NEW🍻 KU Gets Green Light for Alcohol Sales + New Pre-Game Party Zone

• 🏈🍻 KU lands pre-game party zone approval

Note: You did not miss an email newsletter! This was a web-only post to get the news out Thursday evening.

Support The Hearings by sending this to KU friends and fam. Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe here.

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.

NEW: KU Lands Approval for Game-Day Alcohol Sales + New Pre-Game Party Zone

The Bottom Line: KU just secured unanimous city approval to sell alcohol and close 11th Street next to the stadium (Fambrough to Illinois) for a new, pedestrian only pre-game event zone at every home football game this season.

What Just Happened: The Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 to approve KU Athletics' proposal, which includes alcohol sales, possession, and consumption, plus a street closure on 11th Street between Maine Street/Fambrough Way and Illinois Street for all home games.

Translation? Game days are getting even more fun in Lawrence.

The New Pre-Game Experience Starting this season, 11th Street will transform into an enclosed pedestrian party zone on game days with:

• Food vendors and alcohol sales

• Tailgate games, music, and activities

• Direct stadium access

And I’m Hearing there will be some notable local partners involved with the pre-game event area, and I think those partners are certified fan favorites that will add credibility and excitement to the game-day addition.

I’m hearing there will be some big local partners involved with the pre-game area, and I believe those partners are fan favorites.

Why This Matters: This is more than just adding alcohol to game day. KU Athletics is doubling down on creating a fan-first culture. Instead of fans being scattered across parking lots, there’s now a central hub that will build energy before kickoff.

What's Next: With New Booth Day coming fast, expect more details on vendors, entertainment, and activation partners soon. I think we’re going to have a lot of exciting news between now and August 23.

Help Spread the Word!

Tell your friends about today’s Hearing by copy and pasting this link into your group texts or on social media.