Can you resize those pics? They're huge.

Lookin good though, better than in the renderings for sure.

Michigan Stadium's dramatic makeover adds elegance

Since he came to Michigan in 2003, Joe Parker has been selling.

Selling himself, the athletic department and the Block M, as the associate athletic director for development and corporate relations.

Despite all his relationships with all those donors who have committed millions to Michigan athletics over the years, Parker has been unable to sell out the premium seating that is the cornerstone of Michigan Stadium’s $226-million renovation. Parker has sold 61 of 81 suites and 75% of the indoor and outdoor club seats, despite the state’s lousy economy and U-M’s back-to-back losing seasons.

But Parker finally has his best pitch: the stadium itself.

After years of theory, renderings and even tours amid construction, the renovation of the Big House is now tangible. Parker proudly unveiled the nearly finished project to high-end patrons last week. And then he took a Free Press sports writer and photographer on a tour of a stadium that now includes a luxurious side, with etched glass featuring winged helmets, plush chairs overlooking the massive facility, flat-screen TVs built into wooden paneling, and a 70-yard dining area.

“When we first started bringing people into the finished spaces, the reaction was pretty extraordinary,” Parker said. “Just the facial expressions on people: It was just a complete expression of awe.”

Which should make the world’s oldest advertising tactic Parker’s best weapon before the opener Sept. 4 against Connecticut: “A lot of it’s word of mouth.”

A-MAIZE-ING CHANGES

So that's what $226 million looks like!

Michigan Stadium's renovation that began immediately after the Ohio State game in 2007 is six weeks from completion. The athletic department expects to assume complete control of the Big House on Aug. 20. The season opener -- and rededication of a stadium opened in 1927 at a cost of $950,000 -- comes Sept. 4 against Connecticut.

After nearly three years of construction and four years since the project was approved, the 83-year-old Big House, indeed, is bigger than ever and with a new luxurious side. The views inside and out are stunning. And you don't need to be a high roller in a suite or a club seat to appreciate the transformation.

So come along with the Free Press for your first look inside the revamped stadium. We spent 90 minutes getting a tour of the Wolverines' new digs this past week.

The surroundings

Four massive towers, built in 2008 and bricked in 2009, sit at the ends of the new brick structures that span the stadium's east and west sides, a striking change for a stadium known for its sunken, almost hidden, feeling from street level.

The intrigue begins with an elevator ride up one of the corners (a stunning concept for the old stadium -- public elevators!) and the expanse of the premium seating areas.

Beginning on the east side (that's the Crisler Arena side) with the first-floor concourse, covered for the first time before last season, the span rises five levels above. There's an open-air fan concourse on Level 200, club seating on Levels 300 and 400, and suites on the top, Level 500.

On the west side (that's the Main Street side), the external structure is similar, although there are differences within the building.

The most striking aspect of each level actually may be the view facing away from the football field. A wall of windows spans the open eating areas on the 300 and 400 levels on the east side. With the athletic campus laid out below and the east side of Ann Arbor beyond, the view is unique on campus.

Each level on the east side has its own touches: from concourse pillars with etched glass, spotted with small winged helmets, in a 70-yard dining area on Level 300 to the additional couches and lounge areas on Level 400 to the wall hangings of famous football mementoes (retired jerseys, three-time All-Americas, national coaches of the year) on Level 500 outside the suites.

The Jack Roth Stadium Club on Levels 300 and 400 on the east side -- named for the project's largest donor, a Los Angeles advertising mogul -- is most notable for its wide, carpeted concourses that include end-to-end glass that provides a view of the bowl from anywhere.

(If you have the money, you can have your name attached to almost anything, including a kitchen for $50,000. U-M's Web site for the project lists the club rights at "$10 million plus," the four towers at $5 million each -- one is still available -- and the tunnel for $5 million.)

There is no shortage of amenities in the stadium club, from restrooms to concessions to cocktail party tables to bar areas facing the field so a fan can drink and watch the game indoors. (Alcohol will not be available, however. U-M's Web site notes "the university will maintain an alcohol-free environment in the premium seating areas while continuing to encourage the tradition of tailgating in designated areas outside the stadium.")

Simply being in a comfortable setting in the previously spartan Michigan Stadium may be the most jarring effect initially for most high-end patrons.

Club seating

All the club seating is on the stadium's east side (Crisler Arena).

Glass doors lead to each eight-row section of the outdoor club seats. Depending on proximity to midfield, they require a $1,500 to $3,000 commitment for the season. The seats have a blue cushion and solid plastic backing.

Simply sitting outside with a seat back (not two pointy knees), a cushion (you didn't bring), and protection from the elements for the back four rows has been unimaginable for decades of fans.

The indoor maize leather club seats have cushions under and behind. They require a $4,000 commitment. Viewed through glass surrounding three sides, the game could seem surreal when nasty weather slams the fans on the outside.

Luxury suites

With the exception of three suites, the other 78 are built to essentially the same specs: 12 maize chair-back seats and four high chairs at a counter behind the second row. The suites, located on the east and west sides, feature a low-key wood décor, with a mini-fridge, a sink, a full-length closet, significant cabinet space and two flat-screen television sets.

For an old-time experience, the floor-to-ceiling windows open about three feet to sample Mother Nature. Art options are prints from U-M (famous football doings and campus landmarks).

Twenty suites still are available, for between $55,000 and $85,000 a season, with at least a three-year commitment.

The exceptions

The west side (Main Street) has a different internal structure than the east side. There are three larger suites (for the president, the athletic director and a donor who asked for two suites without a dividing wall on the west side).

Also on the west side, there is the four-row, high-ceiling, working-press box, stretching from the end line to the near 25. The next 50 yards are filled with booths for coaches, television and radio personnel, and instant replay officials. The level is completed with 13 suites at the far north end.

The premium outside seating on the west side is referred to as chair-back, not club, because there is no access to indoor amenities. Each seat is $2,000.

Final impressions

Passing through the indoor structures, you can't help but get this feeling: The place has class. That was a rare feeling at a location known for its bare-bones facilities and its massive capacity.

(For the record, U-M says the stadium's capacity will increase from 107,501 to more than 108,000, which includes the 81 suites and around 3,000 club seats.)

