Should U-M schedule more non-football events at the Big House?
Previous story: Regents approve use of Michigan Stadium for 2013 NHL Winter Classic
News that the National Hockey League will be hosting the 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium has many Michigan fans thinking: What other ways can America's largest football stadium be used during the 300-plus days each year it sits empty?
The 2010 Big Chill at the Big House.
But Michigan Stadium, which recently underwent a $226 million renovation, doesn't just sit empty on the dawn of a new year. It's unused roughly 340 days a year, or about 93 percent of the time.
In a talk at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business in November, Brandon said he is looking to change that.
"I'm frustrated over the fact that we have this terrific asset that we've put such a big investment in and we only use it a few times a year," he said then. "We have to figure out ways to leverage it."
Nick Koelzer, a U-M freshmen premed major, put it more bluntly.
"They spent a bunch of money on it so they should use it for something," he said. "Why let it go to waste?"
In November, the NHL contacted Brandon about the possibility of holding the 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium.
The NHL watched the Big Chill the previous year and saw U-M compete against rival Michigan State University in front of an unprecedented hockey audience of 104,073.
"The NHL is hellbent to break the record that we set," Brandon said.
U-M freshman Ryan Dillon has been going to football games at Michigan Stadium since he was 4, and he went to the Big Chill last year. He said the stadium's "huge" size heightens the excitement-level of events held there.
"I had a lot of fun. It was just like a football game," he said of the Big Chill. "The atmosphere was great. There was just a lot of energy."
The Winter Classic will also be the first event at Michigan Stadium in recent history to include alcohol sales. Alcohol is forbidden at Michigan Stadium sporting events. The university will be letting the NHL use one of 12 one-day liquor passes it is allotted by the state.
"(It's) something that we've never really done," Brandon said.
During his November talk, Brandon offered other ways to utilize the stadium.
"I really wanted to do a concert and I still do," he said. In June rock band U2 brought their 360 Degrees tour to Spartan Stadium. Something to that scale, Brandon said, would be difficult at the Big House because the tunnel to the field isn't big enough to move heavy equipment through.
David Brandon
"If we were to do a stadium concert, we would have to use a lift helicopter," Brandon said. "Or we'd have to have the world's biggest crane to lift everything over the stadium."
At the special Board of Regents session on Wednesday, regent Andrea Fischer Newman said the Winter Classic event would spur commercial activity in Ann Arbor.
"At a time of year where it’s otherwise quiet, doing something like this makes a lot of sense," she said.
Regent S. Martin Taylor said he's hopeful the stadium can host more non-university events.
"If the stadium becomes more well known.... we're probably going to do this more in the future," he said.
On average, home football games bring about $14 million in added revenue to city businesses. Brandon said for an event like the Winter Classic, the boost in activity will likely be greater.
"We'll bring in more of a national crowd for this," he said. "The fact that many people will be traveling in for New Year's Eve and spending New Year's Eve in the surrounding area will be significant."
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Arborcomment
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 2:10 a.m.
In for a penny... When can we put in a bid for a Summer Olympics? Gymnastics at Crisler Equestrian at the golf course Secures softball as an Olympic sport Fencing on main street Kayak on the Huron Rowing on Whitmore badminton in Ypsi. Opening and closing at the Big House Maybe Romney can run it after he's President.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 12:57 a.m.
Both Ann Arbor and U of M like zone restrictions. Pistol free zones (1000 ft. radius) around every school already. Why not a 2000 ft. radius alcohol free zone around the stadium? That would affect maybe 1 bar and leave downtown wide open. It's not viable or acceptable to invite thousands of alcohol abusers to anywhere, at any time. Afternoon sporting events: fine. Maybe even once a year night games (really loved the Michigan - Notre Dame show). Michigan Stadium should host at least one Olympic Games. Other than that: only Buddhist and Ghandi festivals at the Big House.
psaume23
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 1:50 a.m.
Or Joel Osteen, better yet.
conservative
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
AEROSMITH 2012!!
firstfolio
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
Perhaps the way to proceed is to have one concert this summer as a sort of "trial run" and see how it goes. Pick an artist or artists who traditionally attract a mature crowd and don't require a phantasmagorical light show or elaborate staging. (Dang, there goes Pink Floyd). Have the opening act come on about seven, the headliner at 8:30 and the crowd exits by eleven. Time enough for all to hit the pubs, make the local businesses some cash and give nearby inhabitants a chance at some sleep. The Beatles filled Shea Stadium and Candlestick Park without ostentatious trappings, I'm sure Seeger could do the same and have quite a homecoming. Just a thought.
