KU set to debut new Booth with home opener versus Fresno State
The anticipation is high in Lawrence, Kansas, as the newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is set to open its doors this weekend for the home opener between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Fresno State Bulldogs. Leading up to this exciting event, KU welcomed members of the media for an exclusive tour of the state-of-the-art facilities on Tuesday.
KU Athletic Director Travis Goff expressed his excitement about the transformation of the stadium, emphasizing its significance as a tangible representation of the progress the program has made. “This is a University-wide commitment to excellence in athletics that truly showcases the dedication and hard work that has gone into this project,” Goff remarked.
The renovations to the stadium forced the Jayhawks to play their home games at Children’s Mercy Park and Arrowhead Stadium last season. However, with the completion of the renovations, which include a revamped west and north end of the stadium and a newly installed video board in the south end zone, the Jayhawks are thrilled to return to their home turf in Lawrence.
Goff underlined the importance of the stadium upgrade not just for the current players and coaching staff but also for recruiting future talent. He emphasized that having state-of-the-art facilities is crucial in attracting top student-athletes to the program. “You can talk about your vision and commitment all you want, but when a prospect steps onto the field and experiences something truly extraordinary, it speaks volumes about the program’s dedication to excellence,” Goff explained.
In a monumental move, KU received a $300 million donation from philanthropist David Booth, with $75 million of the donation earmarked for Phase Two of the KU Gateway Project. This significant contribution will play a crucial role in the renovation of the east side of the stadium and the corresponding area of the Lawrence campus.
The impact of this generous donation underscores the University of Kansas’s unwavering support for its football program. Goff expressed his confidence in the University’s commitment to football, highlighting the new stadium as a testament to their dedication to the sport. “There is no question now about the University of Kansas’s wholehearted investment in football – this facility speaks volumes about our commitment to the program,” Goff stated.
As the Jayhawks gear up for their opening game against Fresno State, the excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. The highly anticipated kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT on FOX, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Kansas football program.