🏀 KuBuckets Archive

Just saw that EA Sports updated the game to include the new stadium. It looks great and I am so excited to see a game there.

I'm really curious what's being built into the new stadium to level up the experience to become iconic.

I feel like the lights that surround the stadium could be part of creating that iconic experience, but wondering if others who know more could talk about them.

First, the lights are almost (but not quite) shaped like wheat ear-- I kind of wish they had been able to make it look just a bit more like a spikelet so the shape was more intentional.. I'm sure that would have added cost.

But second, I don't know how these lights function, but they clearly look different from traditional lights and I'm sure hoping they have features that are modern-- like being able to cast light in different colors and perhaps display in patterns.

I can't help but imagine how cool it would be if the lights could create the illusion of 'waving' after KU scores a touchdown. That would be the kind of iconic experience I'm talking about. Something that would be transcendent and distinctly (and authentically) Kansas. It would make no sense for other to copy that.

Anyone know what capabilities those lights will have? Are they just plain old white lights?

@bskeet said in New Stadium questions:

Just saw that EA Sports updated the game to include the new stadium. It looks great and I am so excited to see a game there.

I'm really curious what's being built into the new stadium to level up the experience to become iconic.

I feel like the lights that surround the stadium could be part of creating that iconic experience, but wondering if others who know more could talk about them.

First, the lights are almost (but not quite) shaped like wheat ear-- I kind of wish they had been able to make it look just a bit more like a spikelet so the shape was more intentional.. I'm sure that would have added cost.

But second, I don't know how these lights function, but they clearly look different from traditional lights and I'm sure hoping they have features that are modern-- like being able to cast light in different colors and perhaps display in patterns.

I can't help but imagine how cool it would be if the lights could create the illusion of 'waving' after KU scores a touchdown. That would be the kind of iconic experience I'm talking about. Something that would be transcendent and distinctly (and authentically) Kansas. It would make no sense for other to copy that.

Anyone know what capabilities those lights will have? Are they just plain old white lights?

I'm not really sure on the lights, but your right would be awesome if they could do that after a score, maybe in Crimson and Blue -They need to add some kind of music/sound in the new Scorer board- - something intimating for when the defense is in and on crucial downs - -get the crows pumped.

I haven't seen in person but People are saying that drive by living in Lawrence are saying that the Camera's are doing the stadium no justice people who actually have seen the progress all say it's massive.

I know the one's that drew the blue prints and one's building say it will be a state of the art place , progressing really well, and I guess funding for phase two is coming around-- -still have ways to go for that but hopefully not to long. Gonna look kind of funny till completed. Yet think it's 450 Million for just phase one -- that's investing A LOT into a program putting in a lot of faith in some return. - -I think we re going to be just fine -- -ROCK CHALK

@bskeet I know they're LEDs so I would think they could do a lot of cool stuff but haven't heard anything official to that effect.

I mean, for a truly unique experience, not only should the LED's wave the wheat, but the entire light towers should also wave.

I hope it’s not an astrodome type modern marvel. New and shiny wears off quickly, just make it conduct sound well, have good sight lines, and not look trendy with weird stuff going on that will quickly date it - I’m looking at you light stanchions!

@wissox And Little Green Men should drop out of UFO's (more correct now - UAP's) waving stalks of wheat they have gathered from across the galaxies!

@nuleafjhawk said in New Stadium questions:

@wissox And Little Green Men should drop out of UFO's (more correct now - UAP's) waving stalks of wheat they have gathered from across the galaxies!

you scare me sometimes my friend lol

@dylans So you're not a fan of the waving the wheat light poles huh?

@wissox If it’s supposed to look like wheat it’s a huge failure. If it’s supposed to be modern art…to each their own.

I see there are some shenanigans happening with stadium construction and funding.

Predictably predictable. I hope this doesn't get ugly. I'd hate to see it turn into a battle of KU vs Lawrence, et al.

Get er done ya boneheads!

People may start pulling funding seeing the product that is being put on the field this season.

OK, silly question for stadium financing experts ...

If i go get a haircut, i don't get half my hair cut.

If i go to the store to buy some cookies, i don't buy half a cookie.

Why on Earth are we only getting HALF a football stadium?

What sense does that make? Zip zero zilch to me.

Have your funding in place then build? Or build what you can afford?

Bewildered.

@rockchalkjayhawk it's KU football. Nobody gives a crap.

@rockchalkjayhawk did we literally only get half funded?

@nuleafjhawk Your comments are getting tiresome.

@wissox def a bit overly defeatist. This season is less than 1/3 complete. There is still a lot of football to be played.

@approxinfinity said in New Stadium questions:

@rockchalkjayhawk did we literally only get half funded?

Maybe not even! Still fundraising. A Piecemeal stadium project makes no sense to me. It’s gonna look pretty stupid if we play in a half new stadium for awhile. Fail.

From a few months ago

The second phase, which would in some way revamp the stadium’s east stands and potentially its south end, has been far more enigmatic.

