Cliff Keen Arena
• Seating Chart
• Rental Information
Volleyball
• Arena Information Guide
• Arena Map
Men's Gymnastics
• Arena Information Guide
• Arena Map
Wrestling
• Arena Information Guide
• Arena Map
CAPACITY: 1,800
CONSTRUCTED: 1956
NAME CHANGES: Matt Mann Pool (1956-88), Varsity Arena (1989-90),
Cliff Keen Arena (Nov. 15, 1990-present)
FIRST EVENTS:
Men's Gymnastics: 1/13/90 (1. Minnesota, 2. U-M, 3. Kent, 4. Western Michigan)
Women's Gymnastics: 1/28/90 (U-M 181.950, Illinois-Chicago 143.700)
Volleyball: 9/8/89 (U-M 3, Central Michigan 1)
Wrestling: 1/20/90 (U-M 30, Illinois 3)
The site on Hoover Street between the Administration Building and the Intramural Building has been occupied by the same structure since 1956. However, the interior has changed drastically since its construction. Originally home to Matt Mann Pool and the Michigan swimming and diving teams, the building was transformed into Cliff Keen Arena in the fall of 1989 following a year-long renovation. It is now home to Michigan volleyball, wrestling, and men's gymnastics.
Matt Mann Pool was constructed in 1956 as a state-of-the-art facility for Michigan’s perennially powerful swim team. Built at a cost of $828,000, it featured a 75-by-45-foot pool divided into six seven-foot-wide lanes. The ceiling height allowed for a 27-foot diving tower, one of only two in the country at the time, which supported one-meter and three-meter boards over a 22-by-45-foot diving well. Michigan athletes first used the pool on Nov. 2, 1956. The facility hosted its first intercollegiate event on Jan. 2, 1957, when Michigan defeated North Carolina State, 53–32.
The swimming and diving programs moved to Canham Natatorium in 1988. Cliff Keen Arena’s current tenants began using the newly renovated facility in 1989. On Nov. 15, 1990, the building was dedicated to and renamed after longtime Michigan wrestling coach Cliff Keen. Women’s gymnastics, which initially competed in the arena, moved its meets to Crisler Arena in 2004.
The 1,800-seat arena provides excellent sightlines for fans with its half-circle seating around the competition floor. Enhancing the atmosphere is a new video board and sound system installed in 2023, capable of displaying a wide range of media and graphics. Just outside the arena is a matrix graphics scoreboard and a conveniently located concession area. Athletes benefit from easy access to adjacent athletic training, locker, and team meeting rooms. Media members have access to a five-booth skybox overlooking the action, as well as video platforms installed at the top of the seating areas.
Cliff Keen Arena has received regular upgrades, including a yearly court surface refinish. Renovations in 2023 included the expansion and renovation of the volleyball locker room and team room. The updated locker room features its own sound system, while the team room includes a fueling station and comfortable furniture, making it ideal for team meetings or study sessions. The facility is also equipped with the latest digital video filming and editing equipment.
Address and Directions
Cliff Keen Arena 616 E. Hoover St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104-3717
Google Directions/Map
From Detroit Metro Airport and points east: Take I-94 west to State Street (exit 177). Turn right. Travel north approximately 2 1/4 miles through two stoplights. Turn left just past Yost Ice Arena into parking lot. Cliff Keen Arena is located at the north end of the parking lot, between the Intramural Sports Building and Weidenbach Hall, on the corner of Hoover and State Streets.
From Chicago and points west: Take I-94 east to State Street (exit 177). Turn left. Travel north approximately 2 1/4 miles through three stoplights. Turn left just past Yost Ice Arena into parking lot. Cliff Keen Arena is located at the north end of the parking lot, between the Intramural Sports Building and Weidenbach Hall, on the corner of Hoover and State Streets.
From Toledo and points south: Take U.S. 23 north to I-94 west. Follow directions from Detroit Metro Airport.
From Flint and points north: Take U.S. 23 south to I-94 west. Follow directions from Detroit Metro Airport.
