Michigan Stadium now open for weddings
Andy Li and Elaine Ng got married on the field of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor in May.
Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Bennett.
They originally thought the Michigan Union, or maybe the art museum, but when Ng happened across an article in which U-M Athletic Director David Brandon said he was thinking about allowing weddings at the Big House the couple was sold.
Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Bennett.
"That's where we met. That’s where we fell in love and we spent a lot of our Saturdays when we were in school there." said Li.
The couple got married May 27, 2012, in one of the first stadium weddings in Ann Arbor. Ng got ready in the home locker room, touching up her makeup in the same room Brady Hoke offers his players last-minute pep talks before a big game.
While most brides walk down a church isle, Ng walked down the tunnel that Wolverine football players normally enter the stadium through. Instead of 110,000 fans cheering, Ng and Li's closest friends looked on, ushering the couple into their newest milestone.
"Walking down the tunnel is like the coolest thing in the world. When you watch football games the anticipation is high. You're just waiting for the team to come out," said Ng. "It was kind of like that for me... the tunnel was very long. It's a pretty long walk so people have more time to look at you."
As the couple and their bridal party took photos, guests wandered the field, kicking field goals and faking touchdowns on the very turf that Denard Robinson threw the Hail Mary pass that allowed Michigan to win against Notre Dame in the final seconds of their match last season.
"It's unique, it can't be replicated," said Hepner, the athletics event coordinator.
Matt and Katie Ursitti were married at the Big House in January.
Photo courtesy of A Girl In Love Photography
Hepner says there have been five weddings at the Big House so far and there are seven more scheduled for the season. There have also been two wedding showers.
"Weddings have definitely been a big chunk of our business," Hepner said. Michigan Stadium can also be used for corporate events.
The cost is $6,000 to have the ceremony on the field, $9,000 to have the reception in the club area and $13,000 for both. Alumni and university employees do not receive discounts and catering is not included.
The first Big House wedding in recent history took place on January 28. Combined, Matt and Katie Ursitti families had purchased season tickets to U-M football games for 60 years.
"In our immediate family there are seven people who are alumns of U-M. My husband graduated in 94" from the business school, said Katie Ursitti. "It's part of our family tradition."
Brandon said recently that he wants to leverage the Big House financially, beyond athletic events. Brandon doesn't want Michigan Stadium, which recently underwent a $226 million renovation, to sit empty as much as it has in recent years. Last year it went unused roughly 340 days, or about 93 percent of the time.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
SomethingFloral
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
This is a really unique location for a wedding or special event. When you're standing on the 50 yard line, looking up at the scoreboards and all the seats, you realize just how big the stadium is and the significance it has. As weddings are becoming increasingly unique and more personalized to the couple, Michigan Stadium will be a popular place for the weddings of couples who met while attending U of M. Since it is a unique venue, it will appeal to couples desiring something different from the typical, cookie-cutter, church wedding and hotel or banquet hall reception. In the summer of 2011, we were invited to design for a professional photo shoot that took place inside Michigan Stadium and was published in a popular bridal publication and on a high-traffic wedding website and accompanying bridal blog. The design concept was a coed, U of M football themed wedding shower for a couple who had met at U of M. Some of the photos can be seen online, on the website at: http://www.vendors.bestweddingsites.com/magazine/2011/9/29/its-all-in-the-details-a-navy-yellow-coed-bridal-shower-at-u.html And also on the blog at: http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/blogs/2011/8/31/photo-shoot-and-the-crowd-goes-wild-for-a-coed-bridal-shower.html The tablescape was setup and photographed just off the turf at the 50 yard line, and the photos provide a unique visual perspective of what it's like to be on the field with the enormous stadium surrounding you.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.
Hmmm. My husband were married after college by a Justice of the Peace. The cost: $10.00. We have been married almost 40 years now.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
!3 grand just to tie the knot on a college football field? I think it's just tacky.
Diane
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
Whoop-tee-do. Get married in your own yard, save the $$$$$$$$ for a down payment on your first house. Use some common sense!
girlhunter
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
I would get married there!!! Maybe I can talk me hubby into renewing of the vows!!!!!
krdunnam
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
"While most brides walk down a church [a]isle..." is how the English majors correctly spell it.
Diddy
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 5:25 a.m.
Since when is a 16 yard pass a "Hail Mary?" Just sayin'.
jns131
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:47 p.m.
At least you will blessed for all eternity.
ytown
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 3:46 a.m.
Can I have my wedding at night? Are my guests going to be too rowdy?
jns131
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:46 p.m.
From what I hear? Leave the fireworks at home. Neighbors will complain.
SEC Fan
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
Bet there will be no night Weddings...
Ron Granger
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
How long until we can pay to be buried under the turf? Funeral plots could raise a lot of money.
jns131
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
Cheap coffins? Not sure I'd like to be buried at the end zone.
swcornell
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
I heard decorating it was quite an expensive undertaking too!
Jello Biafra
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
Here's an idea: hold a weekly flea market in the Big House. That should help raise more money.
jen777
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
Why is this the main headline on line? This option was announced more than a year ago and has been occurring since then.