Although the overriding purpose of the renovation was to add the suites and premium seating -- and, in turn, revenue to the bottom line -- the average fan in the bowl will receive a few benefits.

Football is a game of inches, right? Well, U-M says that each seat, which is really just a number painted on a metal row, will be widened between a quarter inch to just over an inch (or from just over 16 inches in the student section to just under 18 inches along the sidelines near the top of the bowl).

There are more covered concourses, concession areas and bathrooms. The new structures should amplify fan noise. The rows are being painted. Aisles are being widened and railings added over the next few years to meet Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

U-M clearly tried hard to add a level of luxury, yet stay true to its classic, understated roots inside the bowl.

And here's a final touch: U-M has long claimed to be the state's premier university, and it tried to reflect its tie to all the state's citizens. Stone etchings around the outdoor brick second-floor concourses list each of Michigan's 83 counties.


http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/6729/bighouseh.jpg

Michigan's new Big House (88 photos) 07/03/10
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=C4&Dato=20100703&Kategori=SPORTS06&Lopenr=7030804&Ref=PH

Michigan Stadium Capacity Announced at 109,901

When the University of Michigan football season opens on Sept. 4 against Connecticut, Michigan Stadium will once again reclaim the title of the largest stadium in the United States for college and/or professional football. The seating capacity will be 109,901 for 2010 when the historic home of Wolverine football will have the bulk of the renovations completed.

“The stadium structures on the east and west side will be complete and all new premium seats will be on line,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dave Brandon. “We are very excited to have the club seats and suites completed for the upcoming season and we continue to get great reaction from fans who tour those seating areas.”

Certain sections will be adjusted for the 2010 season as aisles and seats are widened on the east side of the stadium. Similar modifications inside the seating bowl will be phased in over the next few seasons. Hand rails will also be added in the aisle ways.

“The upper concourses on the east and west sidelines should also make a huge improvement to circulation, and we are happy to add the new restrooms and concessions in those areas,” added Brandon.
Considering the stadium was at 107,501 when Michigan had the all time record of 112,118 vs. OSU, that's a difference of 4617. Take 109,901+4617 and you get 114,518. New Record, here we come... :applause:

so its completed?

The "Save the Big House" people were a bunch of liars, which is a big reason why their campaign failed. They hid from the public the true cost of renovating other parts of the stadium (which absolutely needed to be done) and only brought up the cost of adding new seats. In reality, the cost of a complete renovation of Michigan Stadium (which, again, includes seats, concrete, restrooms, and many other things) under the "Save the Big House" plan would have been more expensive than the plan that was adopted, and it would have taken longer to pay it off. Hence their proposal was rejected.
Interview: John Pollack of ‘Save the Big House’
http://mvictors.com/?p=7430

This guy is delusional. :bash:

He often touts the "alternative plan" they presented. The current plan cost $226 million, but the revenue generated from the luxury suites and club seats pay for 100% of it. Their alternative plan would have cost over $60 million (their figures, not mine) with no way to pay for it because there was no premium seating to generate extra money. He then has the balls to mislead people by suggesting that the current renovation has forced some people to give up their season tickets due to cost. Their alternative plan would have had to have been paid for somehow, most likely through increased ticket prices for everyone. It is also disingenous for him to say that Michigan Stadium now looks like very other stadium in the country and he knows it. Yes, it looks different than it did three years ago and he clearly does not like the changes, but Michigan Stadium is still is as unique as it has always been. It has never been perfectly unique or totally one of a kind. Michigan Stadium was modeled after the Yale Bowl and was largely copied by Notre Dame Stadium. The Rose Bowl is also very similar. Michigan Stadium has always been the largest bowl, but never the only one. If anything, the renovations make it more "unique" because it looks less like those other bowls (although ND Stadium and the Rose Bowl have added luxury suites too over the years). At first, i was skeptical about the renovations; even more so after i saw the initial drawings. But i must say, i am pleasantly surprised at the end result. They did a great job of blending in the brick and mortar.

so its completed?
For this season, yes. Officially it won't be finished until 2012 when the isles and seats are widened along with the addition of hand rails.

Fans see brand new shiny Michigan Stadium at Open House
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/071410aaf.html

Michigan Stadium holds free open house to show off new renovations to the public
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/washtenaw_county/michigan-stadium-holds-free-open-house-to-show-off-new-renovations-to-the-public

Finally, Michigan Stadium can accommodate the entire population of the U.S. Virgin Islands :lol:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Finally-Michigan-Stadium-can-accommodate-the-en?urn=ncaaf,255941


More pictures:

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/4518/16707968.jpg
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/1535/26544482.jpg
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/4968/78060192.jpg
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/1492/57014001.jpg
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/7194/48458992.jpg
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/6999/91619322.jpg
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/5346/21620071.jpg
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2082/37892668.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52062722@N04/

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/sportatorium/Brutus%20the%20Buckeye.jpg

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/sportatorium/Brutus%20the%20Buckeye.jpg

LOL

Sooooo does this get moved to completed? or are they still doing finishing touches?

Although I passionately hate Michigan, this is the best stadium in college football. I hope Notre Dame does remodeling like this to expand Notre Dame Stadium to ~100K

^^
Agreed. Now all they need are worthy teams befitting such legendary venues.

Sooooo does this get moved to completed? or are they still doing finishing touches?
^^
For this season, yes. Officially it won't be finished until 2012 when the isles and seats are widened along with the addition of hand rails.


New scoreboards are likely going to be installed by 2011; potential to add 5,000 more seats, as well. It looks like the eventual capacity could be close to 114-115K.

Michigan Stadium Open House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxJLgSFSSho

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5424/img8734b.jpg
new brick plaza around tunnel

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/1792/dsc0182m.jpg
:bow:

:)This arena looks stylish and enormously big... AWESOME!

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/6992/goldticket.jpg

Michigan issues special ticket for UConn game, Michigan Stadium rededication

Michigan football season ticket holders have a potential souvenir. Season tickets went out this week and the ticket for the Sept. 4 home opener against UConn features a shot of the Michigan Stadium gates and a logo for the rededication of the revamped stadium.

The ticket is 7 inches by 3 1/4 inches, larger than the normal 5 1/2 x 2 1/4 tickets for the rest of the home games.



