When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Crisler Center
Why Crisler Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Crisler Center is a renowned indoor basketball arena located on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. Established in 1967 and named after former athletic director Fritz Crisler, the arena is affectionately known as "The House that Cazzie Built"—a tribute to basketball legend Cazzie Russell. With a seating capacity originally around 13,684, Crisler Center offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, making it an ideal place for friends to gather and enjoy thrilling collegiate basketball games featuring both the men's and women's teams. Beyond basketball, the arena also hosts women's gymnastics and notable athletic tournaments, showcasing its versatility. The facility has a rich history of hosting iconic events, including NCAA championships and concerts by legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Bruce Springsteen. Recent renovations have equipped Crisler Center with modern amenities such as high-definition video boards, revitalized fan areas, updated concourses, and private club spaces, enhancing the overall experience for visitors and making it a popular social hub. Whether attending a buzzer-beater basketball game, a gymnastics meet, or a live concert, Crisler Center offers a dynamic setting for memorable outings with friends.
Here's what people think of Crisler Center
As of recent, Crisler Center holds a 4.8-star rating based on 1839 reviews.
User reviews of Crisler Center highlight a strong appreciation for the arena's electric atmosphere during Michigan Wolverines basketball games, noting the passionate fan base and well-maintained facilities. Positive feedback often praises the recent renovations, which have improved seating comfort, enhanced visual and audio experiences with new video boards, and streamlined concessions and entrances for convenience. Visitors also commend the arena for its historical significance and the unique feeling it brings to sports and entertainment events. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional issues with parking availability on game days and the high demand leading to crowded entrances. A few users mention that while the arena is modernized, queuing times for concessions can sometimes be long during peak events. Despite minor inconveniences, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. The combination of updated amenities, rich sporting history, and a lively crowd contribute to an engaging and enjoyable environment, making Crisler Center a favored destination for fans and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sathish Kumar
I was fortunate to attend one of my relative's graduation ceremony. I loved the vibe. Ross school of business rocks. The stadium was filled with crowd full of happiness during the ceremony. Go blue!
Mark Ultz
It was our first time visiting the arena for a basketball game. Go Green Go White 🏀 It was a really nice facility to watch a basketball game. The only problem was the line entering the building. The game started at 8 p.m. so the doors didn't open until 7 p.m. We got in line at 7:10 and didn't reach scanners until 7:28. It was below freezing at the time. Once we got inside, it was nice and warm. It also helped that Sparty won.
Brad Goss
Not a bad seat in the house and entry was very easy. Make sure to read rules before you head in for what can and can't go in.
Kelly Hyer
Clean and easy to navigate! Visited for a pre season gymnastics exhibition. Bathrooms well kept. Concessions had the most efficient system I've ever seen-whoa technology.
Grant Kendall
Always a great spot to take in a game. Not a bad seat in the house if you don't mind climbing a few stairs. GO BLUE!
How to reach Crisler Center
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Website: None
Why Crisler Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Crisler Center with your friends? Crisler Center stands out as an exceptional destination to gather with friends and family due to its rich athletic heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and versatile amenities. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the University of Michigan campus, it is renowned not only as the home court for the Michigan Wolverines basketball teams but also as a premier venue for gymnastics and wrestling. With a remarkable rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on over 1800 reviews, this venue offers a highly enjoyable and engaging experience that appeals to diverse groups. Its storied history, including hosting NCAA championships and famous concerts, adds to the allure, making each visit a memorable occasion. The center’s design accommodates large crowds comfortably while maintaining an intimate feel for fans eager to support their teams or enjoy special events. This dynamic environment allows groups to share excitement, cheer together, and create lasting memories. Moreover, the facility’s convenient location next to Michigan Stadium, ample parking, and accessibility ensure a stress-free meetup for all attendees. Whether you're sports enthusiasts or looking for an engaging social outing, Crisler Center is a compelling choice to rally with your friends.
What activities can you enjoy at Crisler Center? Crisler Center offers a broad range of activities, making it an ideal venue for group meetups. Primarily, it hosts University of Michigan basketball games—both men’s and women’s—where fans can unite to cheer on the Wolverines. The thrilling atmosphere during basketball season energizes groups, with the roar of the crowd fostering a shared sense of camaraderie. Beyond basketball, the venue supports varsity gymnastics and wrestling events, often featuring intense matches and national championship competitions. These sports highlight the athleticism and dedication of the university’s teams, providing unique viewing experiences different from traditional basketball games. Additionally, Crisler Center has historically served as a concert venue hosting renowned artists such as Elvis Presley and Pearl Jam, offering musical entertainment in an impressive arena setting. Group meetups can also incorporate tours of the facility, allowing sports fans to explore the historic venue and learn about its role in collegiate athletics. Food and merchandise vendors located inside the arena further enhance the experience, ensuring groups have everything needed for a complete outing. The center’s multipurpose capabilities mean it can host not only athletic and entertainment events but also special ceremonies and graduations, which can interest groups with varied preferences.
