In this Hearings newsletter:

1. Allen Fieldhouse Renovation Details 🚜

2. Latest on KU’s Puerto Rico Games 🏀

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EVERYTHING IN THIS NEWSLETTER IS BASED UPON WHAT I AM HEARING FROM PEOPLE I TRUST. PLEASE DO NOT MISTAKE THIS FOR FACT OR FOR ACTUAL JOURNALISM, WHICH HAS VERIFICATION STANDARDS THAT I HAVE NOT ADHERED TO. I DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT.

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Allen Fieldhouse Renovation Details 😯

I promised Allen Fieldhouse renovation Hearings to celebrate 8,000 subscribers, and we hit that mark at the end of June. This took me longer than expected, but I hope you enjoy it. Your feedback drives the content you see here. We’re doing this together. Thank you for all the support.

The following is based on extensive conversations with people I trust, along with construction plans obtained via the Kansas Open Records Act. These details are a moving target, as they’re subject to change as decisions and budgets get finalized.

Here is the latest:

• I think we’re looking at a ~$50M-$60M renovation project to be completed over the next two years.

• I’m Hearing this project was largely funded by a substantial donation from the Ward Family. I’d think we see some recognition here in Allen Fieldhouse.

• The above image is based on a construction plan from early 2023. I’m sharing it as a conceptual look at where things are headed, rather than a final rendering/drawing.

  • There are a lot of lighting, signage, railing, and chairback seating changes referenced in the plan.

The Details

• KU will add more than 1,000 chairback seats to the West side, mirroring the East side we’re familiar with.

• A larger and upgraded center-hung scoreboard is in the plans, but I don’t have details for it beyond that (yet).

• The plans I’ve seen call for two video boards in the upper corners with a width of 24 feet, which are pretty big. I have some outstanding questions about where exactly KU landed on this.

• I’d expect upgraded LED lighting for the bowl, the concourse, and the exterior. Lighting is a large part of the plans I’ve seen.

• The discussions have indicated new new public Wi-Fi capabilities are included, along with upgrading the sound system.

• I’m expecting immersive graphics and an interactive installation to fill the concourses. Basically, I’d expect more historic moments celebrated throughout all three levels.

  • This part sounds really cool. Hopefully KU can take some of the experience near its locker room and sprinkle it throughout the entire building.

• I don’t have many details on the “pub experience” outside of its location on the second level near the bridge connecting to the parking garage.

  • I’d assume you could buy alcohol in a pub, but I don’t know if access will be limited.

• The new Rally House should be two stories.

• The number of concessions will increase drastically for every level. KU is expecting to meet modern standards here.

• The expanded donor atrium extends into Allen Fieldhouse, making the area much easier to access.

  • The concept also includes space for at least one private suite and a new video board within the atrium.

• A new “VIP entrance” will be connected to the parking garage for donors.

• The second level concourse will have a more accessible connection to the expanded Naismith room, making it easy for donors on both sides to go back and forth between their seats and the areas.

• Wagnon Student Athlete Center next to the Fieldhouse should look completely different. This is where most recruits have their first impression of the program, so it’s a big part of the plans.

I expect to have more to come on all of this soon. Stay tuned. These stories are free, so please share the Hearings by telling your friends or consider upgrading to premium to support my work.

Puerto Rico Update 🏀

I’m now expecting the Jayhawks to play two games against the Bahamian National Team as part of their Puerto Rico trip the first week of August (I previously reported KU was in discussions to play the games). These aren’t additional games, they’ll be a part of the original three-game plan.

The Bahamas team could feature NBA players like Buddy Hield and Kai Jones as they prepare for the FIBA World Cup. I’m not sure exactly how this works, but a lot of NBA names are being thrown around currently.

I’m Hearing ESPN has been involved with some of the discussions for broadcasting the games. At the very least, I expect the games will be available via streaming.

KU fans have far exceeded expectations for travel. If you’re on the fence about going, it sounds like there’s limited availability through KU’s package, so I’d make that decision fast. If you want single-game tickets, feel free to write me and I’ll connect you with the right people.

Elmarko Can Fly 😯