By Noël Rozny
U-M basketball fans are in for a surprise this winter. Crisler Arena, home of the men’s and women’s basketball teams, has undergone a number of changes that affect not only the basketball court and team jerseys, but courtside seating as well.
Tom Brooks, director of marketing and promotions in the Department of Athletics, describes the changes as a return to tradition. With the help of Tommy Amaker, the new men’s head coach of the Wolverines, the department has been able to give Crisler a cleaner, classier look. The paint that covered much of the basketball court in previous seasons has been removed, and now only the block “M” remains at center court. The team also will be wearing traditional jerseys, which replace the block “M” logo on the front of the jersey with the word “Michigan.”
Fans will see a difference in the bleachers and seating. Brooks describes these changes as a “big move to improve atmosphere.” On both sides of the court, the first seven rows of bleachers have been converted to student bleachers. This will allow the “Maize Rage,” the student cheering section, to stretch from one end of the court to the other. Brooks says the proximity of the “Maize Rage,” in their bright yellow Michigan T-shirts, to the court will help intimidate the players of opposing teams. More importantly, it will help the students feel they are a part of the game.
The changes in seating also will provide an opportunity for more courtside seating. The first and second rows, which were previously reserved for press tables, have been taken out. One press table remains in the center, while the rest of the rows now consist of exclusive courtside seats. These seats are attained through contributions to the basketball scholarship fund. A gift of $2,600 (plus price of season ticket) can get fans a seat in Row A, and a gift of $1,600 (plus cost of season ticket) is the cost of a seat in Row B. Season ticket cost is $391. So far, 65 of the 100 courtside seats have been sold. Brooks says the closeness of the courtside seats also will help build team spirit and create an intimidating atmosphere for the visiting team.
For those who don’t have season tickets, the Dec.1 game against Boston College and the Dec. 8 game against Duke will be broadcast nationally on CBS. Faculty and staff are eligible for an MGoBlue pass, which grants free admission to all U-M sporting events, except football, men’s hockey and men’s basketball. Faculty and staff can pick up their passes with valid U-M IDs at the U-M Ticket Office on South State St. For more information, visit the Web at www.mgoblue.com.
No bags are permitted in Crisler Arena during games. The restriction includes purses, fanny packs, backpacks, diaper bags, camera bags, and binocular cases. Exceptions for medical reasons will be addressed individually at the entrance.
Men’s basketball schedule at Crisler Arena for the remainder of 2001:
Women’s basketball schedule at Crisler Arena for the remainder of 2001:
