Posted on Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 11:39 a.m.
Michigan Stadium press box in process of being torn down
By AnnArbor.com Staff
Workers began tearing down the Michigan Stadium press box Wednesday. Its demolition should be completed by Monday.
Bruce Madej | University of Michigan
Renovations of Michigan Stadium resumed as soon as the football season ended. They continued this week, as construction crews started tearing down the press box.
Bruce Madej of the Michigan athletic department snapped these photos Wednesday of the ongoing work, and said the entire box should be torn down by Monday.
Bruce Madej | University of Michigan
The work is part of the final phase of the stadium's $226 million overhaul started in 2007. Work is expected to be completed in time for the Wolverines' season opener on Sept. 4, 2010 against Connecticut.
Comments
Some Guy in 734
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 8:53 a.m.
Hot Sam... not since they switched from Sabrett to Ball Park.
David Briegel
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 11:54 a.m.
I used to love hangin' out there and on the photo deck. The only good thing about the hot dogs was that they were free!
fly2sxm
Fri, Dec 18, 2009 : 1:49 a.m.
Tony, I love the big house. I am totally aware that Michigan decided to go LED technology though everyone else in remodeling mode like Texas, Tennessee and the Bucks have far bigger and superior razor sharp images on the screens installed. Continuity in technology doesn't fit the Big House. The scoreboards now look as old as where the press box once stood and I'm sure that will be a project within the next 5 years. In the meantime, Go Blue!
Hot Sam
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 5:59 p.m.
"Ed--I've spent hours in the press box, and I can affirm that unless you are a Regent (or have access to their level) there was nothing fine about that place." Come on! Those were some fine Hot Dogs!!!
Danny
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 5:59 p.m.
First class only costs a little more! Michigan stadium deserves 1st CLASS! After all it's the big house! None bigger! Not even Tennessee. We plan to have an overflow crowd of press people the next 3 years to report on the resurgence of the Michigan football program into national prominance, so: LET'S GO FIRST CLASS.
Some Guy in 734
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 4:53 p.m.
Not to be a contrarian, but... oh, the heck with it. Ed--I've spent hours in the press box, and I can affirm that unless you are a Regent (or have access to their level) there was nothing fine about that place. fly2sxm--"old technology" in the scoreboard? Let's see... that would have to be the Jumbotrons. Those went in for the 1999 season, if memory serves. The light bulbs in the digit displays were replaced with LEDs a year or two ago, and the lower strip of the scoreboard was replaced with an LED panel at about the same time. What's old?
a2zoo
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 4:17 p.m.
Anyone know which side of the stadium the new press box going to be.
John of Saline
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 2:45 p.m.
Is there a webcam showing stadium construction? That and time-lapse would be pretty cool.
81wolverine
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 1:39 p.m.
I don't think too many people will be shedding any tears in seeing the old press box torn down - whether you had to sit in it or just had to look at it. It was a cheap-looking, outdated, and inadequate facility for a stadium as grand as the Big House. Frankly, I'm surprised the athletic department put up with it all these years since it was built in the 50's. The popularity and success of the Michigan program plus increased media exposure made the press box woefully undersized many years ago.
fly2sxm
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 1:37 p.m.
It was definitely dated. Now the scoreboards are a oomplete eyesore with the new suites. They are just consumed and old technology. The horseshoe has had a bigger scoreboard than hours for years. It's nicer too. If we are the Big House, are we ever going to upgrade something bigger so it doesn't look like the suites stand out so much?
Pete Bigelow
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 12:54 p.m.
Bumby, I anticipated that someone would ask that question, and I'm in the process of trying to find an answer. When I hear something, I'll update this story. Thanks for asking. Pete
Bumby
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 12:29 p.m.
Any word on plans for the "Michigan Stadium" letters and the eagle?
A2D2
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 12:26 p.m.
As much as it is a wonderful part of our U of M history, and as many "ghosts" as must have been still roaming it, it was woefully dated, looked diturbingly like it would fall over, and was truly out of place given the new facility.. I'll still miss it a lot...................