Dennis
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
I saw Dave Brandon speak at an event on campus and someone asked him this same question. His answer was basically that because of its design the Big House is severely limited in what it can host. There will never be a large concert at the stadium because the tunnel is not large enough to drive a semi through. Stage setup would require a crane and that would negate a large amount of the money they could make.
hut hut
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
If I was a private business events promoter I'd be screaming unfair advantage since the UM pays no taxes on their profits from such ventures . If the UM wants to compete with other event and concert organizers, who pay taxes on the profits, they need to play by the same set of rules. Pay to play.
hut hut
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
I doubt that the UM and those who built the stadium envisioned pro events and rock concerts at the stadium either. And your point about times changing is...?
justcurious
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.
So what if they didn't envision it. Yes, times are changing.
julieswhimsies
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
Yes. Why not? If it's empty, use it! Generate more revenue from that monstrosity!
Larry Eiler
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
This is a huge community asset that has cost taxpayers zero.. UM is willing to allow its use, with some $, for all vetted programs. Why not?
hut hut
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
Every time the UM takes a piece of property off of the tax rolls it costs local taxpayers a little bit more.
Terry Star21
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
What would Fielding think ? What would Bo do ? I think the answers are pretty clear....... MgoBlueForTiM.......keep other sports out of my House
ArgoC
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
The "news" in this story would be - what has been the reason this has NOT been happening?
tim
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
Yes -- rent out the big house, but make sure that you good insurance policy in case the rockers get out of hand.
justcurious
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 10:17 p.m.
...like the football fans do?
hut hut
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
and pay a clean up fee to the city for the trash that goes into the landfill.
hut hut
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
My neighborhood during the Notre Dame game was like it was under attack. The security helicopter circled all night, the noise from that alone for 3-4 hours was more than irritating and then add the blimp that makes my dog go crazy, and the folks wandering in the neighborhood until 1 AM was just a bit too much. Once a year, ok, but more? Uh uh. No way. Not without a deeper understanding of the ramifications. The Heart Run cut loose on the Stadium PA at 7:30 in the morning. It's not like someone has their stereo turned up. Someone who parked was told they would be towed away by parking on the apron to someone's driveway. He picked a fight with three neighbors. For those who do not live nearby, I suggest a little empathy before you heap a couple hundred thousand other folks several times a year in various stages of inebriation and inability to park their car or act civilly to their hosts before they give a big thumbs up to Mr Brandon's big ideas. I'd be a bit more amenable if the UM paid their fare share in the operation of their host city.
steve h
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 1:33 a.m.
and that was like, 65 years ago?
justcurious
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 10:19 p.m.
That's why I chose not to live near the stadium since I was 20 yrs old.
Goober
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
Who came first? You or the U of M?
ArgoC
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
Sounds like addressing parking should be a top priority if anything happens.
Marshall Applewhite
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 6:33 p.m.
Oh the insanity!
steve h
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
Tears :(
superhappyfunbrett
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
There should definitely be concerts at Crisler again. That's a no-brainer. The Stadium should be used occasionally for special large events - such as this hockey game, and large concerts, etc. If you make the right stipulations, you'll obviously get a max amount of money coming into the city, school, etc AND safeguard against any mishaps. (Side note: I thought it was pretty cool that U2 agreed ahead of time to pay in total for all damages made to field when they played Spartan Stadium. That's a good call.) Besides money, it'd be a lot of fun. It'd be another thing to put city in a positive light nationally, and give citizens something to look forward to (as long as you're not a grumpy stick in the mud). I keep thinking about how there were rumors about World Cup stuff. If that was still something they wanted to have happen eventually, I think proving you can pull off a few different types of large events goes a long way towards proving your case. As far as the sound thing for concerts goes... not sure what our ordinances are. But I know when there are outdoor concerts in, say, a Chicago, you gotta wrap up by 10pm. It's pretty odd, but when it really comes down to it, if you start at a reasonable hour, it's not a huge deal to concert goers. And I don't think citizens can complain too much. (That's a reasonable hour.) I think if Ann Arbor had a 10pm ordinance, it'd be just fine. Especially if it were a SATURDAY in the summer?? I know there are older adult citizens in area, but frankly... you live in a young area, too. It's a college town. A lot of college towns host concerts, etc. I don't see why if we did things the right way we couldn't accommodate all citizens with a reasonable compromise. (I'm sure not everyone in area is a football fan that looks forward to Saturday traffic, but hey... we all find a way to co-exist, you know?) I personally feel the pros vastly out weigh the cons on this one.