AAUM "Behind the Scenes" Big House Tours
http://alumni.umich.edu/events/big-house-tours

Tour dates:
* Sunday, September 5, 2010 – Tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
* Sunday, September 19, 2010 – Tour at 1 p.m.
* Sunday, September 26, 2010 – Tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
* Sunday, October 10, 2010 – Tour at 1 p.m.
* Sunday, October 17, 2010 – Tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m
* Sunday, November 7, 2010 – Tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/306/ms729.jpg

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/514211/img_9718.jpg

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/514205/img_9695.jpg

GO BLUE~~~~

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/mzfjxs/Michigan%20Stadium/018.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/mzfjxs/Michigan%20Stadium/019.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/mzfjxs/Michigan%20Stadium/022.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/mzfjxs/Michigan%20Stadium/025.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/mzfjxs/Michigan%20Stadium/028.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/mzfjxs/Michigan%20Stadium/029.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/mzfjxs/Michigan%20Stadium/031.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/mzfjxs/Michigan%20Stadium/033.jpg

Magnificent looking exterior.

They hung bowl, conference championship and national championship banners inside the indoor practice field.

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/525/99351803.jpg

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/9386/28831964.jpg


Also, i like how they honored the national championship teams with these larger-than-life displays on the east concourse.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/7479/59820281.jpg

The largest crowd to ever watch a football game - college or professional - was in Ann Arbor for the Wolverines season-opener against the University of Connecticut. The announced crowd of 113,090 shatters the old record, also set at Michigan Stadium, of 112,118 set in 2003 against Ohio State.

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5543/090410umvucomst.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/annarborcom/4957731853/sizes/l/in/photostream/


Fans give high marks to renovated Michigan Stadium
http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/fans-give-high-marks-to-renovated-michigan-stadium/

VIDEO: Different perspectives of the revamped Michigan Stadium
http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/different-perspectives-of-the-revamped-michigan-stadium/

Newly renovated Michigan Stadium a hit with the fans
http://detnews.com/article/20100904/SPORTS0201/9040408/1004/Newly-renovated-Michigan-Stadium-a-hit-with-the-fans#ixzz0yfmQ5bz7

Michigan Stadium Rededication video featuring the one and only Keith Jackson.

-DVl-slQios

Any noticeable improvements in noise/atmosphere?

Never seen? Vintage Michigan Stadium construction photos (1927)
http://mvictors.com/?p=7836

http://mvictors.com/WordPress/images/2009/stadium11.jpg
http://mvictors.com/WordPress/images/2009/stadium21.jpg
http://mvictors.com/WordPress/images/2009/stadium31.jpg
http://mvictors.com/WordPress/images/2009/stadium61.jpg
http://mvictors.com/WordPress/images/2009/stadium71.jpg

Any noticeable improvements in noise/atmosphere?
It sounded louder than the ND game last year. But, we won’t know the full effect of these renovations on noise levels until November 26, 2011 when Ohio State comes to town. Everything else is just a prelude to that game. :D


Players said the structures, which were up during last year’s season but didn’t have all the glass in, helped to make the stadium louder.

Junior tight end Kevin Koger said he noticed a difference.

“It was definitely louder. You could definitely tell a difference,” he said. “Even when you're in there by yourself, you can hear stuff echoing, you can definitely tell. We had some walkthroughs over here and you hear people yelling, and you could hear it bounce off the windows. You can definitely tell it was loud in here today.”

A Big(ger) House - A Look at the Michigan Stadium Renovations
http://www.bigtennetwork.com/generic/sports/football/video?bcpid=109424564001&bclid=1119228130&bctid=602861692001

Not much we didn't know except perhaps that the project used 1,890,000 bricks.

Forgive my ignorance on this but, this stadium has NO lights?

Forgive my ignorance on this but, this stadium has NO lights?
Short answer: No.

Slightly longer answer: They have areas set aside for temporary lights atop the new sideline boxes. The TV network would need to provide them. Michigan likely won't play a night game, so they would only be needed for early afternoon games, and only to help with the TV broadcast.

Next year for the first time in its history Michigan is going to play a true night game at Michigan Stadium. It will be interesting to see if this leads to more in the future.

Here is the link to an article regarding the announcement:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5006284

Next year for the first time in its history Michigan is going to play a true night game at Michigan Stadium. It will be interesting to see if this leads to more in the future.

Here is the link to an article regarding the announcement:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5006284

sad day.....

sad day.....

In my opinion playing a night game from time-to-time is fine. If youth can play under the lights, middle school can play under the lights, high school can play under the lights and NFL can play under the lights, then it's okay for the University of Michigan to play a home night game.

Permanent Lights to be Installed at Michigan Stadium

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved today (Thursday, Sept. 16) the request for permanent lighting at Michigan Stadium. The athletic department will have the lights installed prior to the playing of the "Big Chill at the Big House", an outdoor hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State, on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010.

"The addition of permanent lights will improve the quality of viewing experience for our fans," said Athletic Director Dave Brandon. "We take great pride in having the best game day experience in college football and this will further enhance that position.

"Short term there will be a cost savings on the rental fee associated with bringing in lights for the Big Chill and long-term it eliminates the need for lights to be brought in every time we play a 3:30 p.m. football game," added Brandon.

The permanent lights will allow the Michigan Athletic Department to have the lights already in place for 3:30 p.m. games. It will eliminate the need for shutting down lanes of traffic on Main Street to utilize rented cranes to hoist lights onto the facility and gets rid of the generator along the concourse, thus improving the foot traffic and parking issues in and around the stadium.

In addition, the lights will allow the football team to practice at the Big House in the late afternoons and early evenings during the months of October and November. They can also practice at the venue in preparation for road night games.

The total cost of the project is $1.8 million. Funding will be provided from Athletic Department resources.

Michigan will play its first-ever night game at the Big House against Notre Dame on Sept. 10, 2011. The Wolverines have never played a prime-time game at home in the history of the program. All 33 previous night games have been played on the road or at a neutral site.

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091610aan.html

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9941/rededicationrecordcrowd.jpg

Michigan Stadium Rededication
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/stadium-rededication.html

UnJX2FiW-ik

^^ Now that's an excellent first post ^^

Awesome.

i love the big house!!:okay:

That Nice....Real NICE!!!

