The Big House isn’t quite as big as it used to be. And the list of banned items has grown.
The Ann Arbor News reports (http://bit.ly/1Trb8Pt ) selfie sticks will be banned at Michigan Stadium and the school has added a clause to its rules that specifies drones aren’t allowed in or around the massive facility.
Diane Brown, a spokeswoman for the school’s Division of Safety and Security, says the ban on selfie sticks follows rules updated at other stadiums. She says they’re included in existing bans that include flagpoles and tripods.
As for drones, the rules state: “The possession and operation of unmanned and/or remote controlled aircraft … is prohibited at Michigan Stadium and (the) surrounding area.” Violators could face criminal penalties.
Michigan Stadium will officially hold only 107,601 after seating adjustments announced in early August. That’s down from 109,901 but still leaves the 88-year-old venue as college football’s largest.
The school says the most noticeable changes are related to improving accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Seats had to be eliminated to widen aisles and install hand railings.
Football attendance peaked at Michigan Stadium with a crowd of 115,109 for a win over Notre Dame in 2013, which set a record for a college or NFL game. There were more empty seats last year as the team struggled, but ticket sales are up again after the hiring of coach Jim Harbaugh.