Official vs. Actual capacity at the Big House

They have already had that many. (see bottom of page)

http://www.umich.edu/stadium/history/

I think that we would actually hit 113,000 then. That would be insane.

Going back to the days of Yost and Crisler, Michigan has always counted everyone in the stadium on game day. That includes, but is not limited to players, coaching staffs, band members, game management staff, reporters, and anyone else physically present in the stadium during the game. So yes, you're correct on both counts. Also, in case anyone else was wondering as I was:

Announced attendance at games: September 5, 2009:
Michigan: 109,019
Ohio State: 105,092
Penn State: 104,968
Texas: 101,096
Tennessee: 98,761

Last year thay had to change the posted capacity b/c of the handicapped lawsuit. Did anyone who went to the game see that changed?

My guess is that 106,201 tickets are sold to the public, and the excess number of visitors comprise recruits, cameramen, reporters, and other special guests who aren't sitting in the stands?

This is correct. They also count the team, trainers, and everything else. All encompassing.

The listed capacity would shoot up next year with the completion of the boxes to around 110,000 or 111,000, except they are planning to widen the aisles and seats to some extent. They won't be doing as much widening because of the lawsuit, which already took up a lot of space, but they're going to figure out how much they can do to keep the stadium's listed capacity at about 108,000.

That's only an increase of about 500, but the existing seats will be roomier. So they say.

I was recently told that the "count" happens in two parts: First they count up all the things Yostal mentioned, and then get several people to scan the stadium and estimate the number of empty seats. They then subtract the average empty seat count and there's your attendance number. So it's largely a guess.

There must be over a thousand stadium staff for the games, especially once the boxes are being serviced.

Ever since I can remember (at least 35 years of M football), Michigan Stadium's capacity has ended in a "1." It is my understanding that the "1" is for Fritz Crisler.

Here is the reference on "1"

http://www.mgoblue.com/common/article.aspx?id=40506

that walks in the door, the tochdown bunny was prolly included in the total when he made an appearence

We had more than Penn State? I thought their stadium was bigger than ours right now.

We still draw more. That or we fudge our count better.