I traveled up here last Saturday with the Iowa Hawkeyes and man was it cool as heck to be able to say I have been to the BIG HOUSE! :)

that stadium is fucking IMMENSE!!!

wish my school football team had a ground like that instead of playin on the patch of grass next to the playground...

we played at highbury once tho. and conceded that fastest goal ever!

but yeah top stadium that

Amazing. I don't know what kind of lights those are, but the low profile is really cool. Once they eventually put Godzilla HD boards in, the Big House will be a masterpiece.

The Big Chill hockey game on Dec. 11th is going to be epic.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1153.snc4/149496_1550480716261_1062398139_31325868_4094865_n.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ4CMRYNFSE/TOaAbSnFuQI/AAAAAAAAB8w/k-vl68-JQwg/s1600/Big+House+Lights.jpg

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20101118&Category=SPORTS0201&ArtNo=11180476&Ref=AR&Profile=1131

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ4CMRYNFSE/TOaAu1w3ZLI/AAAAAAAAB80/e_Kxqe01-q8/s1600/endzone+lights.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z2Pki2WUyRE/TOWfuohCX9I/AAAAAAAAAIw/nZr_pHGTTxw/s640/photo.JPG

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z2Pki2WUyRE/TOWfzlhQoQI/AAAAAAAAAI4/6PznNzKuBGk/s640/photo%283%29.JPG

I saw them last tonight from the Main and Packard intersection. Looked pretty bright and impressive. Also like that they seem to blend right in. Well done, architects and designers.

Cant wait till we get to see this in primetime on ABC vs. the Suckeyes in the near future

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Thebigchillatthebighouse.jpg

Live Web Cam: Preparing for the Big Chill at the Big House
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/ihm-bigchill-2010.html#webcam

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l292/arl314/michlights4.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l292/arl314/michlights3.jpg

Live Web Cam: Preparing for the Big Chill at the Big House
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/ihm-bigchill-2010.html#webcam

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5145/gf1w0.jpg

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/3818/bighouse.jpg

Images from ongoing work of the Big Chill at the Big House rink at Michigan Stadium
http://www.annarbor.com/sports/images-from-construction-of-the-big-chill-at-the-big-house-rink-at-michigan-stadium/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/annarborcom/sets/72157625509005298/with/5224715614/

superb!!!

Well, just about an hour ago The Big Chill At The Big House game was completed at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 5-0. The most noteworthy thing is the attendance:

113,411, smashing the world record of 77,803 set in Germany earlier this year.

You can read all about the game here at National Public Radio's website (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131996025), but from that website I've taken some photos to post here, which they got from the Associated Press:

http://i52.tinypic.com/2qixrnt.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/1z55a21.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/j5ftee.jpg

0H7RGl75Sh4

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5610/bigchill2.jpg

Images from the Big Chill at the Big House hockey game at Michigan Stadium
http://www.annarbor.com/sports/images-from-the-big-chill-at-the-big-house-hockey-game-at-michigan-stadium

looks like everyone had a swell time

Well, just about an hour ago The Big Chill At The Big House game was completed at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 5-0. The most noteworthy thing is the attendance:

113,411, smashing the world record of 77,803 set in Germany earlier this year.

You can read all about the game here at National Public Radio's website (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131996025), but from that website I've taken some photos to post here, which they got from the Associated Press:

http://i52.tinypic.com/2qixrnt.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/1z55a21.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/j5ftee.jpg

I'm guessing that will be the record for a very long time (or until Pittsburgh plays Philadelphia at Happy Valley during the Winter Classic).

Why was the game played so early? For local cable TV? I could only see the game on the Big Ten Network and the announce crew had mic flags for FOX Sports.

I understand that FOX is a partner with BTN, but 3:30 seemed early to me when the game at Camp Randall (Wisconsin) last year was not that early.

Why was the game played so early? For local cable TV? I could only see the game on the Big Ten Network and the announce crew had mic flags for FOX Sports.

I understand that FOX is a partner with BTN, but 3:30 seemed early to me when the game at Camp Randall (Wisconsin) last year was not that early.

Lighting. Michigan Stadium does not have a permanent lighting system (although they are adding one in the next couple of years). When a game is scheduled to end after sunset, they have to bring in lighting trucks, but they only provide the bare minimum for TV.

Lighting. Michigan Stadium does not have a permanent lighting system (although they are adding one in the next couple of years). When a game is scheduled to end after sunset, they have to bring in lighting trucks, but they only provide the bare minimum for TV.

The start time had nothing to do with stadium lighting as Michigan Stadium now has permanent lights. Check out the pictures on the previous page. The lights were installed a couple weeks before the game.

The start time had nothing to do with stadium lighting as Michigan Stadium now has permanent lights. Check out the pictures on the previous page. The lights were installed a couple weeks before the game.

so I see. I didn't realize they had gotten the lights in so quickly.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5170/5252211053_c6ee7ae6ac_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41688874@N07/5252211053/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5252213813_93c85d7d9a_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41688874@N07/5252213813/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5255942980_1d2d109ee1_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zpuchacz/5255942980/

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/1211/nhl_g_big_house1x_576.jpg

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1012/michigan-college-hockey/images/michigan.hockey.GYI0062782373.jpg

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1012/michigan-college-hockey/images/michigan.hockey.GYI0062782675.jpg

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1012/michigan-college-hockey/images/michigan.hockey.Big-Chill-Michigan-St-(3).jpg

Well, just about an hour ago The Big Chill At The Big House game was completed at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 5-0. The most noteworthy thing is the attendance:

113,411, smashing the world record of 77,803 set in Germany earlier this year.

You can read all about the game here at National Public Radio's website (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131996025), but from that website I've taken some photos to post here, which they got from the Associated Press:

http://i52.tinypic.com/2qixrnt.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/1z55a21.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/j5ftee.jpg
About 27,000 shy of that first number reported.

http://www.freep.com/article/20101214/SPORTS06/101214037/1319/Guinness-Only-85451-at-Big-Chill


Guinness World Records has certified the crowd for the Michigan vs. Michigan State game at Michigan Stadium at 85,451 people, far short of the announced attendance of 113,411. It still was enough to beat the previous attendance mark of 77,803, set during the opening game of the IIHF world championships in May, when Germany hosted the United States.

A Guinness spokesperson e-mailed the Free Press that, "We are still waiting to review ticket counts but (85,451) should be the final number." The spokesperson later emphasized that the figure remains subject to change.