Frankyhollywood68
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
I've been to one event at the UoM suits. For all that money it's kind of cheap. Now, a Rolling Stones concert with Lenny Kravits opening, Bob seger in the audience and U2 waiting in the wings....THAT'S a stadium event!! go Sparty!!
Jello Biafra
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
this is all so horrible.
a2miguy
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
Well now there's some insight...
Ron Granger
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
How ironic that most of those weddings will be better planned and choreographed than RichRod's failed defense.
Kai Petainen
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
i presume beer/wine is allowed? for receptions.... walking out on the field with glass in hand for photos? cheers...
Dave Bass
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
Thirteen grand is pretty steep when, over 50%, end in divorce.
jns131
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
Maybe that is why it ends in divorce? No one can make the payments?
jns131
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
Not bad for the price. It all depends on who is all invited and if the space is warranted. I can see seating of 400 there and having room. Kind of like this idea. As for catering? A nice appetizer reception seems the way to go.
Tom Todd
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
so called state assisted capitalism is awesome.
Scott
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
6-9-13 grand. The cost of a paint job is $6,000,000. Wouldn't damage to the turf cost more than the revenue?
John of Saline
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
Will the Moonies rent the place for mass weddings?
semperveritas
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
there is a cut-rate quicky wedding plan. for 6K the marriage will be performed during halftime of an actual game (more for osu /msu / ndu). the band has been warned that they may have to slot a couple minutes between THE HAWAIIAN WAR CHANT and TEMPTATION to accommodate the i do's.
Bulldog
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
Do you say "Go Blue!" instead of "I do?"
15crown00
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.
or whatever you choose like Sparty On
G-Man
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
Of course, this won't affect a drop in ticket prices..........
G-Man
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
Does this include same sex?
eagleman
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 9:22 p.m.
Marriages shouldn't be recognized by the state regardless. Why we feel the need for the state to place its' imprimatur on love is beyond me. Marriage as a legal institution ought to be abolished.
Madeleine Borthwick
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 5:01 p.m.
G-man, if it doesn't then it should. Gay or Straight, Love is Great!
a2ete
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
@Craig, You are correct. The State of Michigan does not allow any "wedding officiant" to conduct a "same sex" marriage.
smokeblwr
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
WWBD?
Kafkaland
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
I don't think there would be a problem with same-sex weddings. If you get married in the Big House, UM does not recognize your marriage any more than, let's say, the banquet hall. So no constitutional issue there. But I hope the state will change its mind on this soon and recognize all marriages equally.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Good question. technically it would violate Article 1 Section 25 of the Michigan constitution I believe.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
Why stop at weddings? What about kids birthday parties? Clowns doing balloons in the end zone. snow cones and cotton candy in the red zone. Do we put the pony rides or the moon walk at the 50 yard line?
Terry Star21
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
Hey Craig....you,ve got to tell me; where is your 'stand-up-show' and what days do you play ? I'm dying to see you preform !
jns131
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
For that price on a childs birthday party? Ouch.
Brian Bundesen
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
How about funerals? Sprinke the ashes in the end zone. Think about it . . . http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2630637
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
For an additional 2 grand plus air fare and accommodations Rich Rod will be your best man too.
Madeleine Borthwick
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 5 p.m.
yipes, like he's ever been Best Man at football.....
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
tears are rolling down my cheeks at the thought.
John Baker
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
And Josh Groban will movingly perform "You Raise Me Up".
Dog Guy
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
For $13k is the referee officiating at the wedding assisted by a line judge, side judge, and back judge for color commentary on the bride's gown?
Madeleine Borthwick
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
and who's the flower girl/ring bearer?
15crown00
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
oh that and more providing the bride is attired in a blue and yellow gown
John Baker
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
I'm fine with this, but getting married at the big house... isn't that a bit Hoke-y...
Madeleine Borthwick
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
enough with the bad puns already!!!!!!
John of Saline
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
You're Moeller likely getting Carried away with such talk.
Rabid Wolverine
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
Wow. So much negativity towards this...What do you all care if someone is willing to throw money at UofM in order to get married there when it sits empty during that time anyway? Had this been a well-known option when I got married you can bet my wife would have had us look into as we are both passionate UofM fans and she is an alum. Yes, this is the Big House, but it is not some holy untouchable place that shouldn't ever be used for anything except football.
Albert Howard
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
Big House may have to change their 'Hail To The Victors' motto to the famous wedding phrase: What God has joined together, let no man bring asunder. $13,000 is still a dream come true.
Madeleine Borthwick
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.
Albert, that's "let no man PUT asunder.
Judy
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
Some people have more money then brains! $13,000 just for a place to say "I do!"
Madeleine Borthwick
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
Judy, I'm with you!!!!!with all the beautiful places here in A2 to get married, a FOOTBALL FIELD is NOT the first place that comes to mind......
