U Of Michigan Asking For $2 Million More For Historic Windows In Ice Arena

The regents also are being asked to formally approve a name change that’s already taken effect in many media reports and on mgoblue.com, the athletic department’s website: Crisler Arena, home to UM’s basketball teams, will become Crisler Center.

The additional spending on Yost takes the project to $16 million from the $14 million approved last fall, according to the agenda filed online for the regent’s meeting Thursday.

Five bids have been received for the project, and the addition of more expensive windows and unexpected higher prices for steel and bleachers are fueling the request to approve the extra money, according to the action request from UM Athletic Director David Brandon.

The project involves replacing the east, west and south seating in the ice arena, along with work on the concourses, fire suppression system, additional seating platforms, a new media area, new loge boxes and the new exterior windows.

The work is scheduled to be finished by the fall.

The capital funding for the projects will come from the athletic department, and bonds or commercial paper would be issued for construction cash flow if needed.

The arena opened in 1924.

The request for renaming Crisler — named for former coach and athletic director Herbert “Fritz” Crisler when it opened in 1967 — comes during its renovation into a multiuse building.

A year ago, the regents approved a $52 million second phase of Crisler renovation and expansion. That project was to add about 63,000 square feet for new fan entrances, additional retail spaces and ticket areas, as well as a private club space.

The first phase of the Crisler renovation was $20 million worth of improvements and repairs to the roof and electrical, plumbing and air-handling systems.

The regents meeting is at 3 p.m. Thursday in the Michigan Union’s Pendleton Room.