U-M football 2013: Expect a $2.8 million marquee outside Michigan Stadium
Athletic Director David Brandon is seeking permission to install a $2.8 million marquee outside Michigan Stadium
File photo
The yellow section denotes the projected area for a $2.8 million marquee.
"This marquee will be used to welcome guests to Michigan Stadium and Crisler Center and announce upcoming events and programs for the Athletic Department," Brandon wrote in an memo to the Board of Regents, which must approve the expenditure before an architecture firm can begin designing it.
"The Athletic Department will highlight student-athlete and team accomplishments and it will be used to promote other departmental initiatives," he continued.
The eight-member Board of Regents will chose whether to approve the marquee during their Thursday meeting.
The marquee is part of a strategy to increase interest in attendance in U-M athletics, especially those that don't generate revenue.
Earlier this year AnnArbor.com reported that the school was planning a student loyalty program for athletic events in an effort to encourage students to attend non-revenue sporting events.
The marquee's $2.8 million price tag will be funded in full by the athletic department, which reported a $5.8 million surplus this year.
The department recently spent $20 million to upgrade its football, hockey and basketball scoreboard and plans to spend $6 million in the coming year to repaint Michigan Stadium.
Brandon has tapped TMP Architecture to design the project, which is projected to be completed in 2013.
Associate Athletic Director Dave Ablauf declined to comment or offer additional information on the marquee, saying he couldn't discuss the project unless it was approved by regents.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Jaxon5
Thu, Jul 19, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.
I am perfectly okay with $2.8 million for a marquee as long as it gets us into the top 5 football marquee list.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
We should pass a law that requires the University to return the money from the football progam to the taxpayers who fund the university, and also restrict how they spend it. The notion that they "made" the money and that it is therefore somehow free from obligations to the taxpayers is absurd. This not the NFL. It is a taxpayer funded state college.
grye
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
Wouldn't a very large white board with dry eraser markers be just as effective for a lot less? This would also prevent digital hackers from breaking into the system and changing the messages.
JB SHOOTER
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 3:55 p.m.
I like the idea, but the execution is bad. It could be used for all sorts of things if it was located were people could gather around and watch. Doesn't work in this spot.
BernieP
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
TMP Architecture appears to be a Michigan based company. Would love to see more local engineers, electricians, etc in the design & installation of this addition. Kudos to the athletic department for keeping it local!
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
Next thing, the UM hospital will put up an animated talking billboard promoting big-pharma drugs to get the advertising income from the drug companies. Carnival barking. "You with the face! Got insurance? Come in and get treated!!"
david garral
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
Outrageous waste of money. A2 should have regulations limiting this . If this money is available why wouldn't the university invest it in academics. the money spent on/in Sports programs is out of control.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
In order to make money you have to spend money. This money is the athletic department's money to spend and has nothing to do with the general education fund. The only reason this money exists is because along the way they've convinced people to buy Michigan t-shirts, 110,000 people to show up to watch a sporting event and got advertisers to pay money to put their ads on during televised events. That $5 million surplus exists because along the way the money made was invested back into the program...just like this.
a2citizen
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:24 p.m.
I draw the line when they start advertising for deja vu.
Dog Guy
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
By the way, a2citizen, could the stadium use the old Leggs Lounge sign instead of megabucks glitz? Someone must have it stored out back. That place was very blue . . . and golden.
Arboriginal
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
Go Blue!
sandy schopbach
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
This is absolutely DISGUSTING! There is NO NEED for this kind of gimmick. There are deserving young people who can't afford an education and $2.8M would provide many, MANY scholarships. Even for medical school. Who the hell needs $2.8M for a sign? Not even for athletic scholarships, but for a SIGN! I am outraged at my university.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
It's university money that would not exist otherwise and will not exist if you funnel profits into the general fund. What people don't seem to grasp is that if you do take away the AD profits it's very likely the AD will, once again, start to lose money (like UM was in the 90's). If that does happen it will be the case that the AD will dip into the general fund to fund their expenditures. As it stands people should be rooting for the AD to use their profits to advertise the AD because in the end it prevents them from dipping into the general fund and actually doing what people are complaining about; using taxpayer dollars to fund athletics.
SEC Fan
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
@hail. Although I have no issue with the sign, I do disagree with your position. The AD money is University money. Period. There are numerous revenue streams that flow into the University. I do not believe there are any rules that say money generated from sports cannot be funneled back into another department.
Blue Marker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
@hail, you're going to bruise your forehead if you don't stop pounding it against the wall. No matter how many times you try and inform people they're going to scream "but what about the children?"
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.
The $2.8 million is not academic money. It never was and never will be. It was created from people buying tickets, merchandise and from advertising generated from sports. If you took away the AD money, the AD would likely not exist and therefore the money would not exist to give.
craigjjs
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
A giant, brightly-lit sign that shouts at you while you drive down Stadium Blvd. It sounds a little distracting and creepy, in a Bladerunner sense.
Ronald K. Dankert
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
This is a great idea (?). While we're at it, let's bring back the golden "Halo" on the side of the stadium, with the cute little footballs mounted on it. They must still be in storage somewhere on campus. I don't think they ever got to Property Disposition. Come on, U of M, this is a breathtaking misuse of public money. one way or another. Ron Dankert
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
THIS IS NOT PUBLIC MONEY. Why, after 200 comments, is this still being posted? NONE of the athletic department budget comes from the taxpayers. It's completely self sufficient. Not to mention a sign already existed on the back of the scoreboard, on the same side of the stadium, advertising the same things. And is only gone because they replaced the scoreboards.
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
Hey Ron, you don't have to go to the games or attend the University. So just stay home!
Brad
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
Stay home in my climate-controlled family room watching the game in HD (with instant replay) just feet from the refrigerator while sitting in a seat actually wide enough to accommodate an adult human tush? If you insist.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
Son: "Dad, I really need $10,000 to buy a car." Dad: "What? Didn't you make and save $10,000 working and holding bake sales?" Son: "Yes, but I spent that on a boat. I REALLY need the car." Dad: "Why didn't you use that money you had?" Son: "Well, that didn't count because it was money I made myself. I figured I could spend it on anything and you would still pay for my car." Dad: "Will I be able to borrow the car if I buy it for you?" Son: "For a fee. Using the car will cost you $200. Also, I will be parking the car and boat on your lawn." Dad: "But son, that is against the law! The city does not allow it!" Son: "Dad, I am above the law! The city cannot pass laws restricting what I do." Dad: "Son, you spend your money like a drunken sailor, but our family will give you anything even if we cannot afford it." Son: "Dad! You know you don't have a choice. They money comes straight out of your paycheck." Dad: "You abuse us, Son. You abuse us. But we still love you. I think."