Goff said in April that the timeline for such a project was “unknown as it stands” and that KU didn’t yet have the funding to undertake it.

On Thursday, though, Goff suggested that as KU approaches its fundraising goal of $250 million for phase one, it’s also having some “really important, active conversations that we’re hopeful can be catalysts to then moving us with momentum into planning for phase two.”

@wissox I get it. The truth hurts. You have the option to not read my comments. Or you can block me.

@approxinfinity I'm sorry I don't sugarcoat KU's ineptness. All the experts proclaimed that we would be 4-0 at this point. Yes, there's a lot of football to be played but I don't see a reason to be very optimistic right now.

@nuleafjhawk I would never block you because every 4th comment is a gem that makes me laugh! Now if I could figure out how to block the other 3 we'd be in business! TBH it was your 'no one gives a crap' comment about KU football that irked me a bit. I think we do give a crap, and as frustrating as this season has beenwearethisclose to being undefeated instead of 1-3. Hoping things get turned around and we can see you turn over a nuleaf! Cheers!

I can’t believe one year of decent football and they got half a stadium financed! Maybe in another 20 years or so they will have another good year and can get the other half done or a face lift for the then dated remodel. Or perhaps if they had picked a better stadium design more people would be interested, but I think it’s the crappy product on the field that slows donations.

@dylans hopefully we don’t end up playing at Haskell next year maybe we could sell it out at least

@wissox The "no one gives a crap" comment was in response to someone asking why the stadium was being built "halfway". You care about KU Football, (believe it or not) I care about KU Football - there are several who do. But there are a WHOLE LOT more that don't. It's not relevant. It's not a priority to the masses.

I'm super frustrated because this was supposed to be a historic year for us. It's going to be historic, but maybe in a Titanic historic kind of way.

I'm not a public cheerleader. It seems phony to me. I have used the chat portion of this forum to privately try and encourage people who were down or to thank people who have contributed greatly to this site. Maybe I should try and be more public.

But you definitely don't want to see me in a short skirt with pom-poms.

But seriously, is this how new college football stadiums are done? Not rebuild all at the same time? Can’t be. If not, what the hell?! Nobody could see the big picture?

I am not sure where the confusion is. The plan the whole time was to complete the West side of the stadium, and then when the money is right they will do the East side. Unfortunately, it is going to probably take awhile to finish the East side, but the West side is going to look awesome. It will enhance the game day experience 10 fold.

I’m not confused at all @Woodrow

Well OK my wife may argue otherwise…

Just astounded that this is acceptable. Who builds half a stadium and prays they have the money for the rest????

You wont catch me dead hanging out with the plebes in the WEST side of the stadium!

@rockchalkjayhawk phased approaches are by far the most common, yes

@FarmerJayhawk interesting. TIL

@approxinfinity Today I Learned or Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes? Acronyms are so confusing. 😝

Interesting news going around the game Saturday, supposedly Kansas has not sign the contract to lease arrowhead stadium and there is a chance it could get canceled is what I keep hearing. That would be pretty wild but with the way this team has played why wouldn’t everything just fall apart at once

Sigh. It’s not true at all. The business terms are signed, sealed, and delivered. So there literally is a contract signed for us to play there all season.

The article literally spells out what’s in the signed agreement between KUAD and the Chiefs then has the headline of no contract. Really funny stuff.

I’m sure these guys know less than some rando at KPR 🐦 View Tweet?s=46&t=c0LiaNrxev6XfT7LIH8dAQ

🐦 View Tweet?s=46&t=c0LiaNrxev6XfT7LIH8dAQ

@FarmerJayhawk I thought for sure it was a bunch of propaganda

Not near as much fun now checking the camera's since the frame work done a lot harder to see progress- -the dam thing is massive though. Like so many others have said that have drove by ha said - -the Camera's don't do the Stadium any justice, drive by is much better

Just realized that watching the stadium construction cameras at night are entertaining! Aliens in the sky? Check out Camera 3.

https://kugatewaydistrict.com/live-cameras/?ref=r1s1sports.com ↗

Lots of good info in the talk and slide deck 🐦 View Tweet?s=42

From the things I've read and things been hearing sure sounds like the East side reno will be done and the Stadium part will be completed in the fall of 2026 , that doesn't include anything other then just the East side of the stadium.

Talk is should be easier, and not as expensive- -less seating , no suites- - no press box, or video boards , etc. Sounds like also going to have a underground parking garage right there at the Stadium.-- -When this is all done everything included looking at rright around 759 Million Dollars

Latest update I have is the east side plans aren’t totally finalized yet but the most likely outcome is no suites, but does have a club level (think Arrowhead). The contractors are done 8/1 then KUAD does the finishing touches.

@FarmerJayhawk +++Have you heard anymore about funding ? Are we going to be able to get the East side done ? Any idea when the reno would start on the East side ? I had heard they hoped it could start after the Season is over

@SlimShaddy54 yeah it’s mostly there. It’s a full go to tear down right after the season.

