“THE BIG HOUSE” Yes. The best place to be on a crisp fall Saturday. Tradition is spattered all over the corner of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard – where only 20 rows sit above ground level as “the house that Yost built” sits deep down. Over 100,000 spectators have piled into the Big House for every game since 1975 – superior mental math skills tell that’s almost 35 years! As a fan, how could you not appreciate the second-half thanks from the press box – thanking fans for “being part of the largest crowd watching a football game anywhere in America.” Over the last decade we have seen some striking changes in it’s appearance.

Here is the official Michigan Stadium Project Flyover video off of UM’s Architecture, Engineering and Construction website

The 400,000-square-foot addition includes two multi-story masonry structures on both the east and west sides of the stadium; the end zones will remain open. The structures, which will stand 10 feet higher than the current scoreboards at their highest point, include 83 suites and 3,000 club seats.

When the renovations are complete, the capacity of the Big House will top 108,000.

The plans call for buildings to be constructed on the concourse at the north and south end zones. These buildings will house additional restrooms and concessions, and support functions such as first-aid, police/security and will-call. The structures will be covered in the same brickwork as the new sideline buildings.

Stadium improvements will include an increase in the number and quality of restrooms; more concession stands with a greater variety of fare; wider aisles; handrails; additional entry and exit points for improved crowd circulation and safety; and additional dedicated seating for fans with impaired mobility.

Construction work will be phased over a period of three years in order not to interrupt home football games. It is expected to be completed prior to the 2010 fall football season.