The Big House: A History of Michigan Stadium
Michigan Stadium, known as "The Big House," stands as an iconic symbol of the University of Michigan's pride, tradition, and excellence. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this American football stadium is more than just a venue; it's a place where memories are made and legacies are forged. The stadium is used for the University of Michigan's main graduation ceremonies.
The Vision of Fielding Yost
In the early 1920s, legendary football coach Fielding Yost envisioned a grand stadium that would match the growing success and popularity of the Michigan Wolverines. Winning teams and large fan turnouts at Ferry Field, the Wolverines' previous home, made it clear that a larger venue was needed.
Yost's vision faced initial resistance. Despite the 1921 expansion of Ferry Field, the Regents were hesitant to approve a new stadium. However, Yost's persistence paid off, and on April 22, 1926, they finally gave the green light to the project.
Construction Challenges and Innovations
The construction of Michigan Stadium was not without its challenges. The chosen site was located on land with an underground spring, creating a waterlogged surface that resembled quicksand. This high water table meant that nearly three-quarters of the stadium had to be built below ground level. One notable incident during construction involved a crane sinking into the moist ground, where it remains buried to this day.
Yost initially envisioned a stadium seating between 100,000 and 150,000 people. After considerable debate, an agreement was reached to build a stadium with 72,000 seats, with the potential for expansion to over 100,000. The project was financed through the sale of 3,000 bonds at $500 each, rather than relying on taxpayer funds.
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Fashioned after the Yale Bowl, the stadium's construction required 440 tons of reinforcing steel and 31,000 square feet of wire mesh. The initial construction cost was $950,000, equivalent to $13.8 million in 2024.
As the stadium neared completion, Yost requested an additional 10,000 temporary seats for the concourse. This request was approved, and Michigan Stadium opened with a capacity of 84,401, making it the largest college-owned stadium in the nation at the time.
Opening Day and Early Years
Michigan Stadium opened on October 1, 1927, with a game against Ohio Wesleyan, which Michigan won 33-0. The official dedication took place three weeks later, on October 22, against Ohio State. Michigan won again, 21-0, before a standing-room-only crowd of 84,401. This victory was especially sweet, as the Buckeyes had hoped for revenge after Michigan spoiled the dedication of Ohio Stadium five years earlier with a 19-0 victory.
At the dedication game in 1927, two caged wolverines, known as “Biff” and “Bennie,” were introduced as the school’s mascots. However, plans to walk the animals on leashes were abandoned because of their viciousness.
In 1930, it became the first venue to use electronic scoreboards.
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Continuous Expansion and Improvement
Michigan Stadium has undergone numerous expansions and renovations throughout its history to meet the evolving needs of the university and its fans.
- 1949: Permanent metal seating replaced the original wooden bleachers, increasing the stadium's capacity to 97,239.
- 1956: The addition of a press box raised the official capacity to 101,001.
- 1969: Artificial turf replaced the natural grass field.
- 1991: The stadium returned to natural grass.
- 2003: FieldTurf was installed.
- 2010: A major renovation project included replacing some bleachers, widening aisles and individual seats, installing handrails, and adding a new press box, 83 luxury boxes, and 3,200 club seats. Permanent lights were also added.
- 2023: New video boards were installed in the north and south end zones.
Record-Breaking Attendance
Michigan Stadium has a long history of drawing massive crowds. Since November 1975, every Michigan home game has been attended by more than 100,000 fans.
On September 7, 2013, Michigan Stadium set an attendance record for a college or NFL game, with 115,109 fans watching Michigan defeat Notre Dame 41-30. This record stood as a post-1948 NCAA collegiate football attendance record.
"The Big House" also holds the record for the largest attendance for an NCAA Division II football game, one involving Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.
Beyond Football
While primarily known for football, Michigan Stadium has also hosted a variety of other events:
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- Hockey Games: In 2010, the stadium set an attendance record for a hockey game with 113,411 fans watching Michigan face Michigan State. In 2014, it set an NHL record with 105,491 attendees for a game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Lacrosse: Varsity men's lacrosse debuted at Michigan Stadium on March 17, 2012.
- Concerts: The University of Michigan Athletic Department and artist Zach Bryan announced a concert at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 27, 2025, with special guest John Mayer.
- Graduation Ceremonies: The University of Michigan's main graduation ceremonies are held at Michigan Stadium.
The Mystery of Fritz Crisler's Seat
One enduring mystery surrounding Michigan Stadium is the location of Fritz Crisler's seat. Since 1956, the stadium's capacity number has always included one "extra" seat, attributed to Crisler. Despite the anonymity, the legacies of Crisler and Yost live on as Michigan continues to pack the stadium full of 100,000-plus fans game after game.
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