The transformation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is officially entering its next chapter. Last Thursday, Kansas Athletics unveiled new renderings for Phase II of its ambitious Gateway District project - and the vision is bold. This isn’t just a stadium renovation; it’s a full-scale reimagination of what game day (and every day) could look like in Lawrence.
What’s Coming in Phase II
Phase II shifts the focus to the east and south sides of the stadium, areas that have long been due for a facelift. But the upgrades aren’t stopping with new seats and fresh concrete.
The plans call for a sprawling mixed-use development just east of the stadium - think hotel, restaurants, office space, and student housing. It’s a move that not only modernizes the fan experience but also integrates the stadium more deeply into campus and community life.
Construction on this phase began in December, and the full Gateway District is expected to be completed in 2028. The bulk of the heavy lifting will take place during the offseasons following the 2026 and 2027 football campaigns, allowing the Jayhawks to keep playing through the process - albeit with some adjustments.
The Booth: A Work in Progress
If you caught a game at The Booth last season, you already saw some of the early results. The west and north sides have been revamped, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come.
Now, attention turns to the east side, where the lower seating bowl will remain open for the 2026 season. It’ll be a bit of a throwback setup - temporary concessions and restrooms will be installed to keep things operational - but KU is keeping the fan experience front and center.
The upper bowl and new concourses on that side are expected to be ready before the 2027 season, when the stadium is projected to return to full capacity. That’s a big milestone for a venue that first opened its gates in 1921 - a century-old landmark getting a 21st-century overhaul.
Parking, Traditions, and the Fan Experience
One of the more practical additions in Phase II is a new surface parking lot at the corner of 11th and Missouri streets, set to be completed ahead of the 2026 season. Parking plans are still under review for future years, but this addition should help ease some of the game day congestion as construction continues.
And for fans worried about losing the traditions that make Kansas football Saturdays special - don’t. Tailgate on the Hill and Gameday Boulevard on 11th Street are sticking around for 2026. That means the pregame atmosphere will still have the same energy, even as the surroundings evolve.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The Jayhawks are set to host six home games at The Booth in 2026, with matchups against Long Island (Sept. 4), Missouri (Sept.
12), Middle Tennessee State (Oct. 3), Baylor (Oct.
24), UCF (Nov. 7), and BYU (Nov. 21).
It’s a solid home slate that includes a rivalry renewal with Missouri - a game that’s sure to bring added juice to a stadium in transition.
Building for the Future
Athletic director Travis Goff made it clear: this project is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about momentum.
“Our fans have stepped up in support of this project via game-changing donations and the purchase of season tickets,” Goff said in a statement. “As we head into year two, it is vital that we continue that trajectory to ensure the completion of The Booth and the continued build of Kansas Football.”
That message resonates. Kansas football has been on the rise, and now the infrastructure is catching up. With premium seating, upgