Save The Big House

Recently,  while checking up on some Michigan basketball recruiting, I ran across a petition that opposes adding luxury boxes to the University of Michigan football stadium.  For those who dont follow college athletics,  The Big House is the largest football stadium in the country, capable of holding over 111,000 people (for what its worth, NFL stadiums average around 70,000).  Whats even more impressive is the schools strict policy that prohibits advertising of any kind within the stadium (as long as youre not counting the hundreds of Nike swooshes on the uniforms).



Luxury boxes are more & more becoming the norm in modern sports arenas because they generate a large amount of revenue.  On the other side, it also creates a caste-like system, where the wealthy & privledged are seperated from the average fan.  This would be a fine enough situation for an NFL team, after all we live in a free market economy.  However, I think its inappropriate at a public institution that prides itself on granting equal access for all and went all the way to the surpreme court to defend itself.

As an amatuer institution that finds itself closer and closer to the professional line, college football certainly doesnt need any more nudges towards pro status.  As a Michigan alum who values tradition, Im very much opposed to adding the luxury boxes.  While the stadium certainly needs some renovations they could be paid for in a way that doesnt diminish the Universitys ideals or reputation. ;I know there are a few other alumni on the site, if youre interested (even if youre simply a fan), check out the link below:

Save The Big House

Heres a background article on the situation from the NY Times
NY Times article (Might have to register)