Michigan Stadium, officially known as The Big House, is a football stadium located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is primarily used for American football games, hosting the home games of the University of Michigan Wolverines, its owner.
Opened on October 1, 1927 with a game between Michigan and Ohio Wesleyan, it replaced Ferry Field. The original seating capacity was 72,000, however, it has been expanded several times. The current seating capacity of Michigan Stadium is set at 107,601, making it the largest stadium in the United States and the second largest stadium in the world. The stadium was designed by Bernard L. Green and the construction cost was around $950,000.
Michigan Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in American college sports. Throughout its history, it has hosted several major games, including the annual Michigan-Ohio State game, which is one of the most storied rivalries in college football. It has also hosted hockey games, including the 2014 NHL Winter Classic, and several concerts. By its 90th birthday, Michigan Stadium had welcomed more than 40 million spectators. Despite being primarily a football venue, Michigan Stadium has also been used for other events such as graduation ceremonies and has been visited by several U.S. Presidents.
While the previous stadium of the Michigan Wolverines was also officially named 'Regents Field', both the old and the new stadia are invariably referred to by their unofficial name, Michigan Stadium. Michigan is the name of the university the stadium was built for, located in the city of Ann Arbor, which itself derives its name from the founders of the city, John Allen and Elisha Rumsey. This unofficial name caught on soon after the original stadium's construction; the people of Ann Arbor used to simply call it The Big House. Therefore, the stadium's common name became 'Michigan Stadium', which is usually known as 'The Big House'. This nickname, however, could be argued to be accurate, since Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States and the second largest in the world.
Michigan Stadium was built in 1927 at a cost of $950,000 (equivalent to $12.9 million in 2020) and had an original capacity of 72,000. The stadium was designed by Bernard L. Green. Renovations have since increased the seating capacity to 107,601. The stadium has played host to a variety of events, including college football games, high school football games, commencement ceremonies, and the 2014 NHL Winter Classic.
The Wolverines have had a winning record at Michigan Stadium every year since its opening. The team's longest winning streak at the venue lasted 50 games, from 1901 to 1907, and its longest unbeaten streak lasted 88 games, from 1901 to 1918. The stadium also holds the record for the most attendees in a single game, when 115,109 people watched Michigan play against Notre Dame in 2013.
Michigan Stadium's architectural design is distinctive. Its structure is comprised of over 400,000 individual bricks and its design was inspired by the Yale Bowl. The stadium's bowl-like design allows for maximum visibility, and the stadium's field is sunk 20 feet below ground level. The stadium's press box was added in 1956, and its most recent renovation, in 2010, added luxury boxes and club seating, a new press box, and a new scoreboard.
Michigan Stadium is not just a football venue. It has played host to several major music concerts, including performances by the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, and U2. In addition, the stadium has been used for several significant non-sporting events, such as the 1964 speech by President Lyndon B. Johnson in which he outlined the goals of his Great Society domestic agenda, and the 1987 visit by Pope John Paul II, who celebrated Mass at the stadium.
Michigan Stadium, also known as 'The Big House', is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. Its convenient location and vast size make it an iconic landmark, not just within the University of Michigan campus, but also in the entire United States. The stadium is nestled in the southern part of the university's campus, making it easily accessible for students, faculty, and visitors.
The stadium was always intended to be the property of the University of Michigan. It was designed by Bernard L. Green, who was a graduate of the University. The initial concept drawings for the stadium were made as early as the 1920s, with the aim of creating a sports complex that could accommodate a large number of spectators and provide a superior experience for players and fans alike.
The construction of Michigan Stadium was championed by Fielding H. Yost, the University's athletic director at the time. Yost envisioned a stadium with a seating capacity of 150,000. To fund the construction of the stadium, the University undertook a number of initiatives, including soliciting donations from students, faculty, alumni, and the public. The university community and Michigan alumni were incredibly supportive, and many offered their personal time and resources to contribute to the construction efforts.
The construction of the stadium began on September 2, 1926. Less than two years later, on October 1, 1927, the stadium was officially opened. Despite Yost's initial vision, the stadium had a seating capacity of 72,000 when it was first built. However, over the years, it has been expanded several times, and today it can accommodate over 107,601 spectators, making it the largest stadium in the United States and the second largest in the world. The inaugural game at the Michigan Stadium was against Ohio Wesleyan, in which Michigan emerged victorious with a score of 33-0.
Michigan Stadium (1927): Information about the construction and history of Michigan Stadium, also known as The Big House. https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/stadium/stadtext/stad1927.htm
Michigan Stadium (The Big House) – until 2003: Details about the changes and renovations in Michigan Stadium till 2003. http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/usa/michigan_stadium
The Big House doesn't close: Book about Michigan Stadium's role in the University of Michigan's history. https://www.amazon.com/Big-House-Close-Preface-Books/dp/9728820070
University of Michigan 100 glorious years - The History 1: Book containing a detailed history of the University of Michigan, including information about Michigan Stadium. https://www.amazon.com/University-Michigan-glorious-years-History/dp/989554099X
Becoming a leading global provider of digital solutions and services for the sports industry, enabling our clients to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
We aspire to be a trusted partner and advisor to our clients, leveraging our expertise and passion for sports to help them succeed in a rapidly changing market.
