Big House a Home for All Fans of the Maize and Blue in 2010

Detroit News - Disabilities Blog

By Richard Bernstein
September 2, 2010

As summer draws to a close and the feel of autumn starts to fill the air, the college football season is upon us. For University of Michigan fans the season begins at home at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, with the Wolverines pitted against the University of Connecticut Huskies.

With the addition of 152 permanent wheelchair and companion seats located throughout the stadium, Michigan's newly renovated Big House has become the premier accessible college football stadium in America for all spectators to attend a game.

Wheelchair accessible and companion seating has been added on the east side of the stadium at row 72, on the west side at the new concourse level and in the student section at row 72. This brings the total wheelchair and companion seating to 658. Newly renovated concourses, concessions, accessible parking and accessible restrooms will not only improve the U-M game experience for those with a disability, but for everyone.

Prior to the start of the 2008 season, permanent wheelchair seating was added at the stadium as a result of a consent agreement reached between the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America and the University of Michigan. Critics at that time feared that by creating additional seats for the disabled, games would not be sold out, the interest of the disabled community was overblown and attendance in those seating areas would fragment the domineering look of the Big House when filled to capacity.

However, contrary to the criticism, despite disappointing 2008 and 2009 seasons for the team, the disabled areas were filled. Paralyzed military veterans, terminally ill patients at U. of M. hospital and other people with disabilities could now see the team they loved without having to suffer the indignities that a lack of accommodations for someone in a wheelchair often brings.

As the 2010 season approaches, disabled and able-bodied fans can root for the Wolverines in this newly finished, completely accessible, and truly majestic stadium. The Big House can be a showcase for the rest of the country of inclusion and accessibility for disabled individuals in public facilities. Accompanying a friend with a disability or family member to a game can be an inspiring experience. It allows for the opportunity for people to connect and root for the team that they love.

Most importantly, it gives barrier-free access to all fans, regardless of whether they are able-bodied or disabled, to feel a part of something larger. It's not only about the team, it's about the community. The Big House can now truly be deemed a home for all fans of the maize and blue. A home for fans, for veterans, for cancer patients, for young and old, for the able-bodied, the disabled ... for everyone! Go Blue!