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
I'm not sure what your post is getting at Ron but the AD had a $5+ million dollar surplus and is completely self sufficient from the university budget. So in essence, they are spending far less than made.
Middle America
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
What?
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.
The University keeps putting their hand out, demanding money from Michigan taxpayers - otherwise they say they''ll raise tuition even more. And then they waste money on casino-like billboards, which clearly violate the local laws they ignore. As long as they demand our tax dollars, then this is funded with tax dollars. You can't be on the public dole and say this other stuff you spend on does not count.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
NOT FUNDED WITH TAX PAYER MONEY. read the comments. AD is self sufficient and uses NO taxpayer money.
Jim Mulchay
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:02 p.m.
Long-Term planning is (1) Build the sign; (2) acquire AAG&O property; (3) acquire Pioneer HS property; (4) make Stadium / Main intersection a university property (with a large traffic circle); (5) New ice arena and parking on xPioneer property; well maybe not, but just a thought -
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
I hear they've also started negotiating wit Aliens about setting up a stadium on the moon. Of course, the Athletic Department wants a cut of the concessions.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:54 a.m.
I miss the old days of getting in for free during half time, bringing your own beer, hanging out, and drinking. Now, it is all corporate and fans are being fleeced.
TinyArtist
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.
Sounds offensive.
TMC216
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
Darth Vader (David Brandon) completed the destruction of Alderaan. He's now working on the U of M. Let's all face it. The U of M is not Ann Arbor's anymore when the City and University Community were as "One". It's a major Corporation getting funding (read "bailout") from The State Of Michigan. What's the endowment (read "slush fund for investment") these days that U of M controls? $3 BILLION? The U of M is exempt from any other law most of the "townies" have to abide by as well, like mere sign laws? I kinda laugh when our favorite business like the Liquor Store on Packard or the Muffler Place on Jackson have problems with the City with their signs (Grandfathered in and been there for 50 years), yet here's Darth Vader with a million of dollars new project? The U of M has made that quite clear, they'll do as they damn well please. Thankfully but with a sense of irony, they have their own Cops because the A2 Cops themselves hated it and it was left to "the rookies". The U of M can now start to work on their own Fire Department and paying taxes on the real estate they continually take from the tax roles. That City Income Tax idea sounds so much more appealing as well with news of this half-assed abuse by the U of M. Those that have moved or live to "the bedroom communities" like Chelsea, Dexter, et al are all laughing and thanking themselves for accepting the obvious and their wise decisions.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:39 p.m.
Ann Arbor wouldn't exist in it's current form without the University.
Lac Court Orilles
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:23 a.m.
Great! Now all the Walmart Wolverines who never attended Michigan can and will buy tickets so those of us who are alumni won't be able to get a ticket to see our own school play football. I wish all those Walmart Wolverines would just stay home and drink beer.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
What?! Um...
Blue Marker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
Didn't you know Hookemhorn, you can only be a true fan if you attended the university. Oh, now look you've made me do....I spotted my cardigan with brie!
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:47 a.m.
When I attend games I see plenty of Save-A-Lot Spartans and Big Lot Buckeyes there too, should they be allowed to go to games?
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.
OK??????? Why would more non-alums attend more games now? Also, should every fan that attends a college football game be required to be a student or alum of that university?
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:15 a.m.
Most of the people complaining are Michigan haters anyway, by reading their commentary on other articles. So you should take most of the complaining with a grain of salt.
15crown00
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:03 a.m.
well spent money?what don't you understand about NO?
Middle America
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:14 a.m.
It is U of M's athletic department's money to spend. They make a ton of money.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:42 a.m.
For $2.8 million: I want the job!!! I will stand at curbside on Stadium Blvd. and hold up a sign which lists that day's events at the stadium or arena. I will even buy & wear a hat with a flashing LED message which says: "M Go Blue." That's one check for $2.8 million: you'll never hear a request for a raise or further payment. ;-) Anyway: we can hope that Dave Brandon was just sending up a trial balloon to test our reaction. The halo is gone because people hated it - hopefully, someone will point that out to D.B.
Middle America
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:16 a.m.
It is depressing that this incredibly stupid issue is a top news headline.
Middle America
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:28 a.m.
Haha, good point. All annarbor.com has to do is run four pointless stories a day about the stadium marquee and then it'll really give the terrible Susan Martin articles a run for their money.
a2citizen
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:46 a.m.
You weren't here the other day for susan martin, were you?
Michael T.
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 3:31 a.m.
David Brandon needs to address the parking problem before anything! Its a nightmare on game day and is the reason I turned in my premium seats. I paid in advance for a parking permit at Pioneer High and was turned away because the lot was full one hour before the game. Bull Sh!$
whatsupwithMI
Thu, Jul 19, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.
Try working for the U, its just the same, but you pay more for the permit!
Somargie
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 3:17 a.m.
Gordan Gecko, fictional character, "Greed is Good" David Brandon, UM Athletic Director...seeking approval by the Board of Regents to install a $2.8 million electronic marquee that can be viewed from Stadium Boulevard. UM Board of Regents...a rubber stamp for every lame, money-wasting idea instead of thinking: 1. about the potential distractive danger to the people living in Ann Arbor driving on Stadium Blvd., which is already a heavily traveled road; 2. about a better use of this money; 3. about the city of Ann Arbor and whether the majority of the residents want this distraction & eyesore along the street; and lastly 4. use the money to either lower tuition costs for all students at UM, ticket prices to the sporting events, give the money to public schools to pay the pay-to-play sport fees, or better yet give it to the city of Ann Arbor to pay for the fire/police/and public services you don't pay for and the taxes the city lost because of your fervent land grab which has depleated the financial resources of this city you're destroying... Be a good neighbor & leader of this great university and stop wasting money on useless & needless things. 2. thinkin
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
1. A sign previously existed on the back of the scoreboard on the same sign. There were no issues caused by this before. 2. You must spend money to make money 3. Who cares about the residents. They chose to live by a 110,000 seat stadium. That would be like me moving next to a dumb and then complaining about the smell. 4. this money would not exist without the athletic department. IF they stopped spending money to make money their profits would slowly diminish until the AD would have to start taking money out of the general fund.
a2citizen
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
I hope all you people that complained about the Susan Martin coverage are happy now.
JimB
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:04 a.m.
Surplus? What about the Band fiasco? No $ to take them?
Jarhead
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 3:01 a.m.
Now I gotta agree with you JimB on this one. The band and cheerleaders and the dance team are there in support of our team. And anytime they can travel, the athletic dept should dip into their stash and fund it! If you can afford a 2.8 million dollar sign, you can afford the band.
Halter
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
Um, yeah....well, that IS totally behind the times since a donor came out MONTHS ago that is offsetting the cost....
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.
I'm sure a wealthy alum will step up and take care of that. That was just another hit piece meant to drive up article commentary, much like this story.
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
I know, I'll enjoy these upgrades when I make my way down for some games this year! The seven or eight complainers on this site should just put their tickets on stub-hub if they can't appreciate the fact that Dave Brandon is trying to make your game day experience better!
badge823
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:18 a.m.
Who the hell can afford the cost of a ticket nowadays?
Seasoned Cit
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.
Whatever happened to the City Sign Ordinance that banned moving message signs etc. ? Will this be legal...or since it's on UM property not impacted? Why not put in a traffic Circle at Main and Stadium and put the Marquee in the middle so folks can read it while going round in circles ?
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.
UM property is not impacted by most local ordinances.
Halter
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:28 a.m.
Here we go again -- Townie Whiners vs the people who will actually appreciate this and participate in the UM Sports world.... Really, annarbor.com --- is it any wonder that relations between Town and Gown have decreased over the past few years because of polls like this? It just encourages discord....
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:44 p.m.
somargie, the ironic part is that a sign previously existed in almost the exact same spot. So any "townie" who is complaining about those issues you listed is completely ignorant, or did not pay any attention, to the last sign that was there.
Somargie
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 3:29 a.m.
Townie whiners vs the people who will actually appreciate this??? Sounds like a match to that discord you seem to be concern about. Why not appreciate the fact that the Townies are educated & smart enough to know and care about this Ann Arbor's image & know that "expensive, shiny, crappy, needless, hideous, potentially driving danger, and a complete waste of money" when they see it. Stop putting sports above commonsense.
whatsupwithMI
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
I know!! without the U, there wouldn't be a service industry of overpriced restaurants preparing food outside of their expertise! And the value of drunks puking in your lawn, 20,000 commuters leaving campus daily is completely underrated!
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
I love that people who live in a town built around a successful college somehow whine about the college that essentially built the town.
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:18 a.m.
I'm glad annarbor.com posters don't decide on facility upgrades for U of M! If that was the case, the football team would be playing on a field similar to Grand Rapids Community College and the basketball team would be playing in a pole barn! Their shared weight room would be in some guys garage!!
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:12 a.m.
Haha!!! Keep whining whiners!!! The Big House will still pack in 111,000+ for every home game!!
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
Bernard Green, the designer of the 85 year old Michigan Stadium, is spinning in his grave.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
The original design was a marvel of architecture for the way it integrated in the community without being a monstrosity, and without towering over the town. Remember how Michigan Stadium was small on the outside but huge on the inside. THAT. Slapping eight story - or taller - flashing lights and other crud on is not an improvement. Nor were the stupid halos. That is not better, it is carnival.
Jarhead
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
I don't think so. Only the egotistical think that whatever they create will be the end all for all time. Henry Ford knew he could build better cars than his first one and so he did. I'm sure Bernard knew something better would come along and would welcome it.
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
Cbergen, perhaps we should abolish sports at every level, because that money could be spent on something more worthwhile!
a2citizen
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:49 a.m.
What's more worthwhile than sports?
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:47 a.m.
The money wouldn't exist without the sport; this is still something people aren't grasping.
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:19 a.m.
I think there are parts of Afghanistan where sports have been abolished. That might be worth looking into.
cgerben
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:17 a.m.
Works for me.
Diana
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
And the Halo gets reinstalled too?
Brad
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : noon
They're just going to install it on Brandon this time.
genetracy
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.
The Halo made the stadium look like a discount department store.
Goober
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
I have never seen anything more ugly than this yellow halo. I got stomach cramps just looking at it.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:05 a.m.
So long as tax payer dollars go to the University of Michigan, frivolous expenditures like this are being paid for by taxpayers.
Jarhead
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
Hail rg can't really be this ignorant. He is just trying to get your "dander up".
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
None of this came from tax payer money. The AD is fully self supporting - all of this money came from ticket sales, advertising, merchandise and so on. NONE of this came from tax payer dollars.
cgerben
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.
I wonder how many students could be put through college for 2.8 million. I wonder how much student debt could be forgiven with a 2.8 million start. I wonder how many adjuncts could be paid a fair wage with 2.8 million. I wonder how many how many people in the athletic department care about academics (never mind, I know the answer to this one.)
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
cgerben, the football program was "great" before the University was considered one of the top universities in the country. So you're wrong. Or are you going to argue that Alabama is a great athletic department because of their strong academic institution?
Jarhead
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:43 a.m.
Why is the athletic dept always responsible for the woes of the whole university? Why don't people question how the rest of the U spends or wastes their monies? Maybe the rest of the U should be run more like a business like the athletic dept is. Maybe then the tuition rates may actually go down and not be a burdon on the tax payer.
1bit
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:59 a.m.
You don't value sports. That's fine. Others do and they are willing to pay for it. That money is being used to pay for a sign. I'm sorry that the world doesn't work the way you want it to. It doesn't work the way I want it either, if it's any consolation.
cgerben
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.
You're wrong "hail." Without U-M being a strong, traditional academic institution, the prestige of the athletic dept wouldn't exist. This isn't the chicken and the egg, it's the pup and the teet.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:44 a.m.
The fact remains that the 2.8 million wouldn't exist if the athletic department didn't exist. It makes, and spends, it's own money and it has nothing to do with the educational, tax pay supported, budget.
cgerben
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.
Oops, minus one "how many" of course.
Hookemhorn
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.
People are always concerned about public education in this state, well I am concerned too! Reading comprehension seems to be at an all time low on these boards. No matter how many times these articles stress that the money is coming solely out of the athletic departments budget, which is funded by the gate from football and basketball, people will still complain about taxpayers paying for these upgrades! It's amazing how people still don't get it!!
whatsupwithMI
Thu, Jul 19, 2012 : 1:27 a.m.
You stated Athletics Dept Budget, dull hook. You are not correct that athletics dept budget at this university is funded only from gate and TV fees. Prove it. You made the statement. That's how reality outside of fox news works.
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.
