University of Michigan Board of Regents to consider projects for Crisler Arena, soccer stadium Thursday
Plans for a $23.3 million addition to Crisler Arena are up for approval Thursday when the University of Michigan Board of Regents meets.
In January, regents commissioned Jickling Lyman Powell Associates, Inc. to design a 50,000-square-foot player development center addition to Crisler Arena that would displace 60 parking spaces.
Plans to be presented Thursday include a larger addition - 57,000 square feet - that will displace 35 more parking spots. The same price tag was listed.
U-M athletic department cash and private donations will finance the project, which includes two new basketball practice courts, team locker areas, space for strength and conditioning, athletic medicine space, and staff and coaching offices. Pending approval of the plans Thursday and approval at a later date of contracts, the project's estimated completion is fall 2011. In total, 150 parking spots would be displaced.
Previously approved plans for a soccer stadium have been scaled back, but carry the same price tag.
In May, the U-M Regents approved the $6 million project with seating for 2,200 spectators and a 26,000-square-foot soccer stadium at the competition field just west of the Tisch Tennis Building. The design by Jickling Lyman Powell Associates Inc. was approved in June.
The scaled-back plans call for a 20,000-square-foot building with seating for 1,800. Funding will also come from athletic department resources and gifts. The project includes concessions, restrooms, a media area and two team locker rooms.
Juliana Keeping covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528.
Comments
A2D2
Wed, Sep 16, 2009 : 2:33 p.m.
Michigan stadium, Al Glick fieldhouse, the new baseball complex, a new soccer stadium and an expanded Crisler Arena - - - -. Can any other university claim to have better facilities than UofM?
shrewdrealist
Fri, Aug 24, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
What about the track facilities?
AANative
Wed, Sep 16, 2009 : 2:23 p.m.
It's about time! I like the existing arena especially when it's full of fans. What M needs to fill it is a winning program, I believe we have a great coach and not to take anything away from the very-good team we have now, we are one or two players away from returning to the year after year excellence we had grown use to enjoying before Fisher took over. A new practice facility is badly needed, M should have done this a long time ago.
Yogi
Wed, Sep 16, 2009 : 1:57 p.m.
Crisler arena is overdue for a face lift. To be competitive in recruiting a first rate university needs first rate facilities. I think they should start over and construct one building to hold both basketball and hockey.
jcj
Wed, Sep 16, 2009 : 1:02 p.m.
I wonder what kind of raises the average worker in the athletic program got this year? I suspect the guy that mops the floors got nothing. I wonder what kind of raises the coaches and administration got? I suspect they got whatever they wanted. The cost of my season football tickets does not stay the same for long. The big wigs at the U of M keep spending like there is no shortage of funds! What a luxury!
treetowncartel
Wed, Sep 16, 2009 : 11:41 a.m.
They should build a new arena. You and me Top Cat, and other people in the State.
russellr
Wed, Sep 16, 2009 : 11:17 a.m.
They get all the money they need by not paying taxes. Also by raising tuition every semester. You would think in these hard times everyone is having they would not raise the tuition. They know people need it so why not gouge.
jgp
Wed, Sep 16, 2009 : 10:57 a.m.
As the story states UM is getting the money for this from Athletic Department cash (i.e. football revenue) and private donations (i.e. wealthy alumni)
81wolverine
Wed, Sep 16, 2009 : 10:42 a.m.
The practice facility is WAY overdue, but welcome nonetheless. Crisler itself will need a much larger amount spent on it in the near future too. They've made improvements, but it's still outdated by modern arena standards. I'd like to see more natural light in the public areas, better food service, upgraded restrooms, and new seats among other things. But, one thing at a time!