(WXYZ) — Michigan plans to widen the entrance to the field tunnel at Michigan Stadium ahead of the 2023 season, the university confirmed to 7 Action News on Monday.
"This is being done to widen access to the field for competitors, staff, and game personnel entering and exiting from the tunnel and is a direct result of a thorough safety review following the season," Michigan athletics spokesperson Kurt Svoboda said. "Our goal is to ensure a safe and healthy environment for student-athletes, coaches, support staff, and all fans associated with games at Michigan Stadium."
Michigan placed additional security personnel in the tunnel in 2022 as a result of a postgame incident involving Michigan and Michigan State players in October.
The university plans to remove approximately 45 seats at the base of Section 1 — currently adjacent to the existing tunnel area — and says it reached out to season ticket holders impacted by the move in order to find comparable relocated seats.
Michigan plans to add an undisclosed number standing room-only tickets for games in 2023.
"We routinely look for spaces to accommodate fans within existing gameday operations," said Svoboda.
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