U-M Regents approve $52 million renovation of Crisler Arena, new scoreboards at Michigan Stadium

Posted on Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 5:13 p.m.

The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved a major renovation of Crisler Arena at its meeting today.

The project will add 63,000 square feet to the arena and create new spectator entrances, retail spaces, ticketing areas and a private club space. It will cost $52 million, said Timothy Slottow, the university’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.

In addition to the Crisler Arena renovation, the regents also approved new high-definition video scoreboards at Michigan Stadium, Crisler Arena and Yost Ice Arena.

A major renovation is planned for Crisler Arena.

The boards will be installed in each venue before the 2011-12 season. It will cost about $20 million to install them in all three places.

The Board of Regents already approved a renovation of the arena’s core, including its spectator seating, last October.

“The renovations will take our classic facility and make it a first-class, modern venue that will be among the best in the country,” Athletic Director Dave Brandon said in a statement. “Our goal is to create a home court advantage for our teams while making the fan experience memorable from the moment they walk into the arena.”

The department said the renovation would also improve seating for people with disabilities.

The expansion will also increase the space in the fan concourses and allow for an increase in restrooms, concessions and other fan amenities, the department said in a press release.

The athletic department is paying for the renovation out of its budget and gifts.

No construction schedule has yet been set.

TMP Architecture, assisted by Sink Combs Dethlefs, will begin the design work immediately. The two firms designed the basketball player development center, which is currently under construction.

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