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
Agreed. Filling up Michigan Stadium for a concert would be a pretty difficult task, only held for major acts. I could see two a year at most. Crisler could be the primary venue for most concerts. With reasonable city ordinances, it wouldn't play out much different than your average michigan basketball game on most occasions.
James Pyke
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
Over the years I lived in no less than 3 different houses within a half dozen blocks of the stadium. As long as the city looks the other way as home owners and renters allow event attendees to park on their lawns, I think it's a great deal for everyone involved. I used to make about $100 per game day this way. Tax free. Bigger yard = more $$. Sure it might have a negative impact on the landscaping, but the Stadium isn't going be disappear any time soon, so we might as well learn to take the good with the bad. More money in my pocket for essentially doing nothing other than living in a certain location always seemed like a big chunk of good to me. Maybe event promoters could offer graduated discounts on ticket prices for residents nearby. I'm in favor of ceative, community-minded thinking triumphing here over strong-arm tactics or wet-blanket curmudgeons.
justcurious
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
I agree with most commenters, bring on the concerts! If not to the Stadium, then back to Crisler. The big acts could afford to get their equipment in, one way or another. The revenue would be amazing, both to the U of M and the City. The multiple acts at one concert idea is intriguing too. Just USE it!
steve h
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
or John Denver
jcj
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
Yes but Dion, Bobby Darin And Frankie Avalon don't tour any more!
G. Orwell
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
Use the proceeds to reduce tuition costs. Win-win-win for U of M, city of AA and residents of Michigan.
xmo
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3:09 p.m.
Why doesn't U of M hire the staff that is running Spartan Stadium? They seem a lot smarter than the U of M people! " In June rock band U2 brought their 360 Degrees tour to Spartan Stadium."
jcj
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.
"Why doesn't U of M hire the staff that is running Spartan Stadium? They seem a lot smarter than the U of M people!" They only "seem a lot smarter" because the people that show up there are much simpler! Right Bubba?
musicnerdsftw
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 12:33 a.m.
People for get that Michigan Stadium was under construction for that concerts original date, Bono got hurt which pushed it back. Who knows, maybe that show would have been in the Big House
Dog Guy
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3 p.m.
Although such profitable events will periodically clog our roads with drunken louts, Crisler Arena and Michigan Stadium can be added to the property tax rolls.
hut hut
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
This sounds like a for profit business. TAX the heck out of them! Us neighbors will have to put of with the noise, trash and traffic not to mention rude drivers and drunk attendees who think that the adjacent neighborhoods are their playground and toilet. The Heart Run last year was one of the most annoying events ever what with the Stadium sound system blaring at 7:30 in tme morning. Can you imagine how loud U2's sounds system would be?
vaseline
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
Only if Dave Brandon can do it. Dave Brandon's ability to be Dave Brandon is only surpassed by Dave Brandon acting like Dave Brandon. Dave Brandon love some Dave Brandon, and if Dave Brandon can get the name Dave Brandon out thereDave Brandon is going to do it
hut hut
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
I think it's hilarious
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
Maybe Dave Brandon can buy you a new Dave Brandon joke to ridicule Dave Brandon with? This one is gettin' old...
Nikki
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
They should do a winter festival like they do at Cleveland Indians Jacobs field. A bunch of ice tubing slides, an ice skating rink, etc. That would be a great daytime fun thing for local families to do and it would be just plain awesome to get to ice skate on the field in the Big House!!
zanzerbar
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
Enlarge the tunnel.
Thomas
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
Bring on Metallica!
MRunner73
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:20 p.m.