That should be public info, so tell me whatsup, how many state dollars are funding this project? I'll wait for your cited response.
whatsupwithMI
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.
If you think that athletics at this university is only funded by ticket fees, with no state money-- you sure swallowed that line-- hook and sinker, too!
lefty48197
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:44 p.m.
Nothing is too good for the UM especially when we taxpayers are paying for it.
Jarhead
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:34 a.m.
Are you new?
1bit
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:09 a.m.
Lefty, you should have read the replies to the first comment.
Hookemhorn
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
Explain how tax payers are paying for this?
Hookemhorn
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:39 p.m.
Trust me, this thing will get eaten up in the two day news cycle! People were up in arms about the suites, then the scoreboards, then the Crisler renovations, but now everyone loves the changes! So people like us who are enjoying these upgrades by the athletic department are sitting back laughing about all the typical over reactionary comments!
1bit
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
I thought this was about a sign, not a lightning rod.
Ron Granger
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
The Michigan athletic department should just buy the phallic tower from EMU, and paint it maize and blue. They obviously really envy it's, umm, stature. We all know they want it.
julieswhimsies
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.
Often, as my husband and I drive by this man-made monstrosity, (Believe me, a woman would never have designed that thing) We have often wondered how they could possibly made that building any uglier. My question has now been answered. And the price tag? Imagine how many student scholarships that could provide. Would this be considered to be U be U of M public art? Well. They've got the bucks...might as well dream up something to do with it. Wow. The hubris.
hail2thevict0r
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.
True, the University would exist without the athletic department. But the money we're talking about would not. And given how much money the athletic department brings in (from both the AD itself and from "donations" or big donors) it's not going to go away. The same "Ross" who donated basically the entire new business school also is a huge athletics fan and donated the Ross athletic center as well. Getting rid of the AD could hurt the university overall by making these big donors mad and this, not the taxpayers, is where the University makes most of their money.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
But, there would still be an outstanding university with NO football program.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
Maybe it won't "fail" as I said above - but it certainly might get to the point where football profits can't produce enough profit to make up for all of the other sports shortfalls. So building a sign to advertise all sports should be views as a positive thing from the financial aspect of things. Arguing about how it will look is something completely different.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
and my last point, is that you must spend money to make money. If you start taking away the profits from the athletic department the athletic department will likely fail; which in turn will cause them to dip into the general fund. What people don't understand is that not too long ago, in the early 90's, the athletic department was losing money and did dip into tax payer money. Bill Martin was hired to get the AD into the black and he did. If we want to stay that way, they have to be run like a business.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
"But my point was, and still is, that the money wouldn't exist without the athletic department." and the athletic department wouldn't exist without the University so its a circular argument of sorts. Which is where I think people can fairly suggest that some of that surplus money be reallocated. It doesn't mean I agree with them but its not an inherently flawed argument either. The only two branches of the University that have any serious income from selling a "service" are the hospital system and the athletic department (of which only a couple sports actually turn a profit) .
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
I rarely drive unless I MUST get from point A to point B, and it's too far to walk. Saturdays? You will find me riding my horse, unless the heat index is 120 or above...otherwise swimming...I carpool with friends.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
Being against the sign is fine, but that isn't what people seem to be arguing about.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
Again, I never said that the public doesn't have control over the entire university. They do. But my point was, and still is, that the money wouldn't exist without the athletic department. My problem is that people are suggesting this money should be used to lower tuition, or for some greater good, when in reality this money wouldn't exist if the athletic department wasn't free to invest, and advertise, in it's own interests. In fact, if they started taking money away from the Athletic department in all likelihood the AD would then have to take money from the general fund (which most AD's have to do).
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
you have no "right" to complain about her house color because you don't own her house. presumably she does or is in a contractual agreement with a mortgage company. But, again, all your arguments aside we publicly own the athletic department. never mind where the money comes from. David Brandon doesn't own the thing, he just manages it for US, we the people. Therefore any of us can rightfully and fairly express an opinion. That is the difference. Personally I don't care if they put up the sign or not. But I respect that anyone who is a tax payer in Michigan has a right to express their opinion because they are part owners (in a collective manner).
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
And just so we're clear, my statement was only meant to be the counter of the OP's original statement; which I found just as offensive as what I wrote. If I found her house ugly, I'm not going to say that I should have an opinion on what color she paints it because I pay taxes to the city of Ann Arbor and technically her house resides within the city limits.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
Scott, $500,000 in 1926 would be worth $6,482,429.38 today. There have also been countless additions to the stadium, including the latest one that cost $250,000,000. Yes craig, and one of them is UM - so I'm still not sure what you're arguing with me about? If EMU was doing this - the tax payers would have a point. Since the UM athletic department makes it's own money and spends it, the taxpayers have little ground to stand on. The money would not exist if the AD didn't exist.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
"The only reason the NCAA even has any power is because the athletic departments allow them to have it. The NCAA was created by the institutions and not the other way around." That is not entirely correct. The NCAA's power and existence comes from the Universities as a whole NOT the athletic departments. There is not a single AD on the board of directors of the NCAA...not one. Every single member of the board of directors is a president or chancellor. I think you and I agree on a lot just not how much power and autonomy athletic departments have. I will take your EMU comparison a step further. There are over 1000 members across the 3 divisions and only 26+/- of them operate an athletic department in the black. http://web1.ncaa.org/committees/committees_roster.jsp?CommitteeName=BOARD
Scott
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:16 p.m.
That stadium was built in 1920 at a cost of $500,000. It's interesting a sign cost almost 6 times as much. Idiots have wrecked the economy and the value of the dollar. Most of them unfortunately are wall street and white house neanderthals. Go blue ( I still love football).
RudeJude
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 10:35 a.m.
Thank you for not censoring this obviously bigoted comment, annarbor.com. If I singled out a group like this commenter did, I'm sure my comment would be removed.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.
Craig, I understand that we have voting control over the university. My point is exactly what you said - the athletic department budget is independent. If students weren't passing their classes - the NCAA suspends the eligibility to compete in any NCAA sport and doesn't suspend the athletic department. The only reason the NCAA even has any power is because the athletic departments allow them to have it. The NCAA was created by the institutions and not the other way around. My major point is that the money that people are complaining about "wasting" wouldn't exist if the athletic department didn't market, save, advertise, recruit and so on properly. Which would include, but is not limited to, building a sign to advertise their events. If they didn't do that, the department probably would lose money and would take money from the educational budget of the college; see EMU.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:46 p.m.
so the bottom line is the only thing independent about the athletic department is their budget.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:44 p.m.
hail2thevict0r , The dog I'm going to keep kicking is two fold. Not only is the University owned by "we the people", regardless of how much tax money we contribute so is the athletic department. And even though the athletic department has its own "bucket" of money its still part of the University. If you don't want to believe or grasp that try imagining what would happen if they tried to field teams of non-students or students not taking and passing a sufficient number of classes at the University connected to their jersey? What do you think the NCAA would do?
