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Extra Security At U-M Football Games Includes Closing Part of Main Street

University Planning Office

A portion of Main Street next to Michigan Stadium will be closed before and during all U of M football games this fall. 

As WEMU's Andrew Cluley reports, Ann Arbor City Council last night approved the closures, citing a need for security upgrades.

Two years ago, when the Wolverines beat Notre Dame in the first-ever  night game at Michigan Stadium.

It  also marked the first time the portion of Main Street next to the stadium was completely closed. Thursday  night, Ann Arbor City Council voted to close Main Street, between Stadium and Pauline, for every game this year.  A modification to the plan results in  Southbound Main Street remaining open until one hour before kick-off. Northbound Main will close three hours prior to game time.

The goal is to prevent a truck bomb from being driven into the stadium and other potential security breaches. Councilwoman Marcia Higgins voted against the plan because she says residents living in the neighborhood to the west of the stadium are unhappy with the plan. Law enforcement agencies will review the closures after the first three games and meet with neighbors to see if other tweaks can meet security needs and community wishes.

Like many, I first came to this area when I started school at the University of Michigan, then fell in love with the community and haven’t left. After graduating from U of M in the mid 1990’s I interned at WDET for several years, while also working a variety of jobs in Ann Arbor. Then in 1999 I joined the WEMU news team.
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