So proud to see Phase 2 of the Gateway District rounding into form. As Travis announced today, the East side lower bowl and South grandstands offer 8,400 seats getting this year’s capacity to 32,000 and eventually a number closer to 43,000, with targeted completion prior to the 2027 season.
The progress over the last 9 months has been tremendous & the plans that follow in Phase 3 with all the additional fan amenities & experiences they’ll offer have KU fans on the cusp of something truly special. As a lifelong Jayhawk, I can’t help but be filled with immense pride. Just goes to show you what can be accomplished when visionary leadership & alignment team up with unprecedented generosity & support.
Get excited, Jayhawk fans. Something far greater than most could have dreamed is now coming to fruition. Let’s get out and support this team this Fall and prepare to enjoy a stadium & district we can be proud of for generations to come! Rock Chalk!
A closer look at the seating on the new side of the booth, notably these are not individual seats like the other side. It’s bleachers with a back on them. AD Travis Goff cited increased capacity as a reason for that.
For anyone wondering why bleacher seating with backs instead of individual “chair-backs… 2 cold, hard facts: 1) those require a bigger footprint which would have reduced our capacity in a notable way (and I know how folks feel about capacity!). 2) Budget! Anyone who’s ever managed a project in your own home - there’s going to be trade offs. These are less costly ticket prices than the chair backs of the west and the north and this budget-wise decision allows us to have lower price points and more diversity of seating.
Lastly, these bleachers with backs are quite comfortable these days. A major improvement.
Second point of clarity - student seating in the NE of the bowl and in the south structure will be bleachers WITHOUT backs. We want our students STANDING and bringing energy! Not sitting back lounging. Plus, remember, there is ZERO financial ROI on those seats - our students come for free.
Last part of the stadium without any seat back? Visitor’s section. I’m happy to welcome the minimum required to the Booth but would never over-spend for their comfort. 🤷♂️
Kansas’ David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium remains on track to fully complete renovations before the 2027 season 🏟️
Capacity will be around 43,000 when finished, with this season’s capacity in the low 30,000s during Phase 2 construction.
Via @KCStar | https://t.co/NZoozORUsK
The landscape in college baseball is changing. With the 34-player limit, Division I schools are turning more to junior college players for immediate impact. And no school embodies that more than Kansas. Free at ESPN: How juco turned KU into a powerhouse. https://t.co/lT0Kdy7OmR
A construction photo. A perfect depiction of where our department & industry stand.
Will we do it right? Maximize the opportunity that’s ahead to be our best version?
Need our supporters to continue stepping up. Need my team & Univ community to strive 4 more. Let’s be all in.