Sept. 27, 2025 marked the first time the Big House hosted a large outdoor concert with a Grammy award-winning artist. Zach Bryan’s concert, which was the most attended concert in United States history, proved the Big House isn’t just a sports arena but also a cultural space. For most students, however, the concert was more symbolic than accessible. Ticket costs ranged from $150 to more than $14,000, and availability was limited.
Zach Bryan’s concert raised a broader question: Why does live music at the University of Michigan feel so out of reach?
Ann Arbor consistently ranks within the top five college towns in the United States, but student-accessible live music is relatively rare. Most performances happen at bars, fraternity houses or ticketed spaces. Concerts that take place at fraternity houses are restricted to students who are members of Greek life or students who are willing to pay for tickets. Meanwhile, concerts that take place at clubs or bars are restricted to students who are older than 21 years old. For a student body facing rising tuition, rent and everyday costs, live music serves as a way to escape the stress of daily life and connect with their fellow students. Yet, with all the restrictions surrounding access to live music in Ann Arbor, it ultimately fails to accomplish the goal of consistently bringing the student body together. This is where the University has a unique opportunity: Instead of treating stadium concerts as rare, high-priced events, the University must establish a publicly accessible concert at the Big House at no cost to students…