University of Kansas sets out stadium redevelopment plan

The University of Kansas (KU) has announced plans for major upgrades to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium as part of a wider project to reimagine its college football facilities.

The project will look to transform the area near the intersection of 11th and Mississippi streets with new facilities that may include a mix of conference and entertainment space, retail, and other functions that drive regional economic growth and generate revenue for academic programming.

The renovation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, which opened in 1921 and has a current capacity of around 47,000, will be central to the project. KU plans on creating a “world-class experience” for fans at the stadium and has selected HNTB as the lead architect for the project.

The seating bowl at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium will benefit from improved sightlines that increase fan comfort, while other upgrades will include expanded concessions, restrooms and accessible seating locations; improved concourse circulation and new premium amenities such as club seats, loge seats and suites.

Multi-use spaces will also be added, with Kansas Athletics working alongside Elevate Sports Ventures to conduct fan focus groups to solicit feedback on what fans want in a reimagined stadium.

In partnership with Lawrence-based Multistudio, KU will also work with Nations Group, a national owner’s representative firm specialising in university athletics venues and mixed-use facilities. The companies will help KU develop more specific plans, timelines and cost estimates in the weeks ahead.

The project will begin with renovations to Anderson Family Football Complex and site preparation work related to stormwater, sanitation, Wi-Fi availability and electrical system upgrades in the first half 2023. The project will be funded primarily with private donations, economic development funds, premium seating sales and future development opportunities that will be created on the site.

Travis Goff, director of athletics at KU, said: “This project is unmatched in its vision to benefit a broad range of KU constituents while signalling a new era for Kansas Football.

“Once complete, this project will ensure our football program has the facilities it needs to compete at the highest level and provide the best-possible game-day experience for student-athletes and fans. Moreover, we are thrilled this project goes beyond football to benefit the entire university and the regional economy.”