Brett’s Stadium Tour: Allen Fieldhouse - Lawrence, Kansas

Inside of Allen Fieldhouse on the campus of the University of Kansas.

The next stop in the arena tour takes us to Lawrence, Kansas, the home of the University of Kansas.  One of the most storied programs in all of college basketball history, the Kansas Jayhawks home court since the 1955 season has been Allen Fieldhouse.

 

With its rustic, hangar-like design, Allen Fieldhouse, with its capacity of 16,300, has become one of the most intimidating and difficult venues for opposing teams to play in.  Named after legendary Kansas Coach Phog Allen who coached the Jayhawks for 39 years, the Jayhawks have enjoyed remarkable success since moving into the facility in 1955.  The rich tradition of the program is also proudly displayed by virtue of the actual playing surface named after Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of the sport, who also built the Kansas basketball program. 

The outside of Allen Fieldhouse.

As you enter this legendary arena, the first thing you will notice is the plethora of banners hanging from the rafters celebrating the countless championships teams and legendary players the program has produced.  Along the North Wall hangs the famous sign “Pay Heed, All Who Enter:  Beware of the Phog.”

 

In addition to the classic structure, it is the loyal fans that add to the experience of attending a game at Allen Fieldhouse.  Among the most famous college war chants, the crowd, shortly after the playing of the school’s alma mater, cries out the “Rock . . . Chalk . . . Jayhawk!” chant.  Then, cleverly, as the visiting team is announced, the student section can be seen waving the student newspaper in front of their faces to show a disinterest in their opponent.  After the last of the opposing players is announced, the student section rips up the newspaper and uses it as confetti to welcome their beloved Jayhawks players.

This entry was posted in Arena Tour, Brett Halpern, College Basketball, Stadium Tour and tagged Allen Fieldhouse, , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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