U-M Athletic Director Martin shares plans for Big House renovations with fans
Halston Herrera
Issue date: 11/7/06 Section: News
Key elements of the design will be the improvement of circulation, which scored high among student responses to the survey. One audience member asked Martin if the department had ever considered open seating for students.
"I like the idea, but could you sell it to senior students? I think a lot of students still appreciate the priority they get," said Martin.
Another element of the design that scored high with respondents was the fact that there will continue to be no advertising or naming in any part of the stadium.
"I believe we are the only stadium in the Big Ten conference that can say we have not sold out to a company," said Martin.
The audience questioned several monetary aspects of the project. "Not one nickel is coming from the fans, students, or state of Michigan to pay for this project," explained Martin.
"The project is coming from the reserves of the athletic department and from gracious donations. Essentially, 5,000 people will be paying for 100 percent of the project. But everyone will benefit because we are all part of the Michigan family," said Martin.
Prices for club seating and suites have not been finalized. However, general numbers given range from $1,500 to $4,000 per season for club seats and $55,000 to $85,000 per suite. Suites include 16 seats.
Suites will be marketed to alumni and donors of the university. A point system will be designed to designate the allocation of premium seating and suites. The system relates directly to the amount of money donated to any division of the university.
Martin pointed out that the second donor on the list of greatest contributors has never given to the athletics department. "This is more than something that belongs to the fans and the athletic department. The stadium is a huge resource to the university," he said.
Other schematics discussed included the aesthetics of the structures. Several audience members suggested the growth of ivy along the towers to promote a traditional image. The choice of brick was commended by many because of its similarity to other buildings on campus.
Smoking will still be prohibited in the stadium. Alcohol sales within the suites, though, are still being discussed. Additionally, there are no plans to install lights within the stadium.
Chris DelMorone, who graduated from the Flint campus in 1980, attended all three public presentations.
"My concern is that the character of the stadium will be changed, long-term," he said. "Take, for example, the blue halo that was taken down a few years ago. I am supportive of the updates, but I feel that the money could be used for more simple solutions such as expanding the bowl itself."
More information on updates and designs can be found at www.mgoblue.com and www.umich.edu/stadium.
The estimated date of completion is 2010.
"That the Big Ten is truly unique in their passion for football is something we can all agree on," Martin said.
"I like the idea, but could you sell it to senior students? I think a lot of students still appreciate the priority they get," said Martin.
Another element of the design that scored high with respondents was the fact that there will continue to be no advertising or naming in any part of the stadium.
"I believe we are the only stadium in the Big Ten conference that can say we have not sold out to a company," said Martin.
The audience questioned several monetary aspects of the project. "Not one nickel is coming from the fans, students, or state of Michigan to pay for this project," explained Martin.
"The project is coming from the reserves of the athletic department and from gracious donations. Essentially, 5,000 people will be paying for 100 percent of the project. But everyone will benefit because we are all part of the Michigan family," said Martin.
Prices for club seating and suites have not been finalized. However, general numbers given range from $1,500 to $4,000 per season for club seats and $55,000 to $85,000 per suite. Suites include 16 seats.
Suites will be marketed to alumni and donors of the university. A point system will be designed to designate the allocation of premium seating and suites. The system relates directly to the amount of money donated to any division of the university.
Martin pointed out that the second donor on the list of greatest contributors has never given to the athletics department. "This is more than something that belongs to the fans and the athletic department. The stadium is a huge resource to the university," he said.
Other schematics discussed included the aesthetics of the structures. Several audience members suggested the growth of ivy along the towers to promote a traditional image. The choice of brick was commended by many because of its similarity to other buildings on campus.
Smoking will still be prohibited in the stadium. Alcohol sales within the suites, though, are still being discussed. Additionally, there are no plans to install lights within the stadium.
Chris DelMorone, who graduated from the Flint campus in 1980, attended all three public presentations.
"My concern is that the character of the stadium will be changed, long-term," he said. "Take, for example, the blue halo that was taken down a few years ago. I am supportive of the updates, but I feel that the money could be used for more simple solutions such as expanding the bowl itself."
More information on updates and designs can be found at www.mgoblue.com and www.umich.edu/stadium.
The estimated date of completion is 2010.
"That the Big Ten is truly unique in their passion for football is something we can all agree on," Martin said.
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