I live just north of Dayton, Ohio. I've been to the field house once, around 15 years ago. It was a quick trip with a friend who lived in Wichita and we got there close to tip time. I didn't get to see much of the campus because of that. This time I'm flying in the night before and I'm bringing my 9 year old son. Obviously I'll check out the DeBruce center but any other must see things I should add?
Thanks.
Museum of Natural History on campus if you’re into that kind of thing.
There's some legendary BBQ in KC. If you have the time, and you like that kind of thing, hit any one of the top 5 spots in KC and you can't go wrong.
When you get to campus, I would second @ku4bob and @BShark -- the Natural History Museum has some great exhibits (and family ties for me). It's in Dyche Hall which is next door to the Union where, in the basement, you can go bowling at the Jay Bowl... And there's the Spencer Art Museum below the Union and across the street.
All of that is pretty close to each other on one side of campus. The Fieldhouse, and the DeBruce Center (which is attached) is across campus.
I can't think of many other things that are set up as attractions for visitors... Some might say The Wheel is must see.. I assume it's still there. Not sure about many other bars, like the Hawk... Those are/were just off campus..
I'm sure there are some other hidden gems on campus, but I think I took them for granted and have forgotten.
Jefferson's is a great restaurant. Most of the restaurants/bars on Massachusetts street are great. Free State is very well known and always reliable. The campus itself is just beautiful. I always enjoy just walking around there.
@bskeet said in Heading to the Game Wednesday...advice?:
There's some legendary BBQ in KC. If you have the time, and you like that kind of thing, hit any one of the top 5 spots in KC and you can't go wrong.
When you get to campus, I would second @ku4bob and @BShark -- the Natural History Museum has some great exhibits (and family ties for me). It's in Dyche Hall which is next door to the Union where, in the basement, you can go bowling at the Jay Bowl... And there's the Spencer Art Museum below the Union and across the street.
All of that is pretty close to each other on one side of campus. The Fieldhouse, and the DeBruce Center (which is attached) is across campus.
I can't think of many other things that are set up as attractions for visitors... Some might say The Wheel is must see.. I assume it's still there. Not sure about many other bars, like the Hawk... Those are/were just off campus..
I'm sure there are some other hidden gems on campus, but I think I took them for granted and have forgotten.
Jay Bowl is not there anymore, got replaced about 5 years ago by a events space and study area.
@BigBad Other places to go check would obviously be Mass St. downtown. A bunch of shopping and restaurants. Your kid would probably love Sylas and Maddie's (ice cream shop) and Mass St. Soda down on the south end of downtown.
@Texas-Hawk-10 RIP JayBowl. Ahh..that is sad sad news. Thanks for letting me know!
@BigBad Awesome for you and your son! If you have GA tickets get there at least 2.5 hours before tip. If you have reserved seats, I’d still go 1.5 hours early to get to walk around. I’m not a 100% sure but I don’t think the Booth hall of athletics was there 15 years ago either. The Debruce center doesn’t take long to go thru, the Hall has tons of KU sports memorabilia. The Debruce center houses Naismith’s original rules and has some cool quotes. I’d recommend driving by the Fieldhouse at night, the Debruce center has quotes that light up and it’s cool to see at night. The Holiday Inn on the south side is nice as is the Hampton off if 6th. We usually stay at one of those, the price is usually fair.
Your son with have a blast on Massachusetts street. Can’t really go wrong eating anywhere in Lawrence. My wife and I usually go to a different spot everytime and it’s always been good. Jefferson’s has always been one of my favorites but you can’t go wrong with the Burger stand, Fuzzys tacos or Minksy’s pizza either. Tons of fun shopping there too. I enjoy finding names in the back of the Jock Nitch (former KU athletes have signed the walls). Looks like the weather is supposed to be good, walking around campus should be fun and very doable.
I'm going to try to get to KU next season or two. You've inspired me! Pretty cool that you get to be there, but there must be some great buzz about Dayton's hoops team this season. I don't have any suggestions except you probably shouldn't go to the bars several have mentioned with your 9 year old!
My next step is see a game in Allen. I thought it would be this year but such was fate (still saw them in the Sprint Center). Would have really liked to see this years group there so I'm jealous of all who got the chance..
A game at Allen Fieldhouse is really something spectacular - even if you're not a KU fan. Here's what I mean: Many years ago (2011- I googled it) I had two tickets to KU v Ohio State. We were ranked #13 and Ohio State was #2. My wife and I were friends with a gal whose husband was a big Buckeye fan. For some reason I still can't fathom, I asked him to go to the game. I pick him up at his house and he's decked out head to toe in Red/Gray. He didn't even have the car door shut and he was running his mouth about how bad they were going to kick our butts.
