Michigan Dedicates New Stadium Saturday
A vision that began a decade ago officially becomes reality Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor as the University of Michigan opens its 2010 football season and re-dedicates the renovated Michigan Stadium.
Michigan plays Connecticut. Kick off is set for 3:30 p.m. You can hear the game on our sister station 104.3 FM, WOMC.
Before the game, the university has several events planned as part of a special dedication.
Brock Mealer, who was paralyzed in a Christmas Eve 2007 crash that killed his father and girlfriend, will lead the Wolverines onto the field. Mealer was given a one in 100 chance of ever walking again.
U of M Athletic Director David Brandon, speaking live on WWJ, says Mealer will lead the Wolverines onto field Saturday afternoon.
"It's going to be an unbelievable moment," Brandon said. "This young man has worked harder than I've ever seen to get himself in a physical condition that will allow him to lead the team under the banner."
Prior to kickoff, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Athletic Director Emeritus Bill Martin, Athletic Director Dave Brandon, University Regents and President Mary Sue Coleman will take place at midfield to officially rededicate the Big House.
A flyover with vintage B25 bombers from the Yankee Air Force Museum will follow; a second flyover with two A-10 Warthogs from Selfridge Air National Guard base will take place following the National Anthem.
Stadium gates open at 1:36 p.m. The first 25,000 fans will receive a 27-ounce commemorative, recyclable Michigan Stadium Rededication bottle of Absopure spring water. When the supply of commemorative bottles runs out, 85,000 vouchers for a bottle of Absopure water will be distributed at the gates to the remaining fans.
In East Lansing, Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins says the Spartans can't lose to a Mid-American Conference team again.
Michigan State lost to Central Michigan last season, and Cousins says the setback motivated the team to focus on beating Western Michigan on Saturday at home in its home opener. Kick off is set for noon.
The Spartans have openly said they're shooting to win the Big Ten title for the first time since 1990 and believe they have the pieces to end the drought.
Cousins is the returning starter and has a slew of options when he throws and hands off. All-American linebacker Greg Jones leads a defense that was weak against the pass last season.
The Broncos are breaking in a new quarterback and running back, but their coach has beaten two Big Ten teams.
© MMX WWJ Radio, All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to his report.
