<p>We had an amazing visit to UMich, Ann Arbor! Beautiful campus, friendly people, totally happening place -- all the schools (biz, law, med, engineering, lsa) seemed to be absolutely thriving. Every student I spoke to sounded happy, the seniors had already got great jobs/grad school placement. </p>
<p>I was completely blown away by the Engineering facilities in the North Campus. It was like stepping into the lobby of a five star hotel. The reflecting pool, the Maya Lin grass sculpture, the various labs, I can go on and on. </p>
<p>And the Big House! My son was like a kid in a candy store. </p>
<p>The Big House is one of the more interesting venues at UMich. If you go to it today, it's obvious that they are building new press boxes and it's not even close to being done. But what's your thought on it being underground? Lots of people drive by on Main or Stadium and say "that's it"? I'm glad they let you in because once you walk in the stadium, words cannot explain the feeling (it's a good feeling).</p>
<p>It is hard to grasp the scale of it from outside ... we walked around the outside steps and didnt really go in since there were all kinds of barricades around. It was still awesome! </p>
<p>There was another stadium like thing being built near the central campus I wasnt sure what that was. Anyone know what that is?</p>
<p>Being from Boston, there's a special feeling I get every time I enter Fenway park. It's indescribable. The chills, the overwhelming feeling of being at a place so special and sacred (yes, it is a throne, a temple perhaps). I'm sure I will feel the same way about the Big House. Or at least similarly. I don't think it can equate my feeling for Fenway.</p>
<p>They're not building another stadium near Central campus--there are a couple of big projects ongoing through. One is the art museum addition, and also a nice addition on the Kelsey museum. Another is the North Quad (which is still just a BIG hole in the ground). They're building a new business school, and I think construction on the Hill (new dining center and refurbished residence hall) continues. Then of course there is the new hospital.</p>
<p>I live in Michigan but have been a lifelong Red Sox fan (Picked them because my favorite color was red when i was 5) and I felt the same feeling you describe.</p>
<p>But the feeling in the big house when the band is playing and everyones arms go up in unison while they sing "HAIL!" is equal to if not more inspiring than Fenway.</p>
<p>He's probably referring to the new indoor football practice facility just south of Schembechler Hall. They're starting to get some of the basic framework put up. It shouldn't take that long to finish, because usually football indoor practice fields are pretty simple buildings (at least from what I saw at Ohio State).</p>
<p>Hoedown is probably talking about the new CS Mott's Children's and Women's hospital. It's off of East Medical Center Drive, so most students wouldn't notice it unless they live in Markley.</p>
<p>Incidentally, I'm processing some survey responses from graduating seniors, and a good number of them talked about how football games in the Big House remain a big highlight of their undergrad years.</p>