Michigan regents reject football game fireworks proposal

Michigan regents rejected on Thursday a proposal to bring fireworks to two home football games this season. Fireworks were under consideration for Michigan's

Michigan regents rejected on Thursday a proposal to bring fireworks to two home football games this season.

Fireworks were under consideration for Michigan's late-afternoon game against Miami University Sept. 13​ and its Oct. 11 night game against Penn State. The proposal was rejected for each game by votes of 4-3 and 5-2, respectively.

Michigan Stadium, which is the largest football venue in the nation, seats more than 109,000, and regents were concerned about safety, excess and tradition.

"We are not Comerica Park, Disney World or a circus ... ” Regent Mark Bernstein said, via the Detroit News. “I love Michigan football for what it is ... and for what it is not. It remains and should be an experience, a place that resists the excesses of our culture; intentionally simple. The fireworks should be on the field, not above it.”

The regents did approve pregame fireworks in 2010 for the rededication of Michigan Stadium as well as the “Big Chill” outdoor hockey game between the Wolverines and Michigan State that same year.

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- Scooby Axson