Possible Big House Seating Expansion

Submitted by corncobb on

While I was working at the Big House installing the elevators, I heard one of the engineers discussing the further expansion of the stadium. From what he said, there were talks of expanding the capacity another 5,000 seats in the very near future. It sounded like they wanted to add bleacher seating around the top of the north and south end zones, basically where the scoreboards are. I have no idea if there is any credibility to this engineer's info, so I was wondering if anyone can add anything to this.  Has anyone heard any similar rumors? I know the footings are in place to seat 200,000 so I may not be completely dilusional.

I would love to see it happen, personally, and there is no way it is even close to the undertaking the suites were. I just wanted to throw it out there and see if anyone close to the University has heard similar plans. Thanks.

MGOARMY

August 26th, 2010 at 11:35 PM ^

I'v heard nothing about it, but I have heard Texas has plans to go to 120k. It's good to know capacity could be raised and the potential, however unlikley, for 200k it there. Dave Brandon needs to flex the pimp hand if Texas goes to 120k and make sure we out do them by at least 5k.

neoavatara

August 26th, 2010 at 11:38 PM ^

I don't know about immediate, but Martin had said that he had plans to significantly expand the stadium when and if any other school challenged us to the biggest stadium in the land. 

Stephen Y

August 27th, 2010 at 7:23 AM ^

I read somewhere (I'm pretty sure on this blog) that Martin himself told someone there are plans to expand to 120k by using the open space behind the end zones if any other stadium decides to get uppity. If I find the link, I will post. Edit: Found it!

I heard tell there are vague plans for another 27 rows in the endzones at some indeterminate future date in case Beaver Stadium ever gets uppity.

Link found here http://mgoblog.com/content/luxury-progress

Frank Drebin

August 26th, 2010 at 11:39 PM ^

Brandon recently said something similar to this when talking about upgrading the scoreboards. I believe the scoreboards were being looked at for 2011 and seating around the same timeframe.

bklein09

August 26th, 2010 at 11:40 PM ^

I have heard it mentioned at some point by someone high up in the Michigan department. 

I think they chose the renovations that they did partially because it allowed for further expansion in the future.

I didn't think it would be so soon, but I hope so. It doesn't seem like it would be that hard to do, so I'd be all for it in a couple seasons.

 

This is Michigan

August 26th, 2010 at 11:43 PM ^

David Brandon has recently said that they are planning to expand, but won't be until after the new scoreboards.

Although almost virtually impossible, I wish they could make the stadium two tierd in the endzones. I can't see how they would do this without having to make pillars thus blocking the view of people on the first tier.

It would be something else though.

UMfan21

August 27th, 2010 at 12:25 AM ^

I agree with what's already been said.  Why waste the effort for a measly 5k?  If they are going to expand, make a 2nd tier over at least one end zone.  Go for the gusto.