Michigan unveils plan for $250 million athletic facilities upgrade

The university is dubbing it “The future of Michigan Athletics.”  It will be a five-year process and a very costly one at that.  But the Wolverines athletic department and Board of Regents believe that when the $250 million project is finished, their facilities will be among the nation’s “leaders and best.”

The plan was outlined by athletic director David Brandon in June when he presented it to the Board of Regents.  On Tuesday, the school provided the public a look into the plans.

The biggest chunk of the $250 million will go toward a $90 million renovation of the track and field building renovation.  The football stadium will receive a six million dollar paint job in February.

Per the Free Press, the other projects of note are:

“Field hockey renovation ($9.5 million in March 2013); a $3-million softball addition in June; $12 million for the lacrosse facility and locker rooms in March 2014; $25 million for strength and conditioning, rowing and soccer in March 2015; the Yost ice plant replacement for $3.2 million in April 2015; an expansion of Canham Natatorium for $20 million in March 2017, and a $30-million multipurpose area in June 2017.”

It’s an interesting development since the overwhelming majority of the funds are going toward sports that produce very little or no revenue.  But then again, it isn’t like the revenue sports haven’t seen their fair share of recent upgrades.  The Crisler Center (basketball) received $52 million in upgrades including an atrium and updates in the concourse and concession areas before this past season.  Before the 2010 season, Michigan Stadium (football) underwent a $226 million detail in which 83 luxury boxes were added, seats and aisles were expanded (or so they said), hand rails and 3,200 extra seats were added.

Bottom line: outside of the 80-some-ish track and field athletes and the potential recruits, I just don’t know how many people are on the edge of their seat to see a $90 million renovation of the track and field building.  Outside of a track and infield, what else does one need anyway?  Dah well, here are some pictures of their plan.

Planned multi-purpose arena – courtesy of U-M

Planned lacrosse complex – courtesy of U-M

Planned field hockey facility – courtesy of U-M

Planned natatorium – courtesy of U-M

Planned strength and conditioning facility – courtesy of U-M

Planned track and field building renovations- courtesy of U-M

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