Here are some "pictures" about what the Big House will look like after renovations which will begin after the 2007 season. It should keep some of the sound in, but other than that, I don't know what to think...it just looks wierd.

http://www.umich.edu/stadium/project-description/arch_img/arch_3dwest1.jpg

http://www.umich.edu/stadium/project-description/arch_img/arch_3dwest2.jpg
Views from outside. More pics at http://www.umich.edu/stadium/project-description/sketch.html

http://www.umich.edu/stadium/project-description/insidepix/EndZone.jpg

http://www.umich.edu/stadium/project-description/insidepix/50Field.jpg

http://www.umich.edu/stadium/project-description/insidepix/CornerField.jpg
Views from inside. More pics at http://www.umich.edu/stadium/project-description/inside.html

What do you guys think?

Mixed feelings. From the outside I think it's pretty tight. It takes a loolk from the rest of campus and allows the Big House to have a look from outside that makes it fit its legendary status.
Keeping noise in is certainly a big deal, but part of that comes from watching the old alumni die and replacing them with fans that can make noise.
From the inside I'm not feeling it as much. I think I'll be happier in 10 years when they wrap it all the way around.
All I know is that the Big House needs to be taller from ground level than it is now so that it stands out more. It should be a structure that blows recruits away as soon as they see it from the outside. Then, when they get inside and see how it's even bigger still, they're left speechless.

Clearly going for a coliseum look. All I know is that the construction better not tie up that intersection (I drive it every weekday) and if it keeps them from jamming more seats together, I'm all for it.

Yeah, from what I've heard they will keep the same number of seats while making the stadium bigger. Translation: wider seats.

Yeah, from what I've heard they will keep the same number of seats while making the stadium bigger. Translation: wider seats.

Or More Suites.

Well, yes, but that was a reason for expansion. Martin has wanted wider seats at the Big house (and suites) but didn't want to reduce the capacity in the process, so they had to build up in order to make the experience even better for fans.
Eventually the plan is to wrap this all the way around, but there is no timetable for it. The higher ticket prices, especially for the suites, will help generate the revenue to pay for such a project (likely over $100 million). There are a few more things they plan to upgrade in that next phase, including more and better restrooms.
With each expansion from there on out, the noise level would potentially increase (being help in by the structure). However, realize that the more fans they put behind glass, the less that's likely to be true. The only way that would increase volume is by putting the execs and the old farts in a comfortable quiet place, opening up more real seats for those who will scream their ass off.

With each expansion from there on out, the noise level would potentially increase (being help in by the structure). However, realize that the more fans they put behind glass, the less that's likely to be true. The only way that would increase volume is by putting the execs and the old farts in a comfortable quiet place, opening up more real seats for those who will scream their ass off.

It would also increase volume levels because anything that further encloses the stadium would allow the noise to bounce off it and make it louder. one of the reasons the big house isn't that loud is because it's so open to the air. with the vertical glass structures that helps to reflect the noise and make it louder.