I am with the majority and applaud other events aside from just sporting. Certain concerts would be great but Mr Brandon might want to utilize The Crisler Center for other concerts. I went to a few of those at Crisler back in my time at U of M. Dave Brandon is following the Don Canham ideals. Mr Canham would probably approve although Bo would be probably be opposed to using the stadium other than football. Bo was against the former Big-10 Road Race finishing inside the stadium in the early '80s but has since been resurrected with much success. (Now known as the Big House Run.) The up side to the NHL classic is that is gives Ann Arbor and the University more exposure. Bring on the beer. Will it be Canadian brands or U.S.? (Yes, I have warmed up to this whole idea and see the positive aspects to this event...)
fjord
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
"Kind of like moving next to an airport and complaining about noise." No, it's not. The stadium has an 85-year history of being used only for football games — in the daytime, on Saturdays, a few times per year. When people buy houses near the stadium, they do it with that schedule in mind. Now Mr. Brandon is proposing to drastically expand that schedule, which amounts to changing the rules in the middle of the game. If he consults with all of the people who live within a short radius of the stadium and they're overwhelmingly in favor of opening up the stadium to more events, then I have no objection to it — but if he bypasses the nearby homeowners and unilaterally installs a new slate of events that impacts the quality of life of those who live in the adjacent neighborhood, that's a move I cannot support. An open, fair process that addresses the concerns of the residents — give us that, Mr. Brandon, and you might get your wish with minimal controversy.
Goober
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.
More parking revenue for the neighbors that allow parking for home football games.
zags
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
The U does not do local polls. Because they really don't care what you think. Just being Mr. Obvious.
craigjjs
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
It was foreseeable that the stadium would be used for other purposes. Don't try to blame your bad decision on the U.
MRunner73
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:23 p.m.
It would be in good faith that the University conduct a local poll with residents within this radius. It would at least make the folks feel like they are a part of the process. No harm in that.
Frankyhollywood68
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
I'm intrigued by this 'Richard Cheese' concert Idea!?
Goober
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
A GOP function would be great and probably good for the city.
psaume23
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 1:47 a.m.
GOP function: Bad for the city, bad for America.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 12:34 a.m.
Only if it were public executions. ;-)
Lou Perry
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
They should take advantage of any and all who want to use the stadium. And for the revenue generated pay taxes on it.
Ricardo Queso
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
Book Richard Cheese!
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:29 p.m.
I'll buy those tix!
ypsi 1
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:21 p.m.
When the World Cup was in Michigan in 94 Michigan Stadium would have been perfect. The Silverdome turned out to be a sauna inside in July. Talk about an event! 110,000 in the House and a BILLION watching worldwide. Thinks about it.
fjord
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
I'd love to see a World Cup match here, but I'm not sure the field surface is wide enough for World Cup competition — if it is, it's just barely so, and would provide no additional room for team benches and other needs on the sideline. For international competition, FIFA requires the playing field to be between 110 and 120 yards long and between 70 and 80 yards wide. It may be technically possible to put a 110 x 70 yard playing field in Michigan Stadium, but with all of the additional requirements for international competition, including enough extra sideline grass for the assistant referees, more sideline space for the advertising hoardings, benches, warm-up space, etc., it doesn't seem feasible. Plus, security would be a nightmare. Beyond those concerns, FIFA is not likely to put Cup matches on an artificial surface any time soon, and I don't see U-M going back to grass in the near future.
NonTownie
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
July in the stadium would be a sauna, too...outside, sunshine, humidity! Just sayin'
jcj
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
Only if they pay a fair share to the city for services. Otherwise they just continue to line the pockets of administrators or spent it on pet projects. The students and most workers never benefit.
jcj
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 6:10 p.m.
ZACK B Until last Aug the city was NOT reimbursed for services provided on football Saturdays. They have now agreed to pay $100.000 a year. Not such a "staggering amount" considering what they bring in!
jcj
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
"The amount of money the city of Ann Arbor makes for every football game must be staggering" You are assuming they cover the cost. I only ask that they pay a fair share out of the more than staggering amount of free rent they receive in Ann Arbor! And lowing the cost of my 4 season football tickets would not hurt!
Zach B
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
The amount of money the city of Ann Arbor makes for every football game must be staggering. Even with that the officials and residents gripe and refuse to pick up the tab for basic services a city should provide. I can't understand how people treat the U like it's some blight on the otherwise burgeoning hub of Ann Arbor, MI.
HENRYK
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
If they do have more shows and make more money than the city should get a percentage of the revenue. All these cars on the roads coming here. I don't think concert goers stay all day and spend money like a football game. Sure open it up but lets get some money to keep our police force strong and roads repaired.
racerx
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
If a concert was early enough, those same patrons would want to party, just as with any football game, they're heading downtown to fill every watering hole and restaurant.
B2Pilot
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:09 p.m.
