Meeeechigan Football is here!

The countdown to kickoff ends in two days. As a life long Michigan fan, this, like any other year provides a lot of things to be excited about. The offense appears as though it will be able to put up big numbers anywhere and despite losing a lot on defense, the stage has been set for Morgan Trent, Tim Jamison and Terrance Taylor to really step it up.

Last year we were all introduced to the plans the U of M Regents approved for the stadium expansion and renovation. While there are plenty of "under the radar" improvements like more bathrooms, and slightly wider seats (nobody can fit in a seat now) the big excitement for me at least is the new exterior.

The stadiums highest extents will be significantly above the current stadium while maintaining the stadium's low profile feel. Begin constructed in essentially a ditch has made it possible for many of the 100,000 fans to be below ground level and has kept the stadiums appearance in concert with the surrounding land uses. If you put Autzen stadium or Neyland where Michigan Stadium lies, it would be more of an eyesore than a source of pride.

One of the things I am hoping will happen as part of the stadium renovation is that the acoustics will be improved. Michigan Stadium can't hold any sound in. The loudest part of the game is the PA announcer with the rather dry "Don't trash the big house". The video boards are nice but the stadium needs to be louder.

The quietest 100,000 people in the world, or some variation of the phrase is something we have all heard. I found a really interesting article regarding the issue and what we can all do to help the sound situation now. While the acoustic design of the stadium can help, if nobody is yelling, there is nothing to magnify.

Put the keys away

For those that for one reason or another haven't seen the new Michigan Stadium sketch ups check them out here