Michigan Stadium

Since the latest upgrades to Michigan Stadium, I continue to hunt and peck around the ‘net for tidbits regarding some of the processes that went into the $226 million “facelift” and came across this interesting piece on who and how the new signs and wayfinding were made, including the shields that outline the lower concourse.

I found enjoyable that the name of the company used to produce the graphics was 'Harmon Sign.'  How apropos.

Enjoy!

http://www.signweb.com/content/michigan-stadiums-new-signs-and-wayfinding

I'm sure all of you on here are familiar with WrestleMania and how it is the Super Bowl of the WWE. The Pontiac Silverdome hosted it in '87 and set the national indoor attendance record at 93,173.

It returned to the state 20 years later at Ford Field and holds the Ford Field attendance record at 80,103. The event is a global attraction and brings in people from all over the world.

Anyways, on the WWE's official site, they put up and article about 10 venues that should host WrestleMania. And #5 on the list is none other than Michigan Stadium. Here is what is says-

 

One of the most revered stadiums in all of college football, the home of the University of Michigan Wolverines certainly lives up to its moniker, “The Big House.” With an official capacity of 109,901, Michigan Stadium is the largest outdoor stadium in the United States and third-largest in the world, making it an ideal host for WrestleMania and the WWE Universe.

In addition to being the home to the university’s storied football program, the massive complex hosts the institute’s commencement ceremonies, and has housed outdoor hockey games. “The Big House” also holds an NCAA attendance record of 114,804 during the September 2011 battle between Michigan and Notre Dame. Expanding the capacity onto the field area to surround the ring on The Grandest Stage of Them All would undoubtedly shatter that record, and create an unrivaled atmosphere of electricity. Not to mention, “WrestleMania in The Big House” is a great slogan.

The thing that makes me want to mention this is that WWE doesn't exactly throw names around for no reason. They only have their events at large stadiums and have just announced WrestleMania next year to be at the Superdome. 

I think this is a serious concern and it has a better chance of happening than most people think. Michigan's athletic department would make a fortune on this if they were to loan WWE The Big House for one night.

The Winter Classic and the Polar Plunge benefiting the Special Olympics are two events that point to future events being held at the stadium. The current WrestleMania attendance record was set at the Silverdome. No doubt, Michigan would SHATTER that record. Not only would the athletic department benefit largely from hosting it but the Ann Arbor community as well. 

I don't think sightlines are a concern because there have been many stadium WrestleManias. Silverdome in (1987), Reliant Stadium (2001, 2009), SkyDome (2002), Safeco Field (2003), Ford Field (2007), Citrus Bowl (2008), University of Phoenix Stadium (2010), Georgia Dome (2011), Sun Life Stadium (2012) and Met Life Stadium this year in April. 

I really have no opinion on this. I'm more in shock than anything. Just wanted to leave this here and get some thoughts on it. 

Not a surprise, of course. From DetNews.com:

Michigan is the national leader in college football attendance for the 15th straight year...

Michigan averaged a record 112,252 fans for six home games. The Wolverines broke the record of 112,179 they set over eight home games in 2011. Michigan Stadium capacity is 109,901.

The SEC led the nation in total attendance by conference, also for the 15th straight year. The addition of Texas A&M and Missouri assured that would continue.

According to Ken Holland of the Red Wings, the NHL is going to have the Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium On 1/1/14.

Other events at Comerica in December 2013

From Tweets by @FSDwakiji, Dana Wakiji from Fox Sports Detroit.

Sounds like they're going to do everything they had planned this past year. And who said the lockout was a waste of time and accomplished nothing? /raises hand

I just read an interesting article about the cancellation clause in Michigan's contract with the NHL re the Winter Classic.  Apparently, the NHL can get out of the contract up to the last minute for only $100K (plus UM's actual expenses).   This gives the NHL flexibility to go forward with the event even if a collective bargaining agreement with the players is not reached until December.

At first I thought UM might have gotten screwed by only getting $100,000 even if they spend the bucks necessary to prepare, but it will also be reimbursed for it's expenses (if the contract is cancelled after November 3).

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/13/sports/hockey/in-case-of-lockout-nhl-h...

I don't follow hockey much and was not even aware that the season might be interrupted by a strike.  I am still trying to get my head around having a hockey game in Michigan Stadium on New Years' Day when (traditionalist as I am), I think the entire focus should be on Michigan playing football somewhere. 

Has anyone ever heard of MGoPatio? I stumbled across this on Facebook today and it looks BADASS.

https://www.facebook.com/MGoPatio