Why is Crisler Center perfect for a group meetup? Several features make Crisler Center an excellent choice for gatherings of friends and family. First, the arena’s layout is designed to accommodate large groups comfortably without sacrificing a close-up feel to the action, ensuring everyone enjoys excellent sightlines and the vibrant game-day energy. The seating capacity balances scale with intimacy, fostering enthusiastic interactions among fans. The venue’s location near major roads and public transportation, along with substantial parking availability, removes common logistical headaches associated with group outings. Groups can easily coordinate arrival and departure, minimizing wait times. The center is also equipped with amenities such as multiple entrances for convenience, clean and modern restroom facilities, accessible seating options for guests with disabilities, and a variety of concession stands offering diverse food and beverage choices to accommodate different tastes and dietary restrictions. Moreover, the arena’s reputation for top-tier events means a group always has exciting options to choose from, whether for sports, concerts, or other university-related gatherings. Its welcoming atmosphere is conducive to lively socialization before, during, and after events, making it as much a social hub as a sports venue. Efficient staff and security presence add to the安心 environment, ensuring a safe experience for all visitors and fostering worry-free enjoyment.
What is the historical significance of Crisler Center? The Crisler Center was constructed in 1967 and named after Fritz Crisler, a legendary figure in University of Michigan athletics who served as football coach and athletic director. This arena, often nicknamed "The House that Cazzie Built," pays homage to basketball legend Cazzie Russell, whose popularity led to the building’s creation. Over the decades, it has been the backdrop for numerous major sporting and cultural events that have helped shape the university community’s spirit. The center has hosted Big Ten and NCAA gymnastics championships, NCAA men’s gymnastics national championships—including the 2014 title where Michigan earned its second consecutive crown—and notable wrestling championships. Beyond sports, it has seen concerts by iconic performers such as Elvis Presley and Bruce Springsteen, placing it within a broader cultural narrative. Renovations and upgrades over the years have enhanced its facilities, including advanced ventilation systems that continuously refresh the air for comfort and safety, as well as structural features designed for durability and adaptation to weather conditions. This blend of tradition and modernization makes the Crisler Center not only a place for spectatorship but also a living monument to university pride and achievement.
How accessible and convenient is Crisler Center for visitors? Crisler Center’s location at 333 E. Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor positions it adjacent to Michigan Stadium, creating a dedicated sports complex that is easy to find and navigate. Visitors coming from Detroit Metro Airport or points east can access the venue conveniently via I-94, exiting at Ann Arbor-Saline Road and proceeding north to Main Street, with clear signage directing to the parking areas. The facility provides several entry points, including gate 1 and northeast entrances designated for specific groups during events like graduations, aiding smooth flow of traffic and minimizing crowding. Parking is ample and accessible from multiple lot entrances, accommodating the needs of large groups arriving together. Inside, the center offers seating that is accessible to guests with mobility limitations, ensuring inclusive experiences for all group members. Concourses and walkways are wide and well-maintained, facilitating easy movement during busy events. Amenities like concession stands and souvenir shops are positioned for quick access, so groups can grab refreshments and memorabilia without missing any action. Additionally, the venue staff are experienced in managing large crowds and provide helpful guidance, contributing to an overall visitor-friendly environment that supports both casual attendees and university ceremonial functions seamlessly.
What makes the fan experience at Crisler Center unique? The fan experience at Crisler Center is distinguished by its powerful blend of historic atmosphere, enthusiastic crowds, and state-of-the-art facilities that amplify the thrill of live sporting events. The design of the arena offers spectators close proximity to the court, giving fans an immersive view of basketball and gymnastics competitions, which intensifies engagement and excitement. The passionate Michigan Wolverines fanbase fills the arena with energy, creating a communal ambiance that enhances group enjoyment. Alongside high-quality audio and visual systems, the venue’s air filtration technology ensures comfort even during full-capacity events by refreshing the arena’s air every 14 minutes. Merchandise shops such as the M Den allow fans to outfit themselves in team apparel, deepening their connection to the action and providing great conversation starters for groups. Food options inside cater to varied tastes, enabling socializing over snacks and beverages and extending the experience beyond the game itself. The arena’s history of hosting celebrated performers and landmark events adds an intangible prestige that enriches every visit. All these elements combine to make attending an event at Crisler Center a dynamic, memorable experience well-suited to friends and family seeking quality time together in an exciting setting.