Crisler Center - Michigan Wolverines

Photos by Sean MacDonald and Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00

Crisler Center 333 E Stadium Blvd Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Michigan Wolverines website

Crisler Center website

Year Opened: 1967

Capacity: 13,751

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Michigan's House of Hoops

The University of Michigan Wolverines are known for their football program, which holds the most wins of any in the country. But that doesn't mean that basketball is given short shrift. Although the Crisler Center, home of the Wolverines' hoops squad, sits in the shadows of The Big House, the program itself has much to be proud of, including a beautiful venue that should not be missed by stadium visitors.

Named after former football head coach and athletic director Herbert “Fritz” Crisler, Crisler Arena was built in 1967 as the existing facility at Yost Field House (now Yost Ice Arena, home of Michigan hockey) was not large enough for the crowds. Those fans wanted to see star player Cazzie Russell, so Crisler is nicknamed The House that Cazzie Built. Russell went on to be the New York Knicks first overall pick in the 1966 draft and won the 1970 title with the team.

A massive renovation led to the venue being renamed to Crisler Center, giving the Wolverines an arena that is competitive with any in the conference. Keeping that traditional college basketball feel and balancing it with modern amenities and decor.

There is a lot of history here, too, both good and bad. In 1989, Steve Fisher took over the program before the NCAA Tournament, and the Wolverines ran off six straight wins to become National Champions for the first and only time. A few years later, the Fab Five era kept the Wolverines in the national news, though a scandal destroyed the reputation of the program, costing them conference championships, appearances in the 1992 and 1993 Final Fours, and the 1997 NIT championship.

Rebuilding after the probation was long and arduous, but the school is back where it belongs, with 12 tournament appearances since 2009, including two trips to the Final Four, where they were the runners-up (ironically, their opponent in 2013 was Louisville, which had to vacate their title due to yet another scandal).

These days, the Crisler Center is a lively place to see some quality college basketball. How does it measure up in other ways? Read on to find out.

Food & Beverage 4

All of the athletic venues at the University of Michigan have the same concession provider with similar offerings at similar prices. Crisler Center has a single concourse with 15 major stands. The most common is Wolverine Classics, which offers hot dogs and stadium sausages that are provided by Dearborn Sausage Company, and they are very good.

Snacks include a soft pretzel for $6.5 (add $2 for the cheese cup) and popped maize instead of popcorn, a shoutout to the school colors of Maize and Gold. A frozen Icee is $7.25, and you can also get a box of Champions Cookies for $9.

Buddy's Pizza, famous for Detroit-style pizza, offers a four-square pepperoni or cheese pizza going for $16. 

Big House BBQ has loaded BBQ Nachos for $15, the same price as a BBQ Chicken Sammie, which is the most appealing option. Another common option is Flock, where a chicken tender basket is $13.24; add just 75 cents for the Hot Honey variety. Chips and Cheese are $7, while an order of fries is $7.50.

Coca-Cola products are on offer in various sizes. A souvenir beverage mug is $12.25, a 32-ounce souvenir cup soda is $9.50, and a 20-ounce bottle of pop is $6.5. Bottled water will cost $5.50, while hot chocolate or coffee is $5. Alcohol is now available here, with a 16-oz. can of beer ranging between $12.25 and $13.50, while a canned cocktail goes for $16.25.

Overall, although food and beverages are rather expensive, it is of higher quality than fare found in similar stadiums. If you’re staying in Ann Arbor, though, better to save your appetite for the large selection of excellent restaurants found downtown.

Atmosphere 4

Originally opened in 1967, Crisler Arena was once like many of the other facilities built in that era: a round structure lacking windows and natural light. It has undergone three renovations over the years to bring the facility up to modern standards, with the most recent leading to the renaming of the venue.

The exterior of Crisler Center is smart-looking with brown brick and the famous block M markings.  Entering from the east will probably give fans the grandest entrance, ascending an escalator to the main concourse, where you will be greeted by the cheerleaders.

Around the concourses, the details are obvious with simple yet effective touches like high-quality flooring with verses of the fight song etched in. Around the walls, there are displays for each of the varsity teams that Michigan sponsors. There is little to no exposed concrete. The feeling is inviting and warm, which is a far cry from where it once was. The large display on Cazzie Russell entitled “The House that Cazzie Built” enlightens fans to some of the Wolverine basketball history.

