The University of Kansas (KU) has plans to transform the area around its football stadium into a hub for conventions and tourism. An outside consultant hired by KU has recommended several additions to the stadium site, including a 55,000-square-foot conference center, a 175-room upscale hotel, and a 2,500-seat concert and event venue. However, to accommodate these additions and create a major year-round destination, the consultant suggests reducing the seating capacity of Kansas David Booth Memorial Stadium from its current capacity to 39,839 seats.
The proposed changes also involve eliminating the surface parking lot and grassy area east of the stadium, which is currently used for parking and tailgating during game days. The consultants acknowledge the need for new parking solutions, and construction of new parking garages on campus is likely to be considered.
The plans are not yet finalized but are being shared with companies bidding to become the master developer for the project and the new operator of the football stadium, conference center, and entertainment venue. KU is seeking professional developers’ expertise to ensure the project’s success.
KU believes that decreasing the stadium’s seating capacity will not only create a more intimate fan experience but also help address space challenges for the overall development. The university aims to strike the right balance between a high-quality football stadium and other amenities that can attract visitors throughout the year.
The proposed improvements to the stadium include increased premium-seating options, new chairback seating, additional concourses, new restrooms and concession areas, and new scoreboards. The renovated stadium would have approximately 40,000 seats, making it the smallest in terms of seating capacity in the current and new Big 12 conference.
Other elements of the project include a fan plaza area outside the stadium, a conference center, an upscale hotel, student housing, retail and restaurant space, a concert and entertainment venue, office space, and potential health care facilities. Multistory buildings are expected, but none would exceed five stories. The consultant recommends exploring rooftop dining and other amenities.
Regarding parking, approximately 500 surface parking lot spaces would be lost, and KU is seeking parking solutions from the development community. The university has also issued a separate request for proposals to manage its parking system campus-wide, aiming to find new efficiencies and generate additional revenue.
Funding options for the project, estimated to cost over $300 million, are still being developed. KU has secured state funds and a guaranteed match from donors or KU Endowment reserves. The university is also exploring the possibility of STAR bond financing, which would allow sales taxes generated on the site to be used for project costs.
The development is focused on university-owned land south of 11th Street, but the consultants mentioned potential future development opportunities north of 11th Street and west of Mississippi Street. KU intends to keep neighbors informed and plans to engage with neighborhood leaders throughout the development process.
The university aims to select an operator for the stadium and conference center by September, and if applicable, a parking company as well. The master developer for the project is expected to be selected in December. Any changes to the stadium or parking would not occur during the upcoming season, and construction is anticipated to begin in December after home football games have concluded.
Photo credit – University of Kansas / Hunden Strategic Partners / Lawrence, KS
