Home to several University of Michigan athletic teams, what is now known as Crisler Center was constructed in 1967 and subsequently renovated in 1998 and 2001. The arena was named after legendary Wolverine football coach Herbert O. “Fritz” Crisler. In addition to coaching the football team for 10 seasons, Crisler served as the athletic director for the University for 27 years until his retirement in 1968. An interesting fact is the center was designed by former U of M football player and architect, Dan Dworsky. The arena features a 94’ by 50’ court and has a capacity of 12,721.
You may hear Crisler Center referred to as “The House that Cazzie Built,” after Michigan’s two time All American and NBA player, Cazzie Russell. Russell and the Wolverines won three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles from 1964-1966. Their success and growing fan base prompted the need to relocate the team from Yost Fieldhouse (now known as Yost Ice Arena) to a much larger facility and what would become Crisler Center.
Want to catch a game for free in the comfort of the new Wolverine Den? Enter our contest for a chance to win 2 Tickets to watch the Wolverines take on the Buckeyes of Ohio State and a John Beilein autographed basketball! The contest ends on January 31, 2012 so be sure to enter today!
Source and Image Courtesy of University of Michigan Facilities
