Regents green-light stadium project

By Kim Broekhuizen
Office of the Vice President for Communications

Related story:
Stephen M. Ross gives stadium expansion $5 million boost>

The Board of Regents June 21 gave final approval to issue the Michigan Stadium renovation and expansion project for bids and award construction contracts, providing bids are within the approved budget. The vote was 6-2, with regents Laurence Deitch and Katherine White voting against the motion.

An architect's rendering of the proposed east facade of Michigan Stadium. (HNTB Architecture and Kallmann McKinnell And Wood Architects)

In November 2006 regents approved the schematic designs, which were developed by HNTB Architecture with the assistance of Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects. Construction work will be phased over a three-year period in order not to interrupt home football games. It is expected to be completed prior to the 2010 fall football season.

"I am thrilled the expansion project has made it through the third and final stage of board approval and that we can move forward," says Athletic Director William C. Martin.

Throughout the process, Martin says, the goals of the expansion project have remained unchanged.

"The project will improve the safety and overall game-day experience for all fans and provide a strong financial foundation for the competitiveness of Michigan athletics in the future."

The renovation will address needed infrastructure upgrades related to site work, utilities, restrooms, concessions and various mechanical and electrical systems. Fans also will benefit from wider aisles, additional handrails, an increased number of entry and exit points for improved crowd circulation and safety, and additional dedicated seating for people with impaired mobility. When renovations are complete, capacity at the Big House will top 108,000.

The 400,000-square-foot additions include two multi-story masonry structures on both the east and west sides of the stadium; the ends zones will remain open. Approximately 83 suites and 3,200 club seats will be added. The structures, which will stand 10 feet higher than the current scoreboards at their highest point, also will direct crowd noise back onto the field, providing a greater home-field advantage.

Two smaller buildings at the north and south end zones will house additional restrooms and concessions and support functions such as first-aid, police/security and will-call.

The projected $226 million cost will be funded through private donations and Athletic Department resources, primarily revenues generated by the new seating. Earlier this week, President Mary Sue Coleman announced that Stephen M. Ross, one of the nation's premier real estate developers, has given $5 million to the project. The stadium gift is part of The Michigan Difference, the University's $2.5 billion fundraising campaign.

"Through the visionary planning of our Athletic Department and the generosity of our donors, the University will be able to offer fans a college football experience unlike any other in the country," Coleman says.

Once the costs of the renovation are recovered, revenue from the new seating will be available over the long run to support facilities upgrades and other costs of 25 men's and women's varsity sports.

To view designs and read regular updates on the stadium renovation project, go to www.umich.edu/stadium.