Hookemhorn
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:31 p.m.
Oh yes, just level the whole athletic complex (Crisler, The Big House, the baseball fields, everything) so Julie can have a better view on her Saturday drives with her husband!
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:31 p.m.
That was kind of my point, what UM athletics does really has little to do with higher education. The athletic department makes, and spends, it's own money completely outside of the educational realm.
julieswhimsies
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:02 p.m.
I wouldn't know. I don't shop at the mall. (It is also, by the way, REALLY ugly) and I seriously doubt was designed by a woman) AND it is in no way related to higher education. I do hate driving by this ugly over-grown strip mall, though.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
I say the same thing as I drive by Briarwood, the lady's equivalent to Michigan stadium. Can you imagine how many scholarships they could have handed out instead of building Briarwood?
Pete Warburton
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
I sure hope after getting the marquee up and running...the University can get those wonderful graphics out storage that another A.D. thought would look great on The Stadium's Halo....As the past president of the Haloclub , I have just been waiting for another A.D. to come up with a classy idea.
Jim
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
wow - lots of strong opinions on this topic... I have nothing against this in general as I don't really see how it will infringe on anyone's rights. The drawback I do see is price... it seems a bit expensive for just a sign. But hey it's not my call.
a2cents
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 10:58 p.m.
chickenfeed for the almighty athletic dept
alnan
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
Good grief!! Does no one remember the out rage with the "Great Halo" and the ghastly paint job then. This idea has to go now and before it even gets to the regents!! Lets they have level heads when and if it gets to them!!
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.
This is nothing like the Halo, a sign like this already existed before they replaced the scoreboards. They're literally just updating that idea and instead of placing it on the back of a scoreboard putting it between crisler and the big house.
RudeJude
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.
The quietest fanbase in the world sure gets noisy when there is something to complain about. If everybody could be this loud during the games, while standing, specifically while Michigan's defense is on the field, it'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you, and Go Blue
MRunner73
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
Great point!
Tim Wild
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
Why not put it on the back side of the Scoreboard?
Ron Granger
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.
This will obviously be taller.
Dog Guy
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
It's good that U of M doesn't have to request variances from Ann Arbor's sign code because then this electronic marquis would be piped, called green Art, and entirely paid for by local property taxes and Water Utilities fees.
Elena
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
The stadium has huge electronic signs at each end of the stadium. Why can't these be used to "welcome guests" and "advertise upcoming events". Sounds like a waste of precious education dollars...
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
1998, how do you expect them to give you a sketch if they can't hire an architect to design it until the regents approve it? So you're saying the university, or athletic department, should do no building ever because they can't give people a sketch before they get regent approval on a project to pay an architect to design a sketch?
Jarhead
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.
I think they're going to build this sign whether or not I approve it.
1998pa
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:47 a.m.
You just might be coming around to the point of the critics, hail2. Yes, you're right...it's being funded by the athletic dept. Let's clear that up. But you say, "hey, build it...if it sucks, I won't support it." Well, see, then it's already built. Which is a waste of $2.8 million to build it, not to mention what it would cost to remove it. The point is not to rip U of M just for heck of it. It only makes sense -- if you're going to make such a bold construction -- to run it by others. Show a sketch...give some dimensions...SOMEthing that respects your wishes as an institution while also respecting the community as a whole. It's no different than having to get a permit from the city to build a pool or a large shed.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.
I really don't care, it's a sign - not attached to the stadium - and sitting in the middle between Crisler and the big house. They had a sign on the stadium before and they're putting one there again. The old one, that was attached to the back of the scoreboard, was probably far more intrusive and uglier than the one they are planning. What I do care about is people claiming that it has anything to do with education funding. Like they're taking the food out of poor student's mouths to build this sign. If they build it and it's ugly - then I'll probably protest it's existence. As it stands...it's just a sign that has little impact on anyone's lives and or the aesthetics of the stadium/area.
Brad
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
@hail - they could say that they were going to build it out of a combination of live kittens and human babies and you'd still be making excuses for it. So despite your many protestations about how we don't know what it's going to be like, you are apparently already in love with it. No matter what "it" is.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:04 p.m.
none of these are education dollars, I don't know how many times that can be said. The athletic department does not use education funds and is completely self sufficient.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
Dave B.: May we please see a drawing of this marquee? I get the shivers thinking about another gaudy monstrosity like the Great Halo, and if that's what it's going to be, then I'm agin it. We need class, not flash. Please be careful not to turn us into a laughingstock. If it will be a really positive addition, good. If not, please save the money for other useful and Michigan-style projects.
musicnerdsftw
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:43 a.m.
"The regents need to approve the expenditure before the architecture firm can begin designing it."
uptodate
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
Why not out on the South Athletic Campus...nearer the larger traffic patterns? Besides...With the use of the social networks, mgoblue, etc.....this "sign" is unnecessary for "sports information"....just a place to broadcast more "game-time features"...a "pre-entrance to the stadium" tie-in to all the "tail-gators"...be sure to bring your ear plugs !
Goober
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
Beggars and vagrants all over town. CTN run off the property they were squatting on. Leave it to the UofM to spend $2.8 million dollars on a new sign. I believe we have our priorities wrong.
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
I don't think he is, he's posted this in a bunch of these threads.
Jarhead
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.
Hail I believe Goober is being facetious.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
What does the athletic department have to do with CTN or squatting? That's like me telling you that your priorities are out of wack because you bought a computer and are spending your time posting here instead of helping out the homeless shelters and donating the money you spent on the computer.
Ron Granger
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
So the University is refusing to even disclose the HEIGHT of this monstrosity before the vote? And after only a few days notice? Is that how they get along with the local community? With vegas style billboards? This is an out of control football program with no regard for the local community.
musicnerdsftw
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:41 a.m.
The article says that they will approve the budget then design it. So that why no one has said how big it is. It hasn't been designed
Ron Granger
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
There is surely a reason for all the secrecy and the short notice. At $2.5 million, it is obviously not a small thing, and will likely be visible for miles. Casinos wish they could get away with stuff like this.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
I think you're jumping to some conclusions there. You just said they didn't disclose the dimensions and in the same sentence call it a "monstrosity".
goosenews
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.
