Crisler expansion to be put to bid after regents' vote
The next phase of construction at the Crisler Arena is one step closer after the University of Michigan Board of Regents voted today to unanimously to put the $52 million expansion to bid.
“We have now finished construction drawings and are ready to move forward,” said U-M Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Timothy P. Slottow.
The schematic design for the 63,000-square-foot expansion was approved by the regents during their May meeting.
The expansion adds new spectator entrances, retail spaces, ticketing areas and a private club space to the arena, which was first built in 1967.
The project also includes a renovation of 54,000 existing square feet of the arena. Contractors will widen already existing fan courses to improve circulation in the arena. Additionally, new bathrooms and accessible seats will be added.
U-M’s athletic department will fully fund the improvements, which should be completed by the end of 2014.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.”
Comments
Peter Eckstein
Fri, Sep 16, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.
"U-M's athletic department will fully fund the improvements." Before we are asked to swallow this one, let's find out how many of the luxxury skyboxes in the expanded Michigan Stadium are being rented or otherwise used by the University out of general funds. I understand that some of the spaces are being given each week as a reward to meritorious employees. Who is paying for this--the athletic department or the general fund?
7718
Fri, Sep 16, 2011 : 1:40 a.m.
Have they considered changing the name to the Dave Brandon Arena? It's all about The Brand.
RWBill
Fri, Sep 16, 2011 : 1:06 a.m.
See? The $4 bottles of water go to a good cause.