About 27,000 shy of that first number reported.

http://www.freep.com/article/20101214/SPORTS06/101214037/1319/Guinness-Only-85451-at-Big-Chill
I'm calling bullshit.

Those stands are clearly full.

Seems to be a good number of empty seats under the scoreboard.

Seems to be a good number of empty seats under the scoreboard.

Yeah but no way are there 27,000 empty seats. If the 85,451 number is true, that means that the stadium was 24,450 under capacity which I find VERY hard to believe.

Yeah but no way are there 27,000 empty seats. If the 85,451 number is true, that means that the stadium was 24,450 under capacity which I find VERY hard to believe.

But Michigan counted everyone there for the game. They count their gameday staff and even working media.

But Michigan counted everyone there for the game. They count their gameday staff and even working media.
Even then, I HIGHLY doubt the total comes up to anywhere near 27,000.

Yeah but no way are there 27,000 empty seats. If the 85,451 number is true, that means that the stadium was 24,450 under capacity which I find VERY hard to believe.

It would be hilarious that this "record" started a scandal that found out the true capacity of Michigan Stadium wasn't what the university claimed it to be. For a 110,000 seat stadium, it doesn't look like that big from the inside.

It would be hilarious that this "record" started a scandal that found out the true capacity of Michigan Stadium wasn't what the university claimed it to be. For a 110,000 seat stadium, it doesn't look like that big from the inside.

One can always repaint bleacher seating and have seat number closer together to "add capacity". It is done all the time with bleacher seating. It is harder with chairbacks, but it is still done. FedEx Field has done it and Orlando's old facility, Amway Arena, did it more than once.

One can always repaint bleacher seating and have seat number closer together to "add capacity". It is done all the time with bleacher seating. It is harder with chairbacks, but it is still done. FedEx Field has done it and Orlando's old facility, Amway Arena, did it more than once.

FedEx Field has no bleachers.

FedEx Field has no bleachers.

But Snyder has replaced the original seats with narrower ones to increase capacity. Amway Arena did the same as when it opened, the capacity was 15,077 and when it closed, it was over 17K. In either 1991, Michigan Stadium went from 101,701 to 102,501 just by repainting numbers.

But Snyder has replaced the original seats with narrower ones to increase capacity. Amway Arena did the same as when it opened, the capacity was 15,077 and when it closed, it was over 17K. In either 1991, Michigan Stadium went from 101,701 to 102,501 just by repainting numbers.

The current renovation actually widened almost all seats and aisles which led to a decrease in capacity in the bowl. The overall increase in capacity came from the new suites and club seating.

From the website:
Q21: What will the new capacity be once the project is completed?
The current seating capacity of the stadium is 107,501. The expansion will add 80+ suites and 3,000+ club seats. Though widening seats and aisles and adding seating for mobility impaired fans will result in the loss of some seats, the stadium capacity is projected to exceed 108,000 when the project is completed.

Q22: Do you plan to widen seats? How much wider will they be?
Almost all seats in the bowl will be widened. Ticket holders will gain between a quarter inch and just over an inch in each seat, depending on location. Seats along the sidelines will gain the most width because of the shape of the bowl. When the project is completed, seat widths will range from just over 16 inches in the student section to just under 18 inches along the sidelines near the top of the bowl.

http://www.michiganstadiumproject.com/faq.php

Wow, that's a big stadium for sure. I like the boxes they added...very nice! :cheers:

I love this stadium!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been inside the Michigan Stadium, as well the San Siro in Milan and the new Wembley in London. The Michigan Stadium is easily smaller than those two, so bleacher seating makes a huge difference.

If for the hockey game they simply decided to sell less tickets because they weren't sure, or because they wanted people to feel more comfortable, it's easy to see how a stadium can indeed look packed yet have a lot less than bleacher seating normally allows.

Final Big Chill at the Big House attendance figure: 104,073

It took a month, but the official attendance figure for the Big Chill at the Big House hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State at Michigan Stadium has grown to 104,073, Guinness World Records said today.

The announced attendance at the Dec. 11 game in Ann Arbor was 113,411, but Guinness originally only verified an attendance of 85,451. That was still good enough to set the world record for hockey attendance, which had been 77,000-plus.

But with the new, final number from Guinness, it's going to be tougher to beat.

In an e-mail to the Free Press today, a Guinness spokesperson said there was an issue with the scanners on the day of the game and "further evidence had to be provided."

The spokesperson said U-M collected complete ticket-scan information, plus camera footage, which was shown to Central Collegiate Hockey Association commissioner Tom Anastos for confirmation.

Regents Approve New HD Video Boards for Big House
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/012011aaa.html

Dave Brandon on Mich Stadium scoreboards: "They're 40 percent larger than the scoreboards that we have now. Actual image is fundamentally the entire surface. Right now, one-third of the scoreboard is for video."

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4929/imagejt.png

Stadium Cam: Watch the Michigan Stadium Scoreboard Removal
(Live video from Michigan Stadium as the scoreboards are removed to make way for new versions featuring HD video boards)
http://www.mgoblue.com/allaccess/?media=235147


In other news:
Michigan Stadium Premium Seats Sold Out for 2011 Season

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced today (Wednesday, March 9) that all the premium seats -- indoor and outdoor club seats and suites -- at Michigan Stadium are sold out for the upcoming 2011 season.

"We have received a tremendous response from our fans with respect to the new seating opportunities at Michigan Stadium," said director of athletics Dave Brandon. "Our development office has done a great job getting commitments on every club seat and suite, and because of their hard work we've generated a waiting list for those areas."

All 81 suites are sold out for the next two seasons, and the 3,000-plus club seats have been committed for the 2011 season. The indoor and outdoor club seats on the east side of Michigan Stadium and the chairback seats on the west side require an annual renewal, while suites require a multi-year commitment.

Fans interested in being placed on the waiting list for club seats or suites can contact the U-M Athletic Development Office by phone (734-764-7131) or e-mail (mvictors@umich.edu).

Michigan had commitments on 93 percent of the club seats and 80 percent of the suites during the 2010 football season.

Nice. I know a Michigan fan who's pissed off that they're putting in a new scoreboard, but it really doesn't change anything. Just makes things easier to see.