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
jns131, don't forget invitations, decorations, flowers, gifts for the wedding party, photographer, limo, wedding planner, dress, tuxedos, I'll differ to my wife or daughter for all thats not included. the notion that for 13 grand all you have to do is show up with a caterer is not accurate. As I said before the only thing that is included is the physical "church" (football field) and the reception hall minus any reception hall perks. Those two items don't amount to much at all in a $30,000 wedding.
jns131
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.
I agree. Drop in the bucket. I think the average wedding costs what? $30.000? So this is not bad considering all you have to do is show up with a caterer.
15crown00
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:39 p.m.
totally insane i agree.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
"That is for the wedding and reception, and plenty of people pay that much for both.' No that is to rent the church and rent the hall. That's just the starting point. Most people don't pay $13,000 just for the "keys".
Rabid Wolverine
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
That is for the wedding and reception, and plenty of people pay that much for both.
Joel A. Levitt
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 11:59 a.m.
Sorry, corrected copy follows: It's good to have a sagacious financier and merchandiser like Domino's David Brandon at the athletic helm. In the just ended quarter, 12 stadium weddings have occurred or been contracted. At $13,000 per wedding, if there are no attendant maintenance costs, these weddings will bring the UM almost 7/100 of a percent of the refurbishing costs. If stadium nuptial-use continues at this rate it could mean recovering almost a quarter of one percent of these costs, annually. This rate of return is almost as good as that of my checking account. Why, we could recover our entire expense in just 400 years! David, have you considered giving the wedding guests a break on the cost of pizzas? Of course, in the case of truly large guest lists, this might cause a dire, though only temporary, loss of pizza delivery services for the rest of Ann Arbor. Thinking about large guest lists, how did we miss attracting England's Prince William and, now, Princess Kate? Are we now prepared to profit from future celestial weddings?
Lifetime AA ND Fan
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.
Hey... nothing bad about bleeding gold and blue :)
Elaine F. Owsley
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
Brandon left Domino's to take the Michigan job. He bleeds blue and gold now, not blue and red.
Joel A. Levitt
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
It's good to have a sagacious financier and merchandiser like David Brandon at the athletic helm. In the just ended quarter 12 stadium weddings have occurred or been contracted. At $13,000 per wedding, if there are no attendant maintenace costs, these weddings will bring the UM almost 7/100 of a percent of the refurbishing costs. If stadium nuptial-use continues at this rate it could mean recovering almost a quarter of one percent of these costs, annually. This rate of return is almost as good as that of my checking account. Why, we could recover our entire expense in just 400 years! David, have you consider giving the wedding guests a break on the cost of pizzas? Of course, in the case of truly large guest lists, this might cause a dire, though only temporary, loss of pizza delivery services for the rest of Ann Arbor. Thinking about large guest lists, how did we miss attracting England's Prince William and, now, Princess Kate? Are we now prepared to profit from future celestial weddings?
Jimmy McNulty
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
It's still income.
Brad
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
Now if there's a problem with the vows do they back up 5 yards and try again? Next up: Big House divorces. Both sides make their cases and then the refs assess the settlement. I'm sure if someone got out their checkbook then Brandon would book it.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Hahaha! GREAT comment!
15crown00
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:37 p.m.
this is a classic comment.i love it.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 11:21 a.m.
does the $6000 include chairs set up? And would I need to sneak my own flask in to the club area if I wanted a "nip" ?
Elaine F. Owsley
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 11 a.m.
As someone who wouldn't watch football if O.J. Simpson, the Manning brothers and Joe Namath were playing in the front yard, it's hard to get my head around this venue for weddings. I guess their love for U of M "runs deep" as the Chevy commercials say.
smokeblwr
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 11:04 a.m.
That would be a fun game to watch. Joe Namath couldn't care less about the team struggling and may try to kiss you. Eli probably would refuse to play until he was traded to a better team. Peyton would likely get carted off your lawn in a neck brace and of course OJ would be looking under all your landscaping rocks for the real killer.
dading dont delete me bro
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 10:48 a.m.
'now open' is deceiving...as your story says, " Hepner says there have been five weddings at the Big House so far..." i have pictures from one from a year or two back.
smokeblwr
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 10:43 a.m.
So if a church is God's house is Michigan Stadium David Brandon's house?
eagleman
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
Jason, that 01 stands for Crisler, not Yost. After the 1956 renovation Crisler supposedly put in an extra seat that only he knew of.
Rob MI
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
Ah, but the extra seat isn't for Yost. It's for Crisler. Directly from Michigan Stadium's "Facilities" page on MGoBlue.com: "While there are many things known about Michigan Stadium, one aspect that remains a mystery is the location of Fritz Crisler's seat -- the one "extra" seat that is indicated in the capacity number given to Michigan Stadium every year since 1956. "
f4phantomII
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
According to Bob Ufer it's, "The hole that Yost dug, Crisler paid for, Canham carpeted, and Schembechler fills every cotton-pickin' Saturday afternoon."
Jason
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
You should know better. It's Fielding Yost's house. There's a reason why the official capacity is listed with a 01 at the end. It's to signify a seat specifically reserved for Yost.