Yost builds the Big (bigger, and biggest) House

Fielding Yost observes construction of Michigan Stadium with foreman. Black and white. Two men wearing white straw skimmers.

When the gates at Michigan Stadium opened to fans on Oct. 1, 1927, the venue could seat 72,000 fans — though heavy rains kept the day’s attendance to under 40,000. Thanks to the expansive vision of coach Fielding Yost, 107,601 fans can gather in Michigan Stadium nearly a hundred years later.

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Field of Dreams

U-M’s iconic Elbel Field, home to U-M’s iconic Michigan Marching Band (MMB) has moved! To be clear, the field hasn’t really moved, but the band has taken its gear to a new location within marching distance of its former home. Anyone looking to catch an outdoor practice can find the MMB at the site once owned by Fingerle Lumber, across Hill Street and north of the original Elbel. And while the field may have changed, the dream remains the same. These photos come courtesy of Michigan Marching Band Photography.

  • Over the rainbow

    Features at Elbel redux include a secondary, partial practice field with an endzone, a sound amplification system, audio-visual technology, overhead cameras, a video board, a goal post, Wi-Fi, and more. When plans were announced in 2023, MMB director John Pasquale told the University Record he was confident “this state-of-the-art classroom space with integrated technology will set a new standard in pageantry arts instruction.”

    A deserted Elbel Field with a rainbow

  • Strike a pose

    “The band not only contributes to the unparalleled atmosphere of our athletic events, but inspires pride across our Michigan community,” David Gier told the University Record in 2023. Gier is the dean and Paul C. Boylan Collegiate Professor of Music at U-M’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

    Cool Michigan Marching Band kids strike a pose.

  • What’s in a name?

    MMB director John Pasquale says it was important to the band community that the new site retain its name in honor of composer Louis Elbel, a U-M alum who wrote the University’s legendary fight song, “The Victors,” as a student in 1898. “It’s an iconic part of the institution,” Pasquale says.

    Line of Michigan Marching Band horn players

  • Band on the run

    The Elbel Field project is one piece of a transformative plan to expand affordable student housing options on Central Campus. The original site soon will be home to a 2,300-bed residence hall and dining facility.

    Michigan Marching Band practices under colorful sky.

  • The beat goes on

    Elbel — old and new — is the most visible classroom on the campus at U-M.

    Michigan Marching Band members line up in formation.

  • A-Maizing

    Generations of Ann Arborites and their children have long enjoyed band rehearsal — possibly the best free entertainment in Washtenaw County.

    Michigan Marching band formation

  • Tune with a view

    Like its predecessor, the revamped Elbel Field features field lighting, an instructional tower, fencing, and bleachers.

    Elbel Field with tower.

  • Matching set

    The main field is sized and oriented in a north-south position to match the game field at Michigan Stadium.

    Two baton twirlers perform at MMB practice.

  • Stay hydrated

    There are just a few last-minute touches to be completed: installation of permanent water filling stations, MWireless access points, and the green space to the left of the field.
    Musician fills water bottle during Michigan Marching Band practice.