Hailey
The University of Kansas is ready to welcome football fans into a brand-new experience. After nearly three years of construction, the first phase of the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium – often called “The Booth” – is finally complete.
This weekend, the Jayhawks will play their home opener inside a transformed venue that looks and feels nothing like the old version.
The makeover is part of a $450 million project aimed at turning the stadium and its surrounding areas into a modern destination.
The changes include premium seating, a massive videoboard, upgraded concessions, and better facilities for both fans and players. For many, this marks the beginning of a new era for Kansas football.
What’s New and Improved?
The upgraded stadium is designed to create a fan-first atmosphere. The most noticeable improvements are:
- Seating & Suites: The entire west side of the stadium now features seatbacks for added comfort. In addition, there are 3,000 premium seats and 42 luxury suites, making game days more enjoyable and exclusive for those who want a higher-end experience.
- Videoboard: A new jumbo screen, nearly 2.5 times larger than the old one, makes it easier for fans to follow the action, replays, and highlights from any seat in the house.
- Concessions & Access: Fans can expect better walkways, more restrooms, and new food and drink options, helping to reduce long waits during peak moments.
- Integrated Complex: The stadium now connects directly to the Anderson Family Football Complex and a conference center, creating a more professional and organized space for athletes, staff, and visitors.
These improvements focus not just on looks, but on comfort, accessibility, and overall fan experience.
How the Project Took Shape
The renovation began in December 2023 with the demolition of the old west side. From there, construction continued through 2024 and into 2025. At its busiest point, nearly 630 workers were on site each day, installing steel structures, new seats, and enhanced facilities.
This stadium project is also part of a much larger vision called the Gateway District. The district will eventually include student housing, shops, restaurants, and even a possible hotel.
The goal is to create a year-round hub that benefits both the university and the surrounding community, rather than just being a place for football games.
Why It Matters for Fans and Players
The changes go far beyond appearances. They are designed to transform the way fans and athletes experience Kansas football.
For fans, the benefits are clear:
- Better comfort with seatbacks and covered areas.
- Closer views of the field for a more thrilling atmosphere.
- More food and restroom options, reducing wait times.
- A massive videoboard that ensures no play is missed.
For players, the stadium now offers:
- Modern locker rooms and lounges that make preparation easier.
- Improved training areas that help athletes recover faster.
- A stronger connection between the field, practice facilities, and meeting spaces.
This balance of comfort for fans and support for athletes positions Kansas as a leader in creating a truly modern college football environment.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The completion of this phase is only the start. The next phase of construction will focus on the east side of the stadium. Plans include:
- Adding more seating capacity to make up for reductions in this phase.
- Developing a mixed-use space with retail shops and restaurants.
- Building student housing nearby to create a lively campus neighborhood.
- Exploring the addition of a hotel to host fans, alumni, and visiting teams.
By blending sports, business, and community spaces, the Gateway District aims to turn Lawrence into a destination that extends beyond football weekends.
The Story Behind the Renovation
The stadium has a long history, first opening in 1921, making it one of the oldest football stadiums west of the Mississippi River.
Before construction began, the stadium could hold around 47,000 fans. Today, after the renovation, capacity stands at 42,000, with more emphasis on quality over quantity.
The project was made possible by a historic $300 million donation from alumnus David Booth, the largest single gift in Kansas Athletics history. His contribution ensured that the vision for a world-class stadium could finally move forward.
The University of Kansas has taken a bold step into the future by transforming its historic David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium into a modern, fan-friendly venue.
With premium seating, an enormous videoboard, upgraded concessions, and improved facilities for athletes, the Jayhawks now have a stadium that matches their ambitions.
This is only phase one of a much bigger plan. As the Gateway District continues to grow, the stadium will evolve into more than just a sports venue.
It will become a lively, all-year destination that connects students, alumni, fans, and the Lawrence community in new and exciting ways.
Kansas football is not only ready for its next season—it’s ready for a new era.