Renovating and expanding a legendary facility like Michigan Stadium “The Big House” at the University of Michigan might seem daunting to some. Still, Motor City Electric Co. and its Ann Arbor-based subsidiary, Huron Valley Electric, were excited and proud to be selected to perform the electrical services for this significant undertaking. Project management, engineering, and field supervision staff from both MCE and HVE coordinated with Barton Malow ensured construction and renovation proceeded smoothly, according to schedule.

The project added 400,000 sq. ft. with two multi-level masonry structures on either side of the stadium. Additionally, teams added 83 luxury boxes and 3,200 club seats. Other upgrades include new electrical systems, generators, lighting, fire alarm system, and upgrades to the restrooms and concession stands.

The stadium once again lives up to its “Big House” moniker with a seating capacity of 109,901, the most extensive college professional football in the U.S. and second-largest globally. In addition, the new permanent lighting makes night games a reality.

All construction work took place Monday through Thursday so that U of M could play games on Saturdays as usual. During the two-year construction, every game sold out just as they have for roughly 20 years, meaning that more than one million Wolverine fans came through without a single safety incident. Yet every Monday morning, work crews were back on-site at 6 a.m. Nothing came between Wolverines and their diehard fans when Michigan Stadium was rededicated on September 4, 2010.