2014 Facilities of Merit: Crisler Center Renovation & Addition

Crisler Center Renovation & Addition | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Mich.

Constructed in 1967, the University of Michigan’s Crisler Arena debuted upgrades in 2013 that impressed judges with their transformative effect. The like-new arena now has wider, brighter concourses to facilitate fan movement, modern fan seating options and amenities and state-of-the-art infrastructure for optimal building function.

 Relocation of restrooms, concessions areas and student seating, as well as installation of a dynamic new scoreboard, also helped bring the Michigan fan experience on par with today’s major college competition venues. Visual upgrades include a new emphasis on branding, a brightly colored vomitory for the dedicated use of “Maize Rage” student ticket-holders and a circular glass entry atrium.

One judge commented on the “classic integration of the Wolverine brand,” stating, “While intense, it seems just right.”

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Judges’ Comments:

How do you hide an ugly arena from the ’60s? By exquisitely wrapping the facility with new facilities. The graphics and color schemes are outstanding.

— Erik Kocher

Beautiful reuse of a storied campus arena. Has the feel of a completely new building.

— Jeff Piette

 The new “front door” will clearly be a hit for student-athlete recruits and fans alike.

— Clarence Mamuyac

ARCHITECT OF RECORD 
TMP Architecture | Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Associate Architect
Sink Combs Dethlefs | Denver, Colo.

Cost: $56.1 million

Square Footage: 281,930

Funded By: Athletic department funds

Major Facility Components: Entry atrium, fixed and telescoping seating, loge boxes, scoreboard, private club, two team stores, ticketing sales areas, audio/video studio, roof deck and garden, hall of honor

More 2014 Facilities of Merit: 

Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center 

Audley Recreation Centre 

Chinguacousy Sports Park Redevelopment

Cornell Community Centre & Library 

The 2014 Athletic Business® Facilities of Merit™ awards were selected by a panel of sports and recreation facility architects during two days of judging in Madison, Wis. The 10 winners are being announced during these two weeks, and profiles of all 10 will appear in the November issue ofAthletic Business. The awards will be presented to the facility owners and architects at the Athletic Business Conference & Expo in Orlando on Friday, Nov. 14.