Nice. I know a Michigan fan who's pissed off that they're putting in a new scoreboard, but it really doesn't change anything. Just makes things easier to see.
He was probably one of those old blue hairs who opposed the renovations and got mad in 90's when they replaced the old retro scoreboards. Thank god they were only a vocal minority because the stadium looks so much better now.

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/4885/mstadium.jpg
Map of the entire project.

Almost gone...
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5120/scbv.png


Picture of the old scoreboard :D
http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/6615/19691997.jpg


The scoreboards that are getting torn down had a 67-21 record. But the old scoreboards (1969-1997) were 155-26-4. Those opened with a win against OSU in 1969 and ended the same way in 1997.

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/6071/33741898.jpg

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http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7098/50174038.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/4108/18419025.jpg

New scoreboard pilings being installed
http://www.michiganstadiumaerials.com

Short answer: No.

Slightly longer answer: They have areas set aside for temporary lights atop the new sideline boxes. The TV network would need to provide them. Michigan likely won't play a night game, so they would only be needed for early afternoon games, and only to help with the TV broadcast.

Next year for the first time in its history Michigan is going to play a true night game at Michigan Stadium. It will be interesting to see if this leads to more in the future.

Here is the link to an article regarding the announcement:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5006284

One night game each year at Michigan Stadium 'would be a great goal,' says AD Dave Brandon
http://annarbor.com/sports/um-football/one-night-game-each-year-at-michigan-stadium-would-be-a-great-goal-says-ad-dave-brandon/


'Retro' uniforms
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Michigan-Notre-Dame-retro-uniforms-are-finall?urn=ncaaf-wp2470


Under the Lights logo
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3391/unledlz.jpg

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/3324/michiganstadium201107.jpg

The video screens for the scoreboards will be 47 feet tall and 85 feet wide.

http://www.stadiumwallpaper.info/wallpaper/michigan-stadium-8.jpg

http://isportsweb.com/wp-content/gallery/michigan-stadium/stadium2010.jpg

So sitting here at the annual Event Staff summer meeting, I've learned a few things that are likely news to most of you. Here is a list, in no particular order:

The student section has expanded to end halfway through 34

Straws and lids are back

Event Staff gets new uniforms! They are a huge improvement over the nasty baggy yellow shirts they used to give us. They're mostly blue with maize accents. If they didn't say "EVENT STAFF", I'd be happy to wear it on non-game days. I'll post pictures later on.

There is a new level of event staff: Response Team. They act in place of law enforcent in minor incidents and can issue yellow cards to fans causing problems. These function the same way as soccer and collecting too many leads to ejection from the game. The cards are bright yellow and say" This is Michigan" on one side and list the fan policies on the back. The Response Team will wear an inverted uniform (maize with blue accents). They will also patrol the fence to keep out prohibited items.

Along with the Response Team, a new incident management program is in place. All incidents called in by ushers etc will be tracked on a map and followed up on post game. This group is responsible for dispatching Response Team members.

No Smoking will be enforced heavily on the concourse this year by ticket ta kers after everyone is in the Stadium and the Response Team.

Media parking moved from Pioneer to the dirt triangle lot near Crisler.

Event staff will have special hats for the night game, but no picture yet.

Pedestrian areas will be lit around the Stadium for the night game.

Our credentials now have bar codes on them so we can be scanned in.

Yellow cards have a unique number on them.

The Stadium is no longer open to the public on non game days. This has been the during renovations but is now permanent policy. Tours can be arranged through the Athletic Dept.

Seat cushions are a go and are fastened to the benches. They are managed by an outside company that has done this elsewhere (Alabama, most rcently)

Dave brandon showed up and says that every suite and club seat is sold out, there are not 2 seats.next to each other remaining for any home game this year, and that they could have sold 175,000 tickets to the Notre Dame game. He guarantees that it will be the highest attendance at the Big House in history. He says 115,000 and that the Stadium will be bursting with fans. Special things planned for each game planned already: There will be flyovers, "special flyovers", a parachuter, fireworks, a tribute to Desmond Howard, a tribu te to Lloyd Carr.

DB says night game is a test and it's for the fans and players. A bad experience would make this the only night game. Good experience = a night game per year.

Regarding seas of opponents in the Stadium: look out for Nebraska. DB is working with the ticket office to" keep the red out". They are actually addressing this problem by tightening ticket channels.

DB confirms: design completed for filling out bleachers to top of scoreboard in south end. Capacity will raise to 120,000. Opponent tickets will be up at top next to scoreboard.

No number retirement due to large squads and number sharing issues.

ESPN put together a financial package that makes the 2012 vs Alabama game MORE profitable than a home game.

Scoreboards will be complete by Aug 5 and tested in all weather and lighting conditions throughout August.

The south end will get an exterior facelift, like the sides. New seats will certainly be the least desirable viewing angle, hence the opponents' section moving there.

It will probably look something like this:

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9049/z8syy.jpg

There looks to be a few hundred obstructed view seats. Very curious as to how it would be done to insure no line of sight issues.

Back of scoreboard 7/28/2011

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8278/sc1ix.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6263/sc2ty.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/3927/sc3n.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/286/sc4o.jpg

http://www.michiganstadiumaerials.com/uploads/6/7/5/9/6759043/6820008_orig.jpg

http://www.michiganstadiumaerials.com/uploads/6/7/5/9/6759043/8740594_orig.jpg

Close up of 'Michigan Stadium' sign on north scoreboard and blue facade installation on the back of it.

The south end will get an exterior facelift, like the sides. New seats will certainly be the least desirable viewing angle, hence the opponents' section moving there.

It will probably look something like this:

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9049/z8syy.jpg

There looks to be a few hundred obstructed view seats. Very curious as to how it would be done to insure no line of sight issues.I'd have to imagine they'll forego the idea of simply extending the bowl any further. Not only would the views be poor like you've suggested, but it would make logistics for the concessions underneath all the more congested. Maximizing space and fan comfort demands they avoid that. Thus, now that they've formally broken with tradition, as it were, the best form for any new addition would be to create another tier with some overhang above the bowl, done in scale with the new sideline suites. The newest end at Beaver stadium comes to mind, but obviously in scale and character with the Big House.

http://merecat.org/img/penn-state-stadium.jpg

Scoreboards will be complete by Aug 5 and tested in all weather and lighting conditions throughout August.
Does Michigan have a lot of snow, ice and sub-zero temps in August? Methinks they could have phrased that better.

