Stadium Structures

Submitted by Wolverdore on

If a thread like this exists, I apologize in advance. 

First, let me say that I really love the new stadium.  When inside the stadium however, I really think they need to add something to the blue facade.  It can be as simple as Michigan Stadium written out, or even just yellow Block M's in corners of each structure.  The plain blue seems too corporate to me.

Section 1

September 13th, 2010 at 4:30 PM ^

One set on the side facing the inside of the Stadium bowl, and the other set facing Main Street.

I have changed my mind about this subject.  I used to think that they needed to be on the new structures.  I mentioned that to Bill Martin when they were in the planning stages.  He heard the suggestion, you can rest assured.  All along, the architects hated any notion of the old letters cluttering up the magnificent new architecture.  As with 98% of what the architects had planned all along, I now agree with them.  I think it is really nice that they found a place for the old letters.  Historians will always know where to go see them.

But the clean look of the new structures is perfect as is.  If people want more stuff to look at inside the Stadium, my suggestion is to wait for new scoreboards.

Blazefire

September 13th, 2010 at 3:59 PM ^

Unfortunately, that's how they look. They are actually a blue plate behind a plate of clear glass. This was supposed to create a really neat depth effect almost like blue crystal.

In practice, not so much. You can still see it under the right light, though.

Bryan

September 13th, 2010 at 4:07 PM ^

I think that instead of adding the "Michigan Stadium" art deco letters inside the east concourse they should be placed atop the west structure...

Michichick

September 13th, 2010 at 10:17 PM ^

There are two sets of art deco letters from the top of the old press box.  One set is on the outside of Sections 23-24, where the entrance to the press box used to be on the west side. Nice to know they put the other set on the east side.

Edit: Missed this discussion earlier.

st barth

September 13th, 2010 at 4:14 PM ^

If you look at the proposed renderings of the project, the boxes were supposed to have a kind of transparent glass type effect:

http://www.umich.edu/stadium/project-description/designs.html

I was hoping it would be more similar to the glass facade at the BioMedical Sciences Building (or whatever it's called) at the corner of Washtenaw & Huron which can have a really cool/eerie glow to depending on the weather.

TrppWlbrnID

September 13th, 2010 at 4:23 PM ^

i have no fear that there will eventually be some sorts of banners or decals adorning those.  retired numbers, national championships, etc.  hopefully not too gaudy.

jmblue

September 13th, 2010 at 4:35 PM ^

We already have that stuff etched into the four columns in the "Ring of Champions" (or whatever it's called) outside one corner of the stadium.  That's enough. 

Personally, I think the new structures look fine.  Right now they're just new to us.  We'll all get used to them in due time.

bluebyyou

September 13th, 2010 at 4:23 PM ^

I am happy with the way things turned out.  My only gripe is the need for updated scoreboards, and Brandon has said, if my memory serves me right, that new ones are in the works.  There is another thread about permanent lights being in the works, another good idea, IMHO.

I have to say that I find our stadium to be amazing in the cleanness of its basic design and amazing sight lines.  I often get to my seats an hour early just to watch the place fill up.

jmblue

September 13th, 2010 at 4:39 PM ^

Well, given that the TV cameras are going to be focused on the field for 95% of the telecast, I don't see that as a big concern.

No offense to anyone, but I think some here have become so used to the general tackyness of pro-sports stadiums (with logos and advertising everywhere) that they've come to view that as "normal."  It doesn't have to be.

StephenRKass

September 13th, 2010 at 4:41 PM ^

It would be good to add something, but I think it would be premature just now. Wait until after the new scoreboards are up, and the permanent lighting is installed. Clutter and kitsch is not good. Neither is sterility.

Big Boutros

September 13th, 2010 at 4:42 PM ^

I actually love the additions for the same reasons you're not crazy about. People were worried that altering Michigan Stadium--a timeless landmark, if not exactly an intimidating venue--too radically would diminish its historicity. If the boxes were covered in bells and whistles and farts and sandwiches, the stadium wouldn't retain its splendor. I think the subdued, unobtrusive, and arguably even old-looking appearance of the boxes is what makes them so universally praiseworthy.