Vandalism of block 'M' at Michigan Stadium being investigated

Posted on Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 2:17 p.m.

University officials continue to investigate a vandalism incident at Michigan Stadium, in which part of the block "M" at the 50-yard line was removed.

Officials are unsure of how the vandalism took place, but believe it occurred sometime late Saturday or during the day Sunday, according to Diane Brown, spokeswoman for the university's department of public safety.

Wednesday morning update: Vandals "hacked it out" on block M

Investigators do not know how someone got into the stadium, which remains under construction as part of an ongoing $226 million renovation project.

Facility manager Chris Ehman said a 6-foot by 8-inch chunk of field turf near one of the edges of the Block M was removed, causing $1,500 to $2,000 in damage between the replacement turf and the man hours to complete the work. The vandalism was first noticed by a stadium construction worker Monday.

Associate athletic director Bruce Madej said the repairs would be made by Michigan's spring football game April 17.

AnnArbor.com staffer Erica Hobbs contributed to this report. Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by e-mail at jeffarnold@annarbor.com.