Hailey
Johnny’s Tavern, a Lawrence-born favorite since 1953, is now serving fans inside Allen Fieldhouse for the 2025-26 hoops season—right in the northwest and southwest corners of the second level.
The move brings one of the region’s most-loved burger joints into the “Cathedral of College Basketball,” giving Jayhawks fans a local taste on game days.
What’s new for fans
Fans can now grab the Johnny’s Smash Burger—the same crispy-edged double stack made famous around town—without leaving the building.
Johnny’s announced the in-arena addition on Nov. 3, noting the two concession points on the second-level concourses to help reduce lines and keep fans close to the action.
This debut aligns with Allen Fieldhouse’s recent concourse and concessions upgrades, part of a wider renovation that modernised the venue and refreshed food offerings ahead of the 70th-anniversary season.
Why this matters
Bringing a home-grown brand into the arena fits KU’s push to highlight local partners across its athletics venues.
Johnny’s has long been tied to Jayhawk culture—its North Lawrence origins date to 1953—so seeing the brand at Allen Fieldhouse deepens that community connection on game nights.
Fast facts
| Item | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Johnny’s Tavern (founded 1953 in Lawrence, KS) |
| In-arena locations | Northwest and southwest corners, second level of Allen Fieldhouse |
| Signature item | Johnny’s Smash Burger available at both stands |
| Announcement timing | Publicly shared Oct. 28, 2025, for the 2025-26 season |
| Venue capacity (current) | 15,300 after 2024 renovations |
| Allen Fieldhouse nickname | “The Phog” / “Cathedral of College Basketball” |
A better game-day flow
The dual second-level stands are a practical win: they split demand on the busiest concourses and keep lines from spilling toward lower-bowl entrances.
That complements KU’s broader concourse improvements—wider walkways, refreshed branding, and enhanced concessions—implemented during the renovation push that concluded ahead of last season.
A taste of Lawrence, inside The Phog
From its early days pouring beers for mill workers to its status as a go-to pre-game spot, Johnny’s has become shorthand for Lawrence comfort food.
Bringing that identity inside Allen Fieldhouse makes the arena feel even more like home for fans—and gives visiting crowds a literal bite of the local scene.
The arrival of Johnny’s Tavern inside Allen Fieldhouse blends two Lawrence institutions—local flavour and Jayhawks basketball—into one seamless game-day experience.
With two second-level concession points and a signature Smash Burger on the menu, fans can expect faster lines, familiar tastes, and a deeper connection to the community each time they step into The Phog.