I drove by the stadium earlier today and it's definitely unique. Still not sure how I feel about the overall design.

@FarmerJayhawk Awesome, that's great to hear. NOW I've heard East side shouldn't take as long probably cause like you said no suites. It's ok that Stadium is going to look great when finished

Turf is going down guys, Can you imagine when it's done --gonna look soooooo Sweet

It’s crunch time. 2 weeks until contractors hand it over to KUAD for finishing touches.

@FarmerJayhawk getting close

TURF'S DOWN my fellow friends. Have to say looks really sweet. Something we can be proud of. This plays a big part in the recruiting process Recruits come in for their visits -- - - -see State of the Art facilities , Weight room , good Coaching Staff that really stresses family plays a big part- --really helps.

Looks really sweet now BUT when phase two is complete Mercy Awesome.. They got the Stadium lit right now , lights are shing on the Rock Chalk -- - -Love it.----- ROCK CHAL ALL DAY LONG BABY

Hopefully these show up but I took some photos last night with the blue LEDs. !alt text ↗
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Nice!

TWENTY - -SIX DAYS , Till Kickoff- -man the Stadium looks Awesome-- -That field Sweet

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1YiT53ELju/?mibextid=wwXIfr ↗

Phase 1 is done (except for a few small things KUAD will do)! 🐦 View Tweet?s=46&t=c0LiaNrxev6XfT7LIH8dAQ

@FarmerJayhawk Cool, looks like a version of Boise St. football!

Ugly half done stadium. Those light stanchions are one of the worst design decisions. Just hideous. Hope they win some games to take the stank off that stadium.

@dylans I 100 % love your sense of humor, that's why I like you lol. At first I thought you were serious lol , I thought Whoaaaaaa this guy been out in the sun to long == = == = then realized ahhh he just a joshing- --WHEW

The west and north sides look awesome in person. There won’t be much going on the south side (honestly the video board is the main improvement over there) so it’s really 2/3 done. The east side will likely look like lower deck, a party deck, upper deck.

If this has been addressed, I apologize. But what about parking? Is there any? Or will I continue to park at Walmart and Uber to the game?

@nuleafjhawk I just realized I’ve never driven to a football game. I’d just walk from the dorms and haven’t been back -Terry Allen days, Ugg. Don’t some students sell parking in their yards down Mississippi street?

@FarmerJayhawk They're suppose to close in the Soth end with seating aren't they ?

@dylans they probably do, but parking has been a huge problem for me. I'm sure the smarter folks have figured something out.

@nuleafjhawk park downtown and take the shuttle to and from Memorial. It’s $1 each way plus you can hang out on Mass before and after. Also if you get to the game early enough street parking in the neighborhood north of the stadium is free. Anywhere below 9th and between Missouri and Mississippi Streets are your best bet. I also believe there’s a shuttle that runs from the lot across from Allen. People also sell parking passes on the secondary market. So lots of options.

Edit: lots of good info here https://parking.ku.edu/football-game-day ↗

@SlimShaddy54 it’ll be like 10-15 rows. Keeping somewhat of a view from the hill is a huge priority for donors and the university. The administration really, really wants to keep the walking down the hill for graduation tradition going

@FarmerJayhawk thank you! Much appreciated.

@nuleafjhawk sure thing! As a general recommendation for everyone, give a stop downtown on game days. The fine local establishments will appreciate your business for KU’s return to Lawrence. A place that’s a little off the beaten path that has very good food (best wings in town) hit up R Bar on Florida between 6th and 7th, right around the corner from Louise’s West, another of Lawrence’s finest watering holes and a game day staple.

@FarmerJayhawk Cool , thank you for the information. Love the Hill , I thought there was going to be some kind of seating but wasn't sure how many--- --Thank you.

Moving my son into his apt before the first week of class and will stay in town for the Fresno State game. Looking forward to attending and experiencing the new / upgraded stadium.

@bskeet parenting done right!

We good. 🐦 View Tweet?s=42

Hope it works out for the football squad. Imagine the bball team 300mil could buy. With any luck this should free up donor money for the same.

Some more details. $75m with a KU and city/state match to finish phase 2. The rest to Revshare, paying down some debt, and possibly baseball.

This more or less wraps up stadium financing when factoring in what’s already been raised plus incentives. Memorial 2.0 will be 100% done for 2027. Mostly done for 26 but construction will likely continue through the season, but we’ll play in Memorial.

I’ve heard that KUAD has had many calls from donors pledging 7-8 figures following Booth’s example. This thing is a snowball.

Also it’s just so cool that Kansans like Goff, Booth, Anschutz, Dana Anderson, and Paul DeBruce have contributed so much to KU. This state is badass.

@FarmerJayhawk mercy that's so encouraging to hear if people come through with those figures really helps a ton , puts us in a very good spot

Sounds like they have a mural for the bowl victories in the stadium. Which is nice, I know we don’t have a lot of bowl wins but we have never really had them on display. Kansas Athletics just announced the game is a sell out so that’s positive