May 2006

Big Changes at the Big House

The U-M Board of Regents has approved an extensive renovation plan for Michigan Stadium. The project will repair the aging structure and upgrade it in several ways—improving concession stands, adding restrooms, creating more entry and exit points, increasing accessibility to those with limited mobility, and widening narrow seats and aisles. It will also add a few hundred seats, maintaining the stadium's status as the nation's biggest.

The biggest change will be the addition of two extensive structures along the east and west sides of the stadium. These will house elevated concourses, a press box and coaching box, and new seating, including "club" seats (with backs, rather than bleachers) and enclosed suites.

The Athletic Department expects the project to cost $226 million. Those costs will be paid through private donations and department resources—primarily the revenue generated by the new seating.

The project addresses the stadium's crumbling infrastructure, and offers opportunities to improve the fan experience. It also is projected to secure athletic department revenues for the long term. Specific improvements include an increase in the number and quality of restrooms, increased and more varied concession stands, wider aisles and seats, handrails, better crowd circulation, dedicated seating for fans with limited mobility, and a safer environment in general.

As to the need to secure athletic department revenue, athletic director Bill Martin told the Michigan Daily, "Frankly, we have fallen behind in many of our facilities, and we've got to address them." Once the construction is paid off, university officials expect club seats and enclosed seating to continue generating the income necessary for running the athletic department, which is self-supporting.

The project has critics, however, including three Regents who voted against it. There have also been objections from some faculty, alumni, and others.

Athletic department and university officials considered several plans before deciding on the current one.

Most opponents agree that the stadium needs considerable renovation, but most also argue that the planned structural changes are too large. John Pollack, a former Ann Arbor resident who founded a group called Save the Big House, says that the new structures, which will run along the stadium on both sides, will damage the aesthetics of the stadium's bowl. He adds that to install expensive, enclosed seating violates the democratic spirit of the stadium and the university.

Some, including Regents Laurence Deitch, Rebecca McGowan, and Katherine White, who voted against the plan, also have complained that the university made the decision without adequate public debate. The plan was added to the May Regents meeting at the last minute.

Newspapers in Ann Arbor and Detroit have paid close attention to the debate, with columnists arguing both sides. The New York Times has covered the issue as well.

U-M President Mary Sue Coleman and Athletic Director Bill Martin acknowledge concerns about the design, but argue that the plan as approved is the best available, and in the best interests of the university. "Michigan Stadium is a treasure," Coleman says. "Generations of Michigan alumni, faculty, staff, students, and fans have a stake in it. It is precisely because it is so valued that I feel such a deep responsibility to renew its aging infrastructure."

Adds Martin, "The stadium has undergone many significant changes throughout its history, and this project will represent another major change to its appearance. As the stadium enters this new phase, we will make certain that the renovations are of high quality. We will respect the stadium's tradition and character."

The Athletic Department surveyed fans and ticket holders as it developed the plan, and Martin says the results show that there is broad support for the changes.

The next step is for the Athletic Department and designer HNTB Architecture to develop schematic plans for the project. Construction is expected to be completed in 2010 and will not interrupt home football games.