Both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University are moving forward on plans to add luxury suites to their football stadiums. Michigan Stadium, known as the Big House, opened in 1927 with seating for 72,000. Several additions have increased its capacity to 107,501, largest in the US and 219 seats more than Penn State's Beaver Stadium.
To pay for more rest rooms, concession stands, a press box and other changes, Michigan athletic director Bill Martin hopes to add asmany as 79 luxury suites. "We don't want to put this cost on the backs of all of our season-ticket holders," Martin says.
In East Lansing, meanwhile, Michigan State will open 24 suites at Spartan Stadium this year as part of a $61-million renovation. Suite-holders will pay $35,000 to $80,000 each year.
Martin says U-M will move slowly and deliberately. Construction likely would not begin until after the 2006 football season. "We have to respect the traditions of Michigan Stadium," he says. "Michigan Stadium is a landmark; it's an icon."
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