'U' breaks ground for expansion of Big House

Fans watching the groundbreaking ceremony at Michigan Stadium before Saturday's game boasted that the Big House will now truly live up to its name.

Athletic Director Tom Goss, Wolverine co-captain Eric Mayes and student representatives led the symbolic shoveling of sand ceremony outside Gate 35, marking the start of construction that will expand the stadium by about 5,000 seats.

"The greatest fans in the country deserve the biggest stadium in the land," Mayes said.

Michigan Stadium's current official capacity is 102,501. The expansion will make the Big House the largest outdoor sports arena in the country, reclaiming the No. 1 spot from University of Tennessee's Neyland Stadium.

The University Board of Regents approved the project at its monthly meeting on Friday.

MICHIGAN SPORTS INFORMATION Michigan Stadium currently seats 102,501. An expansion to the east and west ends would increase the capacity by 5,000.

Goss said the overwhelming demand for football tickets, which resulted in nearly 3,000 first-year students receiving split-season tickets, motivated expansion efforts.

"When I arrived, first thing I received phone calls, faxes and e-mails from parents about the fact that close to 3,000 freshmen were unable to attend the Michigan football game," Goss said. "We have to make sure that Michigan students get a chance to watch Michigan games."

University planner Fred Mayer said the addition will do more than pack a few more fans in the crowded benches.

"The stadium is far and away the most viewed and recognized symbol of the University," Mayer said. "Many people recognize the University only by the view of the stadium they get on TV on Saturday afternoons."

Three new rows will be added to the top of the stadium's east side and five new rows are scheduled to be placed on top of the west side's existing rows.

Mayer said the additional rows will relocate the concessions stands and portable restrooms to directly underneath the stadium.

Currently, the shadows of the existing metal exterior create a "floating effect." To prevent the enhancement of this effect, the exterior of the addition will be painted, creating a ring of color. The new ring of seats will be painted yellow and decorated with blue University iconography, possibly including a potpourri of Michigan football emblems.

Regent Andrea Fisher Newman (R-Ann Arbor) said the new decorations will enhance the vitality of the stadium.

"It will be fun," Newman said. "I think that's what it is all about - fun, not highbrow."

Goss said he wants the addition completed by the beginning of next season. Also, he said Athletic Department officials need to know the exact number of additional seats that will be provided in time for ticket distribution for next season's schedule. Tickets are mailed to applicants beginning May 1, Goss said.

"At this point, our biggest challenge is that we are under a time constraint," Goss said.

Following questions from Regent Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor) about the cyclical nature of football ticket sales, Goss assured the regents that the expansion will pay for itself.

"With the scheduling of the Big Ten, the addition of Penn State and games against Ohio State and Michigan State, when you add these three teams to the schedule, you guarantee a constant sellout," Goss said.

Goss said construction efforts will not impede any of the University's scheduled activities, including spring commencement, which is held in the stadium.

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