ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan announced plans to celebrate Michigan Stadium’s 100th anniversary throughout the 2027 season, marking a yearlong commemoration of its history and cultural impact.
On April 22, 1926, the University of Michigan Board of Regents approved plans that would shape one of college football’s most iconic venues, granting then-Athletic Director and football head coach Fielding H. Yost permission to build Michigan Stadium.
Recommended Videos
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Michigan Stadium, widely known as “The Big House,” a nickname popularized by broadcaster Keith Jackson, stands as the largest stadium in North America and the third-largest in the world.
The beginning of a landmark
Michigan Stadium first opened Oct. 1, 1927, when Michigan defeated Ohio Wesleyan University 33-0. It was formally dedicated three weeks later, Oct. 22, 1927, with a 21-0 victory over rival Ohio State University.
Both dates are among several milestones the university plans to recognize during the anniversary celebration.
The athletic department has created a commemorative logo and will mark the occasion with in-game tributes, special events, merchandise, and digital storytelling across its platforms.
Growth of an institution
Originally built as a football-only venue for the Michigan Wolverines, Michigan Stadium has undergone 10 expansions, increasing its capacity to 107,601.
The program has led the nation in attendance in 48 of the past 51 seasons and has drawn crowds exceeding 100,000 fans for 329 consecutive home games.
The stadium also set an NCAA single-game attendance record in 2013, when 115,109 fans attended a night game against the University of Notre Dame.
Beyond football
The venue has hosted major events, including “The Big Chill at the Big House” in 2010 between Michigan and Michigan State University, the NHL Winter Classic in 2014 featuring the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, and multiple International Champions Cup soccer matches with global clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, FC Barcelona, and SSC Napoli.
The stadium has also expanded its reach into entertainment. On Sept. 27, 2025, country artist Zach Bryan performed the venue’s first concert, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 112,408, the largest ticketed concert attendance in U.S. history.
Morgan Wallen is scheduled to perform two shows there in July 2026.
Looking ahead
The 2026 season will mark the 99th year of competition at Michigan Stadium for the Wolverines, college football’s winningest program and a 12-time national champion.