U-M’s Crisler Arena project grows, soccer field shrinks

Upcoming development projects on University of Michigan athletic facilities are calling for a bigger Crisler Arena construction project and a smaller version of a new soccer stadium.The U-M Board of Regents approved designing a new $23.5 million player development center (aka new practice facility) as an addition to Crisler Arena. Also in the works is an upcoming proposal to replace and upgrade Crisler’s infrastructure, such as plumbing, heating and cooling and electrical. The regents are expected to green light construction on the player development center project earlier next year.The university is also downsizing its plans to expand the school’s soccer stadium next to the Varsity Tennis Center. Earlier this year the university planned to spend $6 million to create 2,200 seats and 26,000 square feet of locker rooms, offices and other facilities. That is now down a few thousand square feet and a few hundred seats. However, Athletic Dept. officials are hopeful they can get the project closer to the original goals if bids come in low enough.”We will build what we can afford,” says Michael Stevenson, executive associate athletic director for the University of Michigan.Source: Michael Stevenson, executive associate athletic director for the University of MichiganWriter: Jon Zemke