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/9608/teamq.jpg

The TEAM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KOwLaCf0y0

very nice

Does Michigan have a lot of snow, ice and sub-zero temps in August? Methinks they could have phrased that better.
Yeah :lol:

Plenty of rain the past couple of weeks so it should be good to go in wet conditions.

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/6563/2695675orig.jpg

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/7500/7437574orig.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1369/9240918onorth.jpg

http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/9053/7496692orig.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/5604/9893949orig.jpg

North scoreboard.

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/2716/68385949.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/30/58827205.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4331/71279311.jpg

Fan day panorama.

I really like how this renovation has turned out. Good for UM.

It does look good. Some shiny new benches would make it look better, though. ;)

It does look good. Some shiny new benches would make it look better, though. ;)

They are shiny new benches

Looks great. Well done.

New scoreboards are enormous and look fantastic.

http://www.michiganstadiumaerials.com/uploads/6/7/5/9/6759043/8841715_orig.jpg

cant wait for that night game this year.

LTKJP7c-aSk

Scoreboard cover going into place
http://www.michiganstadiumaerials.com/uploads/6/7/5/9/6759043/2491428_orig.jpg

Stadium with the lights on and scoreboard
http://www.michiganstadiumaerials.com/uploads/6/7/5/9/6759043/7149992_orig.jpg

By arkley68

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6101640649_19bfdd1855_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arkley68/6101640649/

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6101643111_662f797558_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arkley68/6101643111/

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6102194258_f7f918f528_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arkley68/6102194258/

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6101640049_89c42730f9_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arkley68/6101640049/

I must say UM has been a bit behind the curve on these updates, but its very well done! Definitely one of the premier venues in college football now.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7971/65722330.jpg

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UTL Photo Gallery
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams/mmk/gallery/im:urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,getty:20050301:ncaaf,photo,77fad6f30455a92be67dac5270da99f3-getty-124672867:1#photoViewer=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cgetty%3A20050301%3Ancaaf%2Cphoto%2C77fad6f30455a92be67dac5270da99f3-getty-124672867%3A1

Michigan Stadium Gigapixel Fancam
http://www.mgoblue.com/michigan-fancam


Michigan vs. Notre Dame - (HD) Under the Lights in the Crowd
VBmCew7PbyQ

That last 1:12 was one of the craziest turn of events I've seen so far in a college game. Great crowd too

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7494/utll.jpg

http://www.annarbor.com/assets_c/2011/09/MichiganStadium_Night-thumb-590x295-87844.jpg
Steve Pepple | AnnArbor.com

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/5245/bighouse.png


Full Size
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Michigan_Stadium_2011.jpg

OxJiVahUY6k

:righton:

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/df/fullj.f47e6ab1a480e9fb94d7497b47e6fa2d/f47e6ab1a480e9fb94d7497b47e6fa2d-getty-124557934.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/bd/fullj.0e188a5211f6d9b2b1475a73e4c37d57/0e188a5211f6d9b2b1475a73e4c37d57-getty-124561678.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/7c/fullj.07ed2b55f5a89d939de54ccfe502e26d/07ed2b55f5a89d939de54ccfe502e26d-getty-124555337.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/54/fullj.9a33260c25ae15bf0211058ff15fd8d5/9a33260c25ae15bf0211058ff15fd8d5-getty-124561681.jpg

http://multimedia.detnews.com/pix/d5/94/69/b0/f3/a2/20110911073141_moon.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/4149/mainbv.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/mainbv.jpg/)

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/4149/mainbv.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/mainbv.jpg/)

Nice. Something like that would bump capacity to around 120,000! :banana:

I would have to think that the sightlines would be terrible.

The sightlines would be fine, the distance would be like 400', so theres your issue

The sightlines would be fine, the distance would be like 400', so theres your issue

Hence the reason for these. ;)

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/4922/41gsaxlalaa300.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/41gsaxlalaa300.jpg/)

http://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Wolverines-Powered-Compact-Binoculars/dp/B000BG02YC/ref=sr_1_43?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1318973351&sr=1-43

I sure hope they don't expand that way. Would there be an issue with an overhanging upperdeck instead to bring the fans a little closer?

^^ Like they did at Beaver Stadium?

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5599/lions2d.jpg

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5556/22987996554c5fe6b24co.jpg

^^ Like they did at Beaver Stadium?

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5599/lions2d.jpg

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5556/22987996554c5fe6b24co.jpg


Yes...except less ugly

Hence the reason for these. ;)

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/4922/41gsaxlalaa300.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/41gsaxlalaa300.jpg/)

http://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Wolverines-Powered-Compact-Binoculars/dp/B000BG02YC/ref=sr_1_43?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1318973351&sr=1-43

Exactly. Better off just watching at home on HD flatscreen.

If the expansion limits itself to the top of the scoreboards by adding on to the existing frame, then the look and feel of it won't be changed. I'm all for that. But if they try doing something like the others have done (Beaver Stadium) adding a second level in an end zone, forget it. Michigan Stadium has an iconic look that should not be toyed with. The expansion played with fire and came away clean, don't tempt fate too much.

Recapping the most bizarre day in Michigan Stadium
http://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/9/5/2406609/michigan-football-western-michigan-weather-delay

http://www.annarbor.com/assets_c/2011/09/Hoke_Rain-thumb-590x391-87284.jpg

http://isportsweb.com/wp-content/uploads//2011/09/scoreboardWMU.jpg

http://www.wbez.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/665x500/story/photo/2011-September/2011-09-04/AP110903145818.jpg

http://www.toledoblade.com/image/2011/09/03/800x_b1_cCM_z_cT/Storms-end-Michigan-Western-Michigan-game-early.jpg

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/8260/dsc0004ni.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1584/wc2912large.jpg

Wings, Leafs to play '13 Winter Classic at Big House
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=616022&navid=DL|NHL|home

DETROIT -- The NHL's Winter Classic has grown bigger each season of its five-year existence. It's only fitting that the next stop for the Jan. 1 outdoor game will be at Michigan Stadium, known by many as "The Big House."

