The Michigan athletic program has planned something controversial. On Tuesday, athletic director Warde Manuel intimated that the program could consider a new revenue source at Michigan Stadium: Advertising.
Groans and otherwise poured out of Ann Arbor after the news emerged on Tuesday.
“Warde Manuel: Michigan may consider advertising in Big House to raise revenue,” Detroit News reporter Angelique Chenglis wrote.
Warde Manuel: Michigan may consider advertising in Big House to raise revenue https://t.co/avPXksuGxh via @detroitnews
— angelique (@chengelis) October 15, 2024
As many argued in the comments, this happening to Michigan seems insane. The school is one of the most recognizable in the country, as is its athletic program. The team had great success over the past three seasons, including a National Championship victory in January. Yet, they appear committed to alienating their fans and otherwise with fundraising attempts that frankly feel unnecessary at a school like Michigan.
When programs like Ohio State and Big Ten newcomer Oregon are spending money and succeeding in college football, Michigan’s decision-making appears questionable at best, especially considering that Michigan is lacking so much at quarterback this year. While the Jim Harbaugh situation made things challenging, their rivals and peers didn’t have such issues this year. It makes you wonder what would happen if more commitment came across the board from the Wolverines program.
This announcement and potential plan from Manuel didn’t appear to have any fans in its wake. Don’t expect that to change.
