229.128.5 — link — abuse?
I hear Fresno State fans are in league with CAL fans. I remember when Montana came to play the Ducks at Autzen. My friends and I treated the Grizzly fans with great respect. The funny part of that game is when we went back to Tim's Van to do a little tailgating at half time, and a slightly inebriated female Grizzly fan walked up to us and said something like, "You may have the lead now, but we're going to come back in the second half and kick your ass."
We smiled and laughed politely. Said something like, "we'll see about that..." and went back to our beers. Needless to say, Montana lost that game. And we never saw her again.M GO BLUE said:
posted on June 25, 2007 6:56 PM — 216.46.212.52 — link — abuse?
let's say a purdue fan who always sit's at the very top of ross aide stadium comes to a michigan game and does the same.......well duhhh it looks like your sitting in the parking lot!!
There is no way the anyone could destroy our big house!!!!
that's a sure way to get the state of Michigan into a riot.
GO BLUE!!!
Zac said:
posted on June 25, 2007 8:25 PM — 65.31.230.72 — link — abuse?
Hey, MGB, we were wondering when you'd show. Do you think spending this kind of money to help an old stadium is the right thing to do, or should they build something new & even better? (Of course, something that big, where would they build it?)
gatorstud said:
posted on June 26, 2007 10:15 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
i agree w/ irish jt....do all the renovations you want to the stadium..but, don't tear it down and rebuid.....it would be a travesty....college football doesn't need new stadiums w/ corporate names that change year to year....if you have never been to see a game at "the big house"...then you are really missing something.....it reminds me a lot of neyland stadium...the atmosphere...the roaring crowd on a saturday night.....it is an electric feeling.....
i have had the priveledge to see a lot of live college footbll games and my top five stadiums to watch a game are
1. Ben Hill gif. stadium...aka.."the swamp".....(of course)
2. tiger stadium in batan rouge on a sat night......i've got goosebumps on my arm just thinking about it....
3. neylad stadium, knoxville tenn.......enough said..
4. doak campbell......70,000..doing the "chop".....very impressive
5. notre dame stadium....the tradition...the history.....and the incredible games that have been played there....one in a million...honorable mention:
michigans big house..a city within a stadium....amazing..
auburn....i dare anyone to play auburn at night at home......anyone
clemson..death valley...it speaks for itself.....very freaking loud...i know i will catch crap for this list since it has a lot of east coast bias in it.....i have never seen a game on the west coast...so i have no personal experience out there...
jmo.....
go gators....and hokies
M GO BLUE said:
posted on June 26, 2007 11:42 AM — 216.46.212.44 — link — abuse?
MC Duck, you might want to scratch the Notre Dame football stadium off your list, as it is a replica of the Big House.
And those "crappy" seats.......Ohio State at Michigan tickets for section - Endzone 14 R. row 88 simply the worst seats in the stadium are going for $619.00 on the stub hub.
Zac post #18, I would rather they spent the money on a upper deck that's at least half the size of the current stadium, this would add the much needed seating and give the stadium the height for added noise that they are looking for.
NittanyNation said:
posted on June 27, 2007 9:40 AM — 63.144.43.98 — link — abuse?
Although it definitely doesn't look the best on the outside, "The Big House" is about tradition. They definitely don't need to tear it down. If, for whatever reason, they need more seating, they can pull an "'Shoe" and drop the field level. From what I hear it's not the loudest stadium, due to the bowl design, but it's firmly rooted in tradition and I'll surely make a trip up to Ann Arbor before to long.
WE ARE...PENN STATE
NittanyNation said:
posted on June 29, 2007 4:22 PM — 63.144.43.98 — link — abuse?
If anyone needs any tickets for any Penn State home games with the exception of OSU (I can't pass that game up), I've got two tickets in section NH. These tickets will be issued towards the end of July. As soon I get them they'll be shipped out. I live in GA. Otherwise, I would go to them all.
PopsMich said:
posted on June 30, 2007 6:16 AM — 71.77.24.80 — link — abuse?
No biggie. It's the "3 story high" part that gets attention. If you've been there, then you know what I mean.
The Big House is barely visible from the road, etc. When you enter you go DOWN to your seat(s) and it is deceptive in size holding 100,000+
After tailgating and getting game ready that entry is awesome, and when you look UP there is nothing but a mass of humanity. It'll be unusual to look up, see the masses and then a 3 story building....
Being Michigan, I'm certain it'll be done well and tastefully.
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
c-dogg said:
posted on June 22, 2007 9:19 AM — 76.188.144.228 — link — abuse?The rich get richer.....nothing wrong with that.