Inside the seating bowl, fans are greeted with two levels of navy blue, modern, comfortable stadium seats. The court runs from north to south, and a large video board hangs above center court. The rafters are littered with banners for Big Ten Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.  Proudly hanging in the south end is the 1989 NCAA National Championship banner. Directly across from the championship banner are the honored numbers of Bill Buntin, Cazzie Russell, Phil Hubbard, Glen Rice, and Rudy Tomjanovich.  

Sight lines at Crisler are excellent, also, and the east side of the building is the spot to be for fans hoping for that perfect picture of the center logo. The student section, known as 'The Maize Rage', sits in Sections 18-28, with overflow going to Section 30. Some seats in Section 28 are sold to the general public, so if you sit there, you are right in between the students.

Game day at Michigan is a real college experience.  Most of the music is provided by the band. The cheerleaders and pep team add to the atmosphere on the court.  The game is not overproduced, and there is not a ton of advertising. Overall, there is a great feeling to Michigan basketball.

Neighborhood 5

Downtown Ann Arbor is within walking distance, and you will find a great variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and breweries around.

Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a favorite spot and is featured on ESPN as the local place to go, and would be a perfect early morning stop if you want to get supplies for a gourmet tailgating party. Places like Ashley's and Arbor Brewing Company's Corner Brewery provide excellent full-service options as well.

If you like Italian food, then Mani Osteria and Bar comes highly recommended, especially if you want something a little more upscale. Frita Batidos serves up tasty Cuban-inspired food. The Blue Nile serves up Ethiopian food, which is both unique and delicious.

If you want to enjoy a cheaper option, the New York Pizza Depot offers a few specials throughout the week.

Kids will love the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, while adults might prefer the university's Museum of Art. Both should be inspired by the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or the Museum of Natural History. All are within walking distance of each other and the sports complex.

Hotel accommodations can be found clustered near I-94 just to the south of the stadium, but expect to pay a hefty sum to stay here. If you’re flying in, the Detroit airport is about 20 miles to the east along I-94, and there are plenty of hotels there for a much better rate. Another alternative is to stay in the northeast corner of the city along Plymouth Road.

Fans 5

Michigan basketball fans are passionate, and that showed as over 10,000 showed up for an exhibition contest that we attended. Even more impressive were the students, who filled their sections and were raucous from start to finish. The crowd was into the game and cheered loudly when things were going their way. They also showed remarkable patience during a game that dragged on far too long due to some heavy-handed officiating.

Access 4

The Crisler Center is in central Ann Arbor, equidistant from I-94 and Highway 23, the main expressways around the city.  Getting to Crisler Center, as with all Michigan athletic facilities, will require some travel through the city. Considering that this town welcomes over 110,000 fans for Wolverine football games, getting 10,000 in and out of Crisler Center is not too difficult.

There are some parking options, with the Pioneer High School lot being the cheapest at $20. However, you should be able to find free parking on a neighborhood street not too far away, or leave the car downtown where meters are not enforced after 6 p.m. Even then, expect traffic on Main Street, which is a single lane in each direction, with lights and crosswalks all the way.

Remember that no bags are allowed at any Michigan sporting event, which makes entry quick and painless. Getting around Crisler Center is not too difficult, as the single concourse is more than wide enough and the washroom facilities are spotless.

Return on Investment 4

Michigan Wolverines basketball offers a solid return on investment. Ticket prices vary depending on the opponent, ranging from $13 for non-conference foes to $28 for those in the Big Ten. However, in many cases, the secondary market will offer better value. SeatGeek is the official reseller and has the most inventory, as well as an excellent seating map, so you can see exactly where you will be sitting. The atmosphere is terrific at Crisler, and fans will not be disappointed with the experience.

Extras 4

A point for the historic displays in the east concourse. Take a moment to examine all of them, including the Hall of Honor on the glass. A point for the history lesson about Cazzie Russell, a name that more basketball fans should learn. Another point for the incredible display around the entire concourse dedicated to each varsity squad that wears the Maize and Gold. A final point for the hardwood photographs depicting Great Michigan Moments.

Final Thoughts

Basketball may not be the first thought when it comes to Michigan athletics. However, the Wolverines have been a great team recently, with appearances in the National Championship final to prove it.  Crisler Center has seen some significant improvement, and fans will not be disappointed in their experience at the House that Cazzie Built.  It may not be a basketball bucket list item, but the Michigan Wolverines will provide a pleasant surprise for the stadium traveler.