Crisler Arena

I haven't seen anyone make note of this, but the Crisler Arena page at mgoblue.com now lists a new Crisler capacity as a result of the recently completed renovation phase: 12,721. That's a reduction of 1,030 from the previous capacity figure. More sellouts to follow?

Here's how the capacity has changed over the years:

CAPACITY: 13,684 (1967); 13,609 (1968-91); 13,562 (1991-2001); 13,751 (2001-2011); 12,721 (2011-present)

One other note for anyone who might be coming into town for basketball games or other events: The demolition and reconstruction of the Stadium bridges starts tomorrow. E. Stadium Blvd. will be closed from Monday through late 2012 (including most, if not all, of the 2012 football season). State Street will also be closed for about two weeks where those bridges pass over it, from Monday through December 13. The official detours can be found here.

Mgoblue.com has a Crisler Arena construction update video featuring an interview with Damon Grosz, the arena manager. Nothing that earthshaking in the video (and there isn’t even a good look at the new seats), but Grosz confirms something that Section 1 had speculated about in a previous thread (Photos of New Seats at Crisler)—all the new seats, both upper and lower bowl, will be blue. And the walls that used be white have been painted blue as well. Grosz said the construction is scheduled to be finished by mid-August. Installation of the new scoreboard will begin “later in August.”

Michigan Basketball's Facebook page has a Crisler Arena construction update featuring several photos of the new seats that are being installed. They look like nice enough seats, but no cup holders?

Note also the new handrails:

This question stemmed from a short conversation I had with my mother (MSU alum) during graduation weekend. We were talking about Crisler Arena and she asked "who is that named after?" And I said a former football coach and athletic director. Then I thought, Yost is also another former football player and coach. I began to question, why are our basketball and hockey arenas named after football coaches? Shouldn't they be named after basketball and hockey legends?

So, MGoBlog Community, do you feel that our arenas should be given new names at any point at all? Yes, the amazing legacies of Fritz Crisler and Fielding Yost should not be forgotten, but they were known for football, not basketball and hockey. I propose 3 options to tackle this question:

1. Keep Crisler/Yost the same. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

2. Rename the arenas to Russell Arena/Tomjanovich Arena or Berenson Ice Arena, etc.

3. Compromise and do the trendy thing in college sports: Russell Court at Crisler Arena or Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena, what have you.

It would be very, very tough at this point to rename iconic buildings that have stood for many years, thus my vote would go for option 3 if we were to acknowledge a U-M basketball and hockey legend.

Another step in the right direction for the basketball team. Per MGoBlue.com (click for pics and article)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan Board of Regents today (Thursday, May 19) approved the schematic design for the second phase of renovations and expansion to Crisler Arena.

The expansion will add approximately 63,000 gross square feet for new fan entrances, additional retail spaces and ticketing areas, as well as a private club space.

The renovation will improve seating for people with disabilities and provide expanded and renovated concourses to allow for an increase in restrooms, concessions and other fan amenities. All seats throughout the arena will be replaced.

Athletic resources and gifts will fund the $52 million project. The construction schedule for the second phase will be presented to the regents when approval is sought for the schematic design.

TMP Architecture, assisted by Sink Combs Dethlefs, will begin the design work immediately. Those firms designed the new $23.2 million Basketball Player Development Center, which is scheduled to be completed later this year.

In October 2010, the Board of Regents approved the first phase of the Crisler renovation at a cost of $20 million. This initial phase addresses the highest priority infrastructure needs such as repair of the roof, electrical, plumbing and air handling systems.

During the last decade, improvements to Crisler Arena have included renovations to the men's and women's locker rooms, new lighting and sound systems, installation of courtside seating and updates to the strength and conditioning areas.

Construction of Crisler Arena initially was completed in 1968.

Backs to the wall, stood row 42.

Up in back to support the Maize and Blue.

We'll stand, no one behind us to block.

We'll stand, the cheer of the fans is a rock,

on which the team can build, and so can rise anew.

Backs to the wall, battled the Maize and Blue.

Though they may fall, they fought to find their way through.

They'll stand, and fight those who stand in their way.

They'll stand, and with all their hearts they will play.

It's not always enough, but that doesn't stop row 42.

Hail to the Victors, leaders and best.

They can wear a loss proudly, like a win on their chests.

And we will support them, the wins and the rest,

sing the fans in row 42.

The team didn't win tonight, against Wisconsin. I was at the very top, section 8, row 42. But even from that far away, I could see clearly how hard they were trying, how much getting somewhere big this season means to the team, and hoiw they played their guts out. I saw them dive for so many loose balls. I saw Zack Novak stretching farther than I knew he could to pull down critical rebounds against a great reboudning team. I saw Darius Morris working as hard as he could to create shots in one of the best defenses out there.

They didn't win, but I've never been more proud to stand up and cheer for a team, and I've never been more proud to sing the Victors. It was obvious they deserved it from all the way up.