Newly renovated Michigan Stadium will feature 24 new drinking fountains (for a total of 28), at least 40 concessions stands that will sell $4 bottles of water and four hydration tents that will be set up around the stadium. For these reasons, as well as a recommendation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the University of Michigan will prohibit fans from carrying in bottled water this season.
In recent years, Michigan football fans could bring their own bottles, as long as the bottle's seal had not been broken. But fears of flammable liquids being smuggled in plastic bottles has led to the policy change, according to the athletic department's communications office.
But critics have been quick to point out that the added plumbing in the Big House still leaves roughly one drinking fountain for every 4,000 fans, while others see $4 bottled water as a shameless money grab. Some look with equal skepticism (and sarcasm) toward the promotion scheduled for the Wolverines' home opener Sept. 4. The first 25,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a commemorative bottle of Absopure spring water. "I know that bottle will sit in the trophy cases of many a lifelong fan for years to come," wrote one commenter at annarbor.com. "What better way to say 'I was there' than to have an empty plastic water bottle amongst your fan collection of memorabilia. How idiotic."
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