UofM is Ann Arbor's only source of revenue even though the University does not pay property tax's Bringing in this many people is a HUGE windfall for the city and business's!!!! How about a 4th of July concert followed by fireworks show? Keep up the good work on helping the local economy Mr. Brandon Go Blue!!
racerx
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
Now that's a great idea! I so miss the fireworks at Buhr Park, laying on the lawn looking up at the fireworks on blankets as a child. This part of A2 is sorely missed. The Big House would be a great place to bring this tradition back.
15crown00
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1 p.m.
What a source of revenue.Surprised Brandon doesn't jump on it.
Polecat
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.
Bring in Jimmy Buffett for a summer show, he would pack the place.
Machine
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:47 p.m.
What ever happened to concerts in Crisler Arena? I saw Billy Joel and REM there and I remember there being many other shows as well. There hasn't been a concert there since Dylan in 2002.
Mark
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
I saw the Moody Blues at Crisler, and it was a horrible concert. Way too loud.
Silly Sally
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.
Oh, so, so silly. Why would anyone want to see the Moody Blues at UM's Crisler Arena when they came recently to the Hill Aud, which is a much better venue for a concert. Ditto for Bob Dylan, who played there recently. Oh, so silly, especially for some of these older groups that are past their fan crazed Beatlemania peak, but can still fill a 3,000 venue, which is so much better for fans than a football stadium or a basket ball arena.
steve h
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
John Denver. That explains a lot just curious
justcurious
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
Also saw Gladys Knight and the Pips and John Denver and a bunch of other acts at Crisler. Why not at the stadium?
zags
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
After the two Grateful Dead concerts in April of 1989, they didn't do concerts for a long time. Guess they weren't prepared for Shakedown Street. (the camping out in the parking lot). BTW, The Dead also played Hill in '71 and West Park in '67. Can you imagine The Dead in West Park?!
63Townie
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
I saw Ted Nugent, Bob Seger, REO Speedwagon and Ozzy Osborne in the '80s. The acoustics aren't bad for an arena.
steve h
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.
Rock on! Saw my first rock show there in 85, motley Crüe and Y&T. First taste of vodka and puking later. Good times!
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
I've always wondered about that. My dad has told me about his fond memories of seeing the Moody Blues at Crisler.
dextermom
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
Ah, and The Dead!
Buster W.
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
I agree. What happened? Billy Joel and Jackson Browne played there in the mid-80's, Elton John in the mid-90's, The Police played there in the early 80's.
InsideTheHall
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.
Imagine Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, Eminen, and Aretha Franklin rockin out the Big House on 4th of July.
JGS
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
What about Jim Osterberg - A.K.A Iggy Pop?
MK
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
Bring back the Blues and Jazz fest! Maybe have it in the stadium?
zags
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
Realistically concerts in a venue that size sound horrible. And who fills 100,000 seat stadiums? The next request before the regents will be a proposal to enlarge the tunnel so semis can unload on the field. Bring on the Monster Trucks. HOTRODDERS AND RACEFANS! WELCOME TO MICHIGAN STADIUM!
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 12:32 a.m.
Tractor pulling!!!~ Hah! I've always wondered why, since w/o pumping the field would be under 4 feet of water, they don't hold aquatic events there. Battle of the Killer Kayaks! Yeah!
ViSHa
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2 p.m.
Comerica often does concerts. Get a big enough name and people will come.
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
Truck-zilla in the Big House!!!! lol, okay, even I have my limits...and isn't that what the Silverdome has been relegated to?
15crown00
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
you don't have to shoot for 100,000 for everything.it could b configured though 4 40,000-70,000.
MK
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
Stadium concerts don't fill the entire stadium/arenas. Normally one end is where the band has a stage set up. So maybe only 75,000 seats for a concert at the big house.
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : noon
When is Bob Seger playing the Big House?
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
I know on the back cover of his greatest hits, there is a picture of Seger with his son wearing Michigan sweatshirts...he'd do it in a heartbeat!
racerx
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Yes! To think he attended Ann Arbor High, nee Pioneer, and didn't he play at EMU last year?
Jim Osborn
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 11:59 a.m.
Of course UM should use the Michigan Stadium venue of other events, especially those during the day and early evening. They recently spent almost a quarter of a billion improving it and it makes no sense to only use it only 7 or 8 times a year. Events such as last year's hockey game are perfect, and add revenue. Other events should be done, as long as they are not too late and bother the local residents. Bring them on.
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 5:48 p.m.