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Thursday morning the 2013 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic -- between Original Six rivals Detroit and Toronto -- will be played at the home of the University of Michigan's football team in Ann Arbor.

"These two Original Six rivals will take the Winter Classic to a new record-setting level," Bettman said in announcing the game.

Bettman made the announcement at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, which will host the Hockeytown Winter Festival, a week-long celebration of the game at all levels.

The 2013 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic marks the first time a Canadian-based franchise is part of the festivities.

"It's Hockeytown against the center of the hockey universe," Leafs GM Brian Burke said during a roundtable discussion with Red Wings GM Ken Holland after the announcement. "We're real excited; two passionate fan bases. I promise you, there will be a lot of (Maple Leaf) blue in the Big House."

"It's Hockeytown against the center of the hockey universe," Leafs GM Brian Burke said during a roundtable discussion with Red Wings GM Ken Holland after the announcement. "We're real excited; two passionate fan bases. I promise you, there will be a lot of (Maple Leaf) blue in the Big House."

Michigan Stadium -- the stadium with the highest capacity in North America -- might be the only venue that can handle the interest this matchup will generate.

"Since this game is going to be so big, it could only be played in one place," Bettman said. "Even with 115,000 tickets available, we won't have enough tickets to meet demand."

This Winter Classic also marks the first time that the events of Winter Classic week will be split between two venues -- Comerica Park and Michigan Stadium.

While the game at the Big House is the undeniable star -- "The NHL and the Big House, it doesn't get any better than that," said Chris Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., the Red Wings' parent company -- the Hockeytown Winter Festival is a huge component of the 2013 Winter Classic experience, as well.

"The solution we came to was let's do a Winter Festival, let's do everything downtown and we'll take the game out to Ann Arbor because with 115,000 people and a historic venue and with two historic teams, we thought we couldn't get much of a bigger stage than that," Holland said.

"We're really excited for the fans of Detroit," Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch said. "This community deserves a big event like this. We're committed to making this the biggest NHL Winter Classic ever."

The cornerstone of the Hockeytown Winter Festival is the NHL Alumni Showdown, which will feature many of the game's biggest legends playing in the home of the Tigers, the major league baseball team also owned by Ilitch. The alumni game is scheduled for Dec. 31.

In addition to the Alumni Showdown, an impressive lineup of other games will be played at Comerica Park during the Hockeytown Winter Festival. One headline event will be the Great Lakes Invitational, which will take collegiate teams Michigan, Michigan State, Michigan Tech and Western Michigan outdoors for the popular and long-standing tournament that is a tradition in Detroit.

There will also be American League hockey between the Grand Rapid Griffins and Toronto Marlies, two Ontario Hockey League games involving the four area teams, high school and youth hockey games played at Comerica, as well as public-skating sessions. The events, which will run for the final two weeks of December, are expected to bring more than 250,000 fans to the downtown area.

"I promise you, there will be something for everybody," Mike Ilitch said.

As usual, the Winter Classic will be Jan. 1, with a backup date of Jan. 2. The game will be televised by NBC, CBC and RDS.

It is no secret Ilitch has wanted to host the Winter Classic since his team appeared in the 2009 edition as a visitor against the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field. Detroit won that contest, defeating the Hawks, 6-4, before 40,818 fans.

Bettman said the passion the Ilitch family has for the sport of hockey, as well as Detroit's ability to host big events, played greatly in the decision to call Hockeytown home for the 2013 Classic.

In recent years, the Detroit area has hosted a MLB All-Star Game, Super Bowl XL, golf's Ryder Cup, the NCAA Final Four basketball championship, NCAA hockey's Frozen Four championship, MLB's World Series and multiple Stanley Cup Finals.

The opportunity to play the Winter Classic game at Michigan Stadium and go for a Guinness World Record crowd proved to be a successful pairing.

The current record occurred at the Big House on Dec. 11, 2010 when a crowd of 104,173 showed up to see Michigan beat Michigan State, 5-0, in a game known as the "Big Chill."

"I know the NHL intends to try to break that record with this matchup of Original Six members, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings," said Dave Brandon, the Michigan University athletic director. "If they can find out a way, they will set the new record not only for the largest crowd to watch a hockey game, but the largest crowd to watch anything in this stadium. Then, my job is to find out a way to beat it."

The record for a NHL game was set in the inaugural Winter Classic when 71,217 fans filled Ralph Wilson Stadium for the 2008 Amp Energy NHL Winter Classic, in which Pittsburgh defeated the host Sabres in the shootout. Boston's Fenway Park (2010), Pittsburgh's Heinz Field (2011) and Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, this past January, have been the other hosts of Winter Classic games.

None of those hosts, however, have come close to the capacity provided by the Big House.

The largest crowd in the history of Michigan Stadium, which was built in 1927 and most recently renovated in 2010, was recorded this past September when 114,800 showed up for a football game between the Wolverines and Notre Dame. It was the first night game in the history of the stadium.

It's anticipated even more people could show up for the matchup between the Leafs and Wings, two fierce Original Six rivals separated by a drive of less than five hours.

These teams have been facing off against each other since 1926 and their rivalry is among the most even in the history of the game. The teams have met 643 times in the regular season and Detroit has taken 646 of the 1,291 points awarded by going 275-273-93-3 against the Leafs.

The teams have also met 23 times in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with Toronto taking 12 of the series. The rivals have contested the Stanley Cup Final on seven different occasions. Detroit won the first meeting in 1936, but Toronto has won the past six, including the most recent in 1964.

The franchises last met in the playoffs in the 1993 Norris Division Semifinals. Toronto won the series, 4-3, after Nikolai Borschevsky scored at 2:35 of overtime in Game 7 at Joe Louis Arena.

Some more info from NHL.com

The Big House: A sneak peek at Michigan Stadium
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=35&id=156120

Mic'd Up: Jimmy Howard walks into the Big House
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=53&id=156204

Michigan Stadium's history marked by great games
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=616029

First look at stadium wows Bettman, Datsyuk
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=616046

NHL rents Big House for $3 million to host Winter Classic
http://www.michigandaily.com/news/regents-approve-winter-classic

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:(

This makes me sad.


We will no longer be the biggest.

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this should always be done at football stadiums. It looks sad at baseball stadiums.

God, this thing is going to sell out in a blink of an eye.

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