"The Big House" - Michigan Stadium

Michigan Stadium, nicknamed "The Big House", is the football stadium for the University of Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Stadium was built in 1927 is the largest stadium in the United States with an official capacity of 109,901. The stadium is the third largest stadium in the world. On September 7, 2013, the Michigan vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish football game set a NCAA single-game attendance record of 115,109 at Michigan Stadium. Over the decades, Michigan Stadium has undergone many transformations that has seen the attendance level raise from 82,000 to a capacity of 109,901.

I recently had the opportunity to explore The Big House while on a trip back east. Within a few minutes of entering the stadium, I was standing in the area that houses the legendary Michigan Wolverines locker room and the tunnel, yes that tunnel that the legendary players ran through to get to the playing field. I have been granted access to many sporting venues over the years that had access like this, but as I made my way through the tunnel, the very sight of the field growing bigger and bigger until I set foot on it was unbelievable. The feeling of stepping out of the tunnel and onto the playing field for the first time at The Big House was mind blowing as it gave me a better appreciation for this stadium, its legacy and how awe inspiring it really was.

(The Michigan Wolverine Locker Room)

Next up on the tour were the two structures which houses the new press box, 83 luxury boxes and 3,200 club seats that was part of a $226 million renovation and expansion project for Michigan Stadium that was approved on June 21, 2007 by the University's Board of Regents. Having previously worked in both NCAA/NFL/NHL/MLB/NASCAR organizations, I had an idea of what I would be experiencing but once again, Michigan Stadium stole the show. These two structures which span the west and east sections of the stadium are decorated in Michigan football history from its early beginnings where NCIS star Mark Harmon's dad, Tom Harmon, was considered by many Michigan's greatest football player ever to the 2012 Sugar Football Trophy where Michigan defeated Virginia Tech.

Over the next few minutes, I made my way through the suites and spent some time in the press box just catching in every minute of the stadium that I could prior to departing. Michigan Stadium truly lives up to its reputation as one of the greatest stadiums in the world.