Fans See Brand New Shiny Michigan Stadium at Open House
7/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 14, 2010
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"Did we get it right?" asked the event staff member stationed at the exit to Michigan Stadium. "It's perfect," was the reply.
On Wednesday (July 14), the University of Michigan held an open house, allowing the public to view the product of nearly three years worth of renovations to the Big House. The heat and humidity did not deter thousands of fans from checking out the upgraded digs of Michigan football. They nearly filled the parking lot at Pioneer High School by 10 a.m. Kids, adults, dads and grandmas walked the spacious concourse of the Roth Stadium Club, every other one taking pictures or shooting video to capture the moment.
The updated Big House has that new stadium smell. You could see it on every fan's face when they first stepped foot out of the stairwell or elevator. A pause, a narrowing of the eyes, a slightly upturned nose. They sat on stools in the concourse, looking out onto the field with its brand new turf and sharply painted white lines. You were almost required to use a cardboard contraption made in science class like what you'd view a solar eclipse through. Everything was so shiny and new. The trademark Block 'M' in the stands on the east sideline shone white with primer; workers carefully applying a coat of perfect maize paint from the lowest rung of the stands.
The premium seating booth ran out of brochures by 10 a.m., which didn't stop a mass of people checking out available seating for the fall. Sunlight streamed through windows facing east towards the softball field, outdoor track and the blinding roof of the Al Glick Indoor Facility. Even the bathrooms got more sunlight than most apartments in Ann Arbor.
"It feels like a fancy hotel," says one young Wolverine fan to his friend. "You know why they call it a suite?" he continues. The friend looks puzzled. "Because it's sweet."
The young boy drags out the punch line and his pal shakes his head.
"Don't touch the glass," a father tells his children. In some ways, the new stadium feels like the living room no one ever sits in -- the one with the nice carpet and the fancy furniture. Event staff encourages fans to sit down, take it easy, enjoy the atmosphere. "Are we allowed to take pictures?" a man asks someone standing next to him.
"They did a hell of a job," says Brian Fillion, visiting with his wife Jennifer and their two year-old daughter Abby. "First class all the way."
Rick Hawkins came to the open house with his son Jakob and daughter Haley Victoria, a name referencing "Hail to the Victors." The family was decked out in Michigan gear with dad clad in a blue No. 1 jersey and daughter Haley in a full Michigan cheerleader's outfit. Rick clutched a football, while he walked with his kids.
"It's nice to get into the 21st century," Rick says. "It's a beautiful facility."
"It's big," Haley exclaims.
That's why they call it the Big House. See you in September.
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