Hut Hut: Obviously, you didn't know full well what was in store if you didn't see pro sports and rock concerts as a possibility in Michigan Stadium's future. The world changes.
hut hut
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.
I've lived here for nearly my entire life and lived within 3 miles of the stadium for most of it and 4 blocks away for the last 26 knowing full well what was in store. 7 homes games, a few graduation ceremonies, a couple of charitable events and some overflow parking from basketball games. No problem with any of this and maybe a bit more but outside rock concerts and pro sports events ratchet it up several notches.
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
I think you'd find plenty of buyers, hut hut. To a degree, I sympathize with you for having your property used as a restroom and for any other crimes that have been committed. Did you buy this property before the Big House was built? If not, did you do the proper research into finding out what living in proximity to a major entertainment complex would be like? These problems aren't new phenomena to the area. If you lived near a river, you'd should be prepared for flooding just as living near a stadium you'd should be prepared for uncouth behavior, as unfortunate as it is, the reality is there and well-documented. It literally comes with the territory. Does the university have an agreement with the residents living near the stadium in regards to when and what type of events can be conducted at Michigan Stadium? I imagine the city will enforce certain reasonable ordinances in regards to timing (shows being finished by 10pm, for instance). If there isn't proper law enforcement, which there should be, that is the issue to take up with the university and the city, otherwise, using the such a complex within city-set ordinances seems reasonable.
hut hut
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
I don't suppose you live in a neighborhood next to a place that gets 100,000 plus people several times a year, who use my hedge for a toilet, my lawn extension to party and leave their mess for me and my neighbors to clean up. Now someone wants to add more nighttime events and the UM can do no wrong folks are willing to crush my rights in the process. Add a few daytime events for good measure. Then when the time comes time for me to sell my home, that I have put many $$ and much of my own time restoring to be a place of respite and have paid hundreds of thousands of property taxes to the city it will be hard to sell because the UM now uses the stadium as an entertainment venue with events during the day and early evening. Potential buyer "are you close to the stadium?". Me, "Yes". "Will you drop the price? We are not slaves to the whims of the UM or Mr Brandon. We won't go down that slippery slope.
15crown00
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
u got it use it.
Silly Sally
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.
"...venue of other events" OOPS You must mean "...venue FOR other events.
A2comments
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
The people that live near the stadium didn't bank on night games or concerts. Both should be minimized.
Veracity
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 7:06 a.m.
If you look at Google's satellite view of the stadium and surrounding area you will see that the closest residences are west of Main Street and north of the stadium. I doubt that many residents will be greatly inconvenienced or annoyed by stadium activities. Most residents should anticipate disruptions from scheduled events and either plan to attend or be away from the area when crowds are arriving and leaving and participating in the events. The financial benefits for the community as well as the prestige should supercede any drawbacks.
Jessica Webster
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
I live near the stadium. I'd love to be able to walk to a concert. :)
craigjjs
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
Didn't notice that big hole in the ground when you moved in?
andys
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
Bring on the UofM night football games!!!!!!!!! But when they get to tractor pulls they've gone too far.
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
I don't know what ordinances Ann Arbor has in place for outdoor music events, but I know of other cities that require concerts to be over by 10pm. I'm guessing most concerts wouldn't fill more than half of Michigan Stadium. I think if managed properly, the vast majority of residence living near the stadium will tolerate a few spring and summer concerts.
a2citizen
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
Beg to disagree. The stadium is why I moved to Ann Arbor. It's great being walking distance away.
15crown00
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
agree it's a once in a while thing.bet they never figured on 100,000 people for every football game either.you adapt or u move away.
steve h
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
If its too loud, you're too old! Rock and roll!
steve h
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
Kind of like moving next to an airport and complaining about noise. Most concerts of the level they are talking would be done by midnight. Take some ambien when you tuck yourself in at 8 pm. You'll be fine.
Buster W.
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:01 p.m.
I would bet many residents near the stadium would applaud this --- more parking revenue!
InsideTheHall
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
Oh come on...."its for the public good". Let me park cars and rack in some bucks.
Silly Sally
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.
Or, FIght it every step of the way. Especially noise at night. Unacceptable. Wake up Mary Sue Coleman at 3 AM a few times, she will get the idea...
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 12:06 p.m.
Bad idea on moving in next to the biggest stadium in the country and expecting it always ever be used six times a year at noon. Change is inevitable so expect it.