Featured image credit: Ian Ballinger/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
The University of Kansas (KU) has issued a request for proposals inviting partners to bid on a project to reimagine its college football facilities, with major upgrades to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium central to the plans.
The project will also include a conference centre and additional mixed-use development opportunities. KU first announced plans to transform the area near the intersection of 11th and Mississippi streets back in October.
The RFP specifically invites master developers, mixed-use developers and venue operators to bid on relevant components for the project, and also calls for proposals from partners in providing concessions for all Kansas Athletics facilities.
Interested partners have been invited to visit the university’s procurement website to access the RFP, along with a financial feasibility and economic impact analysis for the project conducted by Hunden Partners.
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium opened in 1921 and has a current capacity of around 47,000. KU plans on creating a “world-class experience” for fans at the stadium and selected HNTB as the lead architect for the project.
Since announcing the plans in October, KU has been working with architectural firms and other partners to develop plans, budgets and timelines. Earlier this year, KU was awarded a $50m (£39m/€46m) challenge grant by the Kansas Department of Commerce for the project, and in April crews began renovations to Anderson Family Football Complex.
KUsports.com has reported that KU may need to reduce the capacity of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium to lower than 40,000 to make way for other facilities. The report adds that a 2,500-seat concert and events venue would be added to the stadium site under the plans, which are not final.
KU Chancellor Douglas A. Girod said: “This campus gateway is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our campus in a way that benefits students, faculty, staff and the broader region.
“In particular, this project will create a new gathering place for our campus community and guests, enable us to host conferences and events, and provide Kansas Football the facilities it needs to compete at the highest level. We are excited to share this request for proposals for partners to help us move this project forward.”
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