Posted on Mon, May 16, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.
Designs for next phase of Crisler Arena renovation up for approval by University of Michigan regents
By AnnArbor.com Staff
Schematic designs of the $52 million second phase of the renovation of Crisler Arena are up for approval Thursday when the University of Michigan regents meet in Dearborn.
The first phase of the renovation is under way and involves new seating and changes to the infrastructure of Crisler Arena, which opened in 1967. The second phase includes new entrances, retail space, ticketing areas and a private club space. More restrooms and concession areas and new scorebords also are part of the plan.
Funding for the both phases comes from the athletic department.
TMP Architecture, assisted by Sink Combs Dethlefs, did the design work. The two firms designed the basketball player development center, which is currently under construction.
Comments
tater
Mon, May 16, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
Interesting. While the football team sells 101,000 seats every game and could probably sell 130,000 most of the time, the basketball program has never really been able to fill Crisler on a regular basis. Given the fairweather nature of the basketball fans and the age and appearance of Crisler, they could almost gut it and rebuild with about 2,000 less seats and still gain revenue in the long run. If they ever want to get back to dominating the state again, Crisler needs to be a palace. It needs to look so good, inside and outside, that it impresses recruits instead of causing the coaching staff to make excuses for it. Then, once the rebuilding is done, it is essential to get the MHSAA Tournament back. There needs to be a split with Breslin. Either they need to alternate years or Crisler needs to get the top two classes on Friday for semifinals. The Ed Martin Fiasco gave Izzo an "auto-DQ" button to push in recruits' houses when it came to Michigan, but having the cream of the crop play semifinal and championship games on MSU's home floor is a recruiting bonus, too.
nittanylion
Mon, May 16, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
Can we please see conceptual drawings of what everything is going to look like and the new seating plan. And what does that mean to season ticket holders as far as seating and location goes?
81wolverine
Mon, May 16, 2011 : 7:33 p.m.
Sounds good, as long as they upgrade the food from the slop served now, upgrade the bathrooms, make it easier to walk through the concourse areas, and improve the dingy lighting in these areas.