The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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istrative expenses ($16,473,000), debt service transfers to Michigan's plant fund ($14,968,000), facilities expenses ($10,723,000) and the deferred maintenance fund transfer ($4,750,000). Revenue-wise, Michigan fans still provide the bulk of the funds through ticket purchases. Spectator admissions for fiscal year 2012-13 hit a projected $44,701,000, followed by preferred seating and other gifts ($31,216,000), conference distributions ($25,725,000), corporate sponsorship ($15,320,000), "other" revenue ($8,775,000), licensing royalties ($6,000,000) and facility revenues ($4,267,000). Spectator admissions are anticipated to jump more than $5 million in the coming fiscal year, to $49,280,000, with projected jumps in all other categories as well. Preferred seating and other gifts are pegged at $32,323,000, and conference distributions at $26,495,000. Back in 2000, Hilliard attended meetings for the National Association of Athletic Development Directors Conference, allowing him to discuss funding with officials from Ohio State, Michigan State, Alabama, Washington and Virginia Tech. At the time, he was a little stunned to see where Michigan stood in terms of securing funds. "What surprised me was just how much has been implemented at other programs in the way of tiered seating prices around the stadium, priority points systems that help determine what seats are available to people, skyboxes and in-stadium advertising," Hilliard said. "I was astounded to see how far other programs have taken this over the last 10-15 years. It was a real eye-opening experience." Michigan made the decision it could no longer lag behind in the funding race, and now runs with the leaders. Facilities Plans Are Extensive The big glimpse at the future began with a dramatic video, presented through the athletic department website last fall. It revealed what Michigan's facilities could look like in the future, ending with an imaginary rush up a brick "Walk of Champions" from Schembechler Hall to Michigan Stadium. That got plenty of folks excited about possibilities, but particulars weren't immediately available. They've become so more and more in the months that followed, including price tags on the $341,000,500 worth of upgrades Brandon and his department would like to see over the next seven years. Some projects have already begun, such as the massive makeover of Schembechler Hall, home to Michigan football players and coaches. A new softball building, the Donald R. Shepherd Softball Center, is also underway, and a field hockey project, involving turf replacement and a new scoreboard, is now in the pipeline. "We've got three of them identified and on their way," Brandon said. "We have 13 that we continue to fundraise for and look forward to constructing. My objective during my time here at Michigan is to get those projects completed, so that every student-athlete at the University of Michigan gets what I call 'The Michigan Experience.' That