The University of Kansas has unveiled stunning concept images of how a $750 million renovation will transform David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Phase 1 of the project to breathe new life into the 105-year-old arena is complete, with the west side and north end jazzed up and given new amenities, suites, luxury seating and infrastructure.
Jayhawks fans will be treated to a state-of-the-art new home[/caption]
The second and final phase is underway focusing on the eastern and southern parts for the stadium and is set to be complete by 2028.
It will also include a hotel, restaurants, office space and student housing in a new mixed-use Gateway District.
The Jayhawks will play six games at a reduced capacity at The Booth in the coming season with temporary concessions and restrooms.
It is hoped that the upper bowl and concourses will be ready for 2027.
“We are thrilled with the new west and north sides of The Booth and, in earnest, have begun the transformation of the east and south sides in advance of the construction of the mixed-use development that will create the Gateway District for the University of Kansas,” KU athletic director Travis Goff said.
“Our fans have stepped-up in support of this project via game-changing donations and the purchase of season tickets.
“As we head into year two, it is vital that we continue that trajectory to ensure the completion of The Booth and the continued build of Kansas Football.”
Local entrepreneurs Paul and Linda DeBruce donated $25 million to the latest phase and will have a premium hospitality space named in their honor.
“We’re so grateful for the DeBruce family’s generosity and continued legacy of loyal support for KU,” Chancellor Douglas Girod said. “This incredible gift is an investment not just in the Gateway District but in our university, our students and the state of Kansas.”
A conference center with a 1,000-seat banquet hall is being created with the aim to attract year-round business and new revenue streams.
College Football heads to London
The Jayhawks will hope the project creates a bright future for the program as they make history on the field.
Wembley Stadium will host college football for the first time ever on September 19, 2026 when Kansas face the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Union Jack Classic.
“I’m thrilled that Big 12 football will be heading to London for the first-ever college football game at Wembley Stadium,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said.
“I’ve often said my goal is for the Big 12 to be the most globally relevant conference in college athletics.
“Expanding our international presence will elevate our brand, create new opportunities for student-athletes, and open the door to meaningful commercial growth for the league.”
The NFL has made growing the game internationally a priority and college bosses are following suit.
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ESPN College GameDay host Pat McAfee brought his own show to Dublin, Ireland, which has hosted games for four years.
The Jayhawks went 5-7 last season and have plenty of work to do on the roster.
Meanwhile, former Kansas O-linemen Logan Brown and Bryce Cabeldue are looking to write their names into the history books at Super Bowl LX, which fans can watch here.
The Seattle Seahawks duo take on the New England Patriots in San Francisco looking to follow in Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr.’s footsteps.
The 2008 Orange Bowl heroes won rings with the Denver Broncos.
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