So, I endured the 2 1/2 hour drive to Lawrence and we got there 2-3 hours early. We toured the whole place, saw everything there was to see- all the trophies, etc. Then we get into the fieldhouse and there's the usual pre-game festivities. The chants, the videos, all the hoopla. I'd noticed for some time that he was getting quieter and running his mouth less. Just before tip-off he told me " This place is unbelievable - I have goose bumps - Ohio State doesn't have ANYTHING like this ".
We could have gone home right then and I would have been happy. Fortunately we won.
@nuleafjhawk I don't think any words can really describe that feeling but you and your friend got close! I really hope to bring some of my Texas family to a game at some point. They know that it's different but I don't think they actually KNOW. You know?
@benshawks08 Yes, I think I do know! I hope you can get them up here for a big game soon. I'm sure it's something they'll always remember.
@nuleafjhawk I always go to the games here in Austin and have set with the UT family a few times. In the few times Texas has been really good and the game has been competitive the atmosphere in Erwin was good for like 2 minute bursts and it's so clear how little the crowd understands basketball.
That to me is what really sets KU apart. Fans know when to cheer the loudest, when to cheer because the team needs a lift vs. when to just be as loud as possible to disrupt the opposing team, and the constant engagement from the crowd is just unrelenting. I miss that place so much!
@wissox said in Heading to the Game Wednesday...advice?:
I'm going to try to get to KU next season or two. You've inspired me! Pretty cool that you get to be there, but there must be some great buzz about Dayton's hoops team this season. I don't have any suggestions except you probably shouldn't go to the bars several have mentioned with your 9 year old!
Yes it's nuts around here for Dayton. Of course all my buddy's know I'm a KU fan and how Maui turned out!
Thanks for any and all advice
@wissox said in Heading to the Game Wednesday...advice?:
I'm going to try to get to KU next season or two. You've inspired me! Pretty cool that you get to be there, but there must be some great buzz about Dayton's hoops team this season. I don't have any suggestions except you probably shouldn't go to the bars several have mentioned with your 9 year old!
Chicago is only 2.5 hours further drive than it is for me from Western KS. No excuses! 😝
@dylans Yeah, My KU roomie lives around here and has family all over the Lawrence, area so it just might happen! I'd love to get back.
@nuleafjhawk Although it was a different experience for me, I had little knowledge of KU basketball when I came to Lawrence. I was pleasantly surprised however, and of course, I was hooked.
@bigbad Glad you're representing! Enjoy your time in Lawrence.
@benshawks08 said in Heading to the Game Wednesday...advice?:
@nuleafjhawk I always go to the games here in Austin and have set with the UT family a few times. In the few times Texas has been really good and the game has been competitive the atmosphere in Erwin was good for like 2 minute bursts and it's so clear how little the crowd understands basketball.
That to me is what really sets KU apart. Fans know when to cheer the loudest, when to cheer because the team needs a lift vs. when to just be as loud as possible to disrupt the opposing team, and the constant engagement from the crowd is just unrelenting. I miss that place so much!
You need to make the trip up to Waco for a game. Fans are much more knowledgeable because of their women's team being so dominant for so long now
@kjayhawks I love that store!
On campus, The 100+ year old worlds fair animal panorama at the Dyche hall museum of natural history has been a big hit with everyone I’ve taken there. Easy visitor parking at the miss st. garage off miss st. or Jayhawk Blvd. would also recommend the view of the stadium from campanile tower on memorial drive.
Lawrence is kind of brown right now, but there are tons of parks and paths on both sides of the river
So far this trip is UNBELIEVABLE. Visited the Fieldhouse this morning and did a walk up tour so got some good pictures by the floor. While My son and I were looking at the Naismith rules an older gentleman and his wife approached us.
He then told my son “that’s my granddaddy”. It was in fact Jim Naismith, James’ grandson. Crazy! Then before we left the Fieldhouse we actually ran into Dok(e) and my son got a picture! We still have the game to look forward to!
@benshawks08 I go every year to Austin game. We'll have to meet up at Scholz Garten. That's where I go pregame.
For what’s its worth while I took the picture of my son with Dok(e) I asked if he was playing. He said yes
@nuleafjhawk lol no
Thought I'd add some of my favorite pictures from the trip. Sad that it was the last trophy this team earned but glad my son and I were there.
@BigBad said in Heading to the Game Wednesday...advice?:
I live just north of Dayton, Ohio. I've been to the field house once, around 15 years ago. It was a quick trip with a friend who lived in Wichita and we got there close to tip time. I didn't get to see much of the campus because of that. This time I'm flying in the night before and I'm bringing my 9 year old son. Obviously I'll check out the DeBruce center but any other must see things I should add?
Thanks.
The pics are awesome
Great pictures! Who are the two guys with your son who are not players?