Why not closer to the Main and Stadium corner?
Halter
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
Because it will more likely be used to advertise upcoming events at Crisler than at Michigan Stadium....with the renovations to the space, they also plan to increase things like concerts, conventions, and other events in that space once again, like in the old days...this type of signage is standard for entertainment centers like this...
a2cents
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
better yet close Main St. 7 put it there... the road was built too close to mecca to begin with.
Linda Peck
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
I really dislike the audio/visual affront to our streets, right along with other rude behavior that is frequent in our town. I think it is really arrogant of some big institution to think they can just blast some crap all over our eardrums and display gigantic visuals directly left of our visual field when driving. Utter crap.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
There was already a sign there, they're just replacing the one that used to exist that was taken down when the upgraded the scoreboard. If you don't like looking at the stadium, don't drive by it.
eastsider2
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
Unnecessary. $5.8 million in surplus? Hmmm... lower ticket prices, extra support to sports that don't bring in the ticket or TV money, or (gasp!) donate it to the academic side so tuition increases can be capped for in - state students. Seems there are enough bells and whistles at the stadium already.
JFJ
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
Disappointed in the poll choices. I don't think it's a good idea but not because it's not's the Michigan way! When we had the changing sign on the south end of the stadium I felt it was very distracting. I wanted to keep watching it as it changed to new information and it kept my eyes off the road more than they should have been.
Scott
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
You can't have a marquee telling everyone what up and coming for $500,000? $1,000,000? It's a neon sign for gosh sake.
Pablo
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.
"The marquee's $2.8 million price tag will be funded in full by the athletic department, which reported a $5.8 million surplus this year." Wow...we are so impressed that the Athletic Department has such deep pockets. Now lemme see: might some of that "surplus" have come from you and me? Such extravagance might go over in Vegas. w
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
point being, not taxes and voluntary expenditures on events and/or merchandise.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 10:39 p.m.
or bought any products that advertise during NCAA football games on TV. Or bought a shirt or hat or watched a game on TV. The income from Rights/Licensing, including payouts from the NCAA is more than ticket sales.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
It only came from "you and me" if you went to athletic events last year or donated specifically to the athletic department.
A2comments
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.
Connecting the sign with increased student attendance at games is disingenuous since most students live North of the location.
MiaMeow
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
Think of of all the energy it is wasting to work this sign! The Stadium already uses so much power. I say save the earth!
1bit
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.
Also, stop posting on message boards which is the biggest waste of time and electricity today!
MRunner73
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.
Please turn off your lights at home when not in use, your p/c, don't recharge your cell (smart)phone, etc. We all must do our part. Too bad there aren't that many caves in this area for us to live in.
Claudia
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
How much will tickets cost now?? They are pricing the little guy right out of the stadium and it's the little guy that pays attention. The others are for show!
buildergirl
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
The Stadium is a bright shining star in the city of Ann Arbor that will someday turn into a black hole and devour us all.
arborani
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
I remember that movie: "The Stadium That Ate Ann Arbor."
Jim H
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 3:48 a.m.
Throw me in!!!
einy
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
lame.
xmo
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
Michigan has to have something to brag about! Since their football team will once again finish behind MSU in the Big Ten standings!
SEC Fan
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.
@Ted. Lucky for um!
1998pa
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:38 a.m.
It's actually the same as the past 10, hookem: 4-6 & 4-6. I'd bet not many people would guess Michigan is just two games above .500 against a football team its fans consistently belittle.
Hookemhorn
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
MSU is 4 & 6 in the last ten! Do we need to look at the last 20 years head to head?
Ted Bundy
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
Mississippi State University isnt in the Big Ten buddy...
genetracy
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
Think of all the homeless people $2.8 million will feed.
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:25 a.m.
Haha gene, love it!!
genetracy
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.
No, I am not serious. I am just being that typical person who at the mere mention of money, feels it should be handed over to the homeless with no strings attached.
1998pa
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
It's actually the same as the past 10, hookem: 4-6 & 4-6. I'd bet not many people would guess Michigan is just two games above .500 against a football team its fans consistently belittle.
bluemax79
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
are you serious?
Ted Bundy
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
There is no such thing as "poverty" in America. Ever heard of food stamps? Soup kitchens? Churches? Food pantries? We take care of our own above and beyond. Any luxuries are up to that individual to pursue and obtain. Build it!
SEC Fan
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
I wonder if the band will be allowed to play at it's unveiling?
heartbreakM
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
There's no money for that, silly!! But news flash--they just upped the seat licenses to 1000.00 per seat, so DaveBrandon could get a new fleet of Cadillac Escalades for all Athletic department personnel, painted maize and blue.
MRunner73
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
The deluge of negative comments is mind boggling. I voted: Yes, Bring it! I thought there was supposed to be some kind of marquee in the back of both scoreboards, kind of like the south end-zone former end zone scoreboard before these newer ones were installed last year. I support it and if they ask for donations, count me in on this one...GO BLUE!! (LOL!!)
Blue Marker
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
I don't know about mind boggling. Some are opposed to a big flashy sign. To me they're just as justified to oppose it as you are to welcome it. You know, different strokes.....
simonsays123
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
What's the problem here? They had a similar-sounding LCD marquee display on the back side of the South End Zone scoreboard just a few years ago: http://bit.ly/MtHHjb It seems like this is just a new version of that. It also sounds much like the display Pioneer HS has at the corner of Stadium/Main.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.
Who knows how much the previous sign cost that was replaced with the new scoreboard and secondly, who knows how this thing is going to be powered. For all we know it will be solar. The details are not yet known.
Brad
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
Yeah - a $2.8 million dollar version of the sign in front of Pioneer. And nothing says "green" quite like a 5 megawatt unnecessary sign.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Obviously people have forgotten about that. I think there's just a lot of misinformation out there and a lot of people who think they know something when they don't (specifically the people who think that this is somehow related to tuition increases).
Laura Jones
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:12 p.m.
Just say no. Ugly, light pollution, waste of money, flies in the face of people who are working hard and barely making it or still unemployed. Wrong idea, wrong time, completely thoughtless.
Jarhead
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:05 a.m.
I love it when people equate social hardships to a sign. When is it a good time? NEVER! you say? Then all progress will cease until the unemployed are all working, those who are working hard will work easy, the barely making it will be rich. I don't think the University will wait that long.
1bit
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:48 a.m.
When the U of M spends money on signs and buildings it creates jobs. Plus, you haven't even seen it or know what they plan to do with it and you have such a formed opinion?
hail2thevict0r
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:51 a.m.
A2 - so should we get rid of all billboards? All electronic signs? That's a pretty silly argument.
a2cents
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
if i know uom it will be a garish animated monstrosity... the kind that causes distraction & accidents, but who cares it's uom athletics!!!
MRunner73
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:32 p.m.
The lighting from the marquee faces Stadium Ave where the U-M Golf Course is across the street. Only foot and motorized traffic will see it. So...lighten up already.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.
"but the university will likely respect any concerns from the town by curtailing hours of operation and compromising to make people happy"
Ron Granger
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
This is not Las Vegas. Michigan Stadium was heralded as an architectural marvel because of the way it sits in the ground, unobstusively allowing a 100K fan capacity. It did not dominate or shadow the neighborhood, or skyline. The new trend is to stick out like a very sore thumb. This is a perfect example of a college football progam out of control. The same kind of "we can do anything we want" culture that allowed he Penn State fiasco, and the UM medical system child porn fiasco. This is like an electronic billboard version of halos. That seems to be what they are going for. That, Vegas, or a carnival.
cbs
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
David Brandon must have a short memory if he doesn't remember the halo debacle and the little girl who, when she saw the halo, asked her Mom if they could go to the circus !
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:28 a.m.
This is not Las Vegas... but wait a few months.
1bit
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:46 a.m.
No, 1998pa, Ron crossed over the line here. He is equating enjoying and spending money on football with child pornography and rape. It is a poor analogy and not a "perfect example" of anything. It is a sign. That's it. It has nothing to do with Penn State or child pornography. Save the pontification for something more important.
Hookemhorn
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:42 a.m.
So suddenly it's criminal for the athletic department to spend revenue that they earned on facility upgrades?
1998pa
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
If you stop talking for one second johnnya2, you might understand what Ron is saying. The CULTURE of allowing the football program to do whatever it wants is what he's referring to. Whether or not you agree with him, and I'm sure you don't, isn't the point. He's not making the analogy you think he's making.
Hookemhorn
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:09 p.m.
Get real!! The beautiful brick exterior on the stadium is a tremendous upgrade on the gaudy metal exterior it had before! The architectural ineptitude by a lot of the people on this board is amazing!! Also the suites that were added provide a benefit by keeping the sound in the stadium!
say it plain
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
I agree with @Ron Granger on his point about how the aesthetics of the Stadium are getting totally wrecked. Bad enough with the new "castle" look to the outside of the Stadium-- imposing, instead of cool and different from all others in how it sits in the ground, belying its huge capacity and allowing the area around it to be free from its shadow. And the analogy to Penn State isn't too terribly off either really..."football is king, and all action must be taken to serve it" vibe. I'm not sure I'd want to have a house or condo within ear/eyeshot now!
Hookemhorn
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
You obviously were not here during the Rich Rod years! There was plenty who questioned the program and thought they did everything wrong!! That is why we have a new AD and completely new football staff!
Ron Granger
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
The culture of a football program that cannot be questioned, that can do no wrong - that is exactly like the culture described in the report on the penn state program.
bluemax79
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
the marquee will be between Crisler and the stadium, not near the neighborhood, the only thing accross from it are the 2 golf courses. this is NOTHING like the penn state situation, pull your head out!
J
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:32 p.m.
I was with you up until you brought up Penn State. You forgot to mention the Nazis, too.
edjasbord
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:19 p.m.
You should be ashamed of yourself for comparing the decision making process that might result in a marquee to what happened at Penn State and the outcomes of those processes, or even the actions of one man in the UM medical system(kind of pales in comparison to a marquee or to the other changes to Michigan Stadium). Get a grip on reality. Get a grip on your comparisons. Yes Michigan Stadium has been upgrading to keep up with the trend of other stadiums around the country. It has to in order to stay competitive. That's a fact of college football. Comparing that to child porn or institutionalized child sexual predation is shameful.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
Yes, building a sign to advertize athletic events is just like the penn state scandal..... /sarcasm You can't possibly be serious?
Ron Granger
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:02 p.m.
"Associate Athletic Director Dave Ablauf declined to comment or offer additional information on the marquee, saying he couldn't discuss the project unless it was approved by regents." Where is the opportunity for the local community to review the details and comment? The secrecy behind this project, and the lack of regard for the local community, are disgusting.
Chris
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
It's a sign. That is all.
johnnya2
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.
How ridiculous. The "community" does not need input on everything the U wants to do with their property. I hope the next time you want to paint your house, plant a tree, or do your driveway, you ask all your neighbors about the possible shade from your tree blocking their flowers r branches and leaves falling into their yard. The local community where this is going to be placed IS the UM and Ann Arbor Golf and Outing. I doubt they will have much complaining to do.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
What possible impact could a sign have on the local community that doesn't already exist from having a 110,000 seat football stadium in the same location?
Mike
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.
Ron, your input was duly noted.....NOT.
WalkingJoe
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
This is exactly why I'm not buying tickets to UM football any more. Let's not do anything to ease the cramped seating for the ordinary fan, but put in an obnoxious sign and paint a place that doesn't need painting. Oh, and put in all kinds of amenities for the luxury box bunch too. Just got done last Fri buying partial season tickets for Red Wings. There everyone treats you with courtesy and you get a real seat to sit in. Maybe it's because they are a professional team and know where their money is coming from, the fans. I'll still watch UM football but it'll be on TV.
Madeleine Borthwick
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
Amen brother!!!
1bit
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.
WJ and BM: I've had drunks puke next to me. I've had pizza boxes dumped on me. I've had an ice cube thrown in my face. I've had smoke of all sorts blown in my face. I've been soaked by rain, frozen by cold and snow and ice, boiled and burned by the sun. I've seen Kordell Stewart beat Michigan on one of the worst (or best depending on your perspective) plays in history. I've also seen AC, Desmond, Woodson and Denard make miraculous plays. That's football. You take the good with the bad. If you don't like sweaty, drunk, smelly or boisterous people then don't go. I've been going to games for over thirty years and the experience is still new. I like some parts better than others, but I'll be cheering those kids on no matter what.
Barb's Mom
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:04 p.m.
@ 1 Bit-- When I moved here 32 years ago, the first UM football game I went to was against Notre Dame. The drunk sitting behind me kept falling on me. When we asked an usher about it, there was nothing they could do. This is not my idea of fun.
WalkingJoe
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
@1bit, I had a 4 game ticket pack and the ND and OSU games was not in them. I was at the evacuate because of lightening game, and that was a lot of fun because no one knew what to do.
1bit
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
WJ: I'm a hockey fan too, but if you didn't have fun at the football games last year (especially ND, OSU and Nebraska) then quite frankly you are not much of a football fan. The ND game alone is a priceless experience. So, if you have limited resources and only want to go to Red Wings games then fine.
WalkingJoe
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
@bluemax79, I will be having fun at the Wings games, that's the whole idea of switching, we had more fun there last year. And ask me if I'm really concerned if I'm missed.
bluemax79
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.
the stadium DOES need painting, or have you not noticed the rusting steel all around the bowl and under it? the luxury box bunch pays a LOT of money for tickets and they also pay for the food that is catered in as well as a ticket for every seat in the suites and even standing room tickets for the big games. have fun in Detroit at the wings games, we won't miss you in the Big House.
Goober
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
Our egos are too big to fit into a 85,000 person stadium.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
There's nothing wrong with an 85,000 seat stadium....if you're Michigan State. However, Yost didn't want us to have an 85,000 seat stadium. He envisioned Michigan stadium, way back in the 1920's when it was designed, to eventually grow to more than 140,000. It's a long standing tradition and it's something that makes our stadium unique. That's not going to change just because you don't want to touch your neighbor.
WalkingJoe
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.
I have a couple of responses to some of you who responded to my post. First, what would be wrong with an 85,000 seat stadium? Bigger isn't necessarily better. And for the person who thinks I yell at those who stand up to cheer for Michigan touchdowns, I don't. It's when they stand up when they're trying to get their buddy's attention on the other side of the stadium that get's my dander up.
Hookemhorn
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
Walking joe, it's probably better that you don't go to the games anymore anyway! You're probably one of those old curmudgeons that yells at fans when they stand up to cheer a Michigan touchdown!! What hailtothevictor said is absolutely true, if you tore out all the benches and put stadium seating in, you'd be looking at a Big House with about 85,000 seats!!
edjasbord
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
And dont forget to keep one eye on your lawn whilst keeping your other eye on your TV - no newcomers with their insane ideas and changes on your lawn or on campus dagnabbit!!!
UM owns
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Cramped seating? You should be standing.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
What do you mean? Part of the renovation process was widening each seat in the big house. This is why, even though they added thousands of seats with the club and suite seats, that the stadium official capacity only rose by like 1,000. It's because they increased the seat size in the lower bowl - thus losing seats in the lower bowl. What else do you suggest they do? Tear out all of the benches in the big house, add regular seats and lower capacity by like 20,000?
Jim H
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
Dave Brandon is doing a great job. The teams are all improving, the facilities are all being improved, there is a budget surplus. The man knows how to run a business.
BHarding
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
The $5.8 million surplus is aching to be spent. I'm sorry Mr. Brandon couldn't achieve that surplus without causing hardship to his hourly workers. The Athletic Dept. found a loophole in their labor contract and took full advantage of it. People who have worked in that dept. for 20 and 30 years suddenly found they had no schedule, no weekends off, and their seniority meant nothing. They know what happens if they rock the boat, so they don't. I understand that the Athletic Dept. is free to do whatever it wants with the budget surplus, with the Regent's approval, so I can't comment on the marquee except for my hope that it doesn't distract drivers on Stadium Blvd.
Bozo
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
Brandon is out of control. Somebody stop him.
edjasbord
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
Ted Bundy - its a difference between comparing events and comparing mentalities. Sorry you didnt get that from my previous post.
johnnya2
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
yeah, that $5.8 MILLIOn surplus must be stopped
Ted Bundy
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.
edjasbord - Are you watering down the human rights movement by comparing it to UM wanting to build a sign??
edjasbord
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
Yes - stop all these improvements before people have nothing to complain about!! Just like those darned people who changed the easy seating arrangements for white people on busses in the 60s and who want to allow anyone to marry anyone today - stop the change! Stop the progress!
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.
Out of control with what? Modernizing our athletic programs?
thehawk
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
So, there aren't any zoning regulations for something like this? It can be as big, obnoxious, and loud as they want it to be?
Brad
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.
"but the university will likely respect any concerns from the town by curtailing hours of operation and compromising to make people happy" You must be new here.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.
ferd, I believe you are correct. I remember a big scuffle when the construction of the stadium was going on that they were working beyond Ann Arbor the times in the ann arbor ordnance for construction. They were starting at like 7am instead of 8am or something like that but are, apparently, not held to the same ordnance laws.
RWBill
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
Decent question, does the town have any authority over state owned, university property? Probably not, but the university will likely respect any concerns from the town by curtailing hours of operation and compromising to make people happy. The town is not stupid however, as every home football event generates tens of million of dollars to local economies. They won't bite the hand that feeds them.
ferdcom
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.
I don't think the university is subject to any local zoning regulations.
a2cents
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
it's uom... they do anything they want &&& it's Football.
81wolverine
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
It's impressive they have that much money to spend on something like a marquee sign. Of course it won't do a lot of good until the Stadium bridges are finished.
another kathy
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
My thoughts exactly.
RunrDad
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
I'm glad my insanely large tuition is going to good use.
johnnya2
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
Actually your tuition reduced due to the athletic department paying FULL TUITION for all scholarship athletes. If the athletic department did not exist and the student base was the same, your tuition would be higher. so next time, just say thank you instead of whining.
TruBlue
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
Ath. Dept. has nothing to do with tuition. The Ath. Dept. is operated as a separate entity from the U that shares its name. Much the same situation as the hospital. Picture it as a separate company with the UofM name attached. People are easily confused by this. Also the Ath Dept GIVES money to the U in the form of full price tuition payments for student-athletes.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
ferd, the athletic budget is completely separate from the University of Michigan budget and has absolutely nothing to do with tuition prices. If the athletic department didn't exist the money they are using would not exist for the school's to use to reduce their tuition. The athletic department makes it's own money and is completely self sufficient from the school.
RWBill
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
Good topic, but that is going to inflated staffing. The marquee comes from anything BUT tuition, i.e. tickets sales to alumni and the public, and numerous other athletic generated revenue.
ferdcom
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
garrison. the Athletic Department is part of the university not a separate corporation.
garrisondyer
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 5:23 p.m.
I understand griping about insane tuitions, because it's a legitimate problem nationwide, but you missed this part I think. "The marquee's $2.8 million price tag will be funded in full by the Athletic Department, which reported a $5.8 million surplus this year."