Stadium renovation site launched

The site, www.umich.edu/stadium/, offers rationale behind the plan to widen aisles and seats, create enclosed seating, increase the number and quality of rest rooms, and add concessions stands that will feature a greater variety of food and beverages—all to improve the game day experience for fans, according to a message on the site from President Mary Sue Coleman.

"Our stadium is a treasure. Generations of Michigan alumni, students, faculty, staff, and fans have a stake in it—not just in the modern game-day experience, but also in the proud tradition of the Big House and Michigan football," Coleman writes. "It is precisely because it is so valued that I feel such a deep responsibility to renew its aging infrastructure and attend to the 80-year-old stadium's most pressing needs."

Specifically, the $226 million project, approved in May by the Board of Regents, will include building two multi-story structures on both the east and west sides of the stadium, with the end zones to remain open. The west-side structure will include an elevated concourse, a new press box for media and game operations, new "club" seats with chair backs, and enclosed seating. The east-side structure will include an elevated concourse with new concessions and restrooms, and additional indoor and outdoor seating.

Other improvements include adding handrails along aisles, increasing the number of points of entry and exit for improved crowd circulation and a safer environment; and adding dedicated seating for fans with impaired mobility.

Although widening seats and aisles will result in a loss of some seats, approximately 83 suites and 3,200 club seats will be added. When the renovations are complete, capacity at the Big House will top 108,000.

The renovation will be funded through private donations and Athletic Department resources, primarily the revenues generated by the new seating.

In addition to details of the project and history, the Web site has an extensive question and answer feature, and a page listing news releases and other articles about the renovation. It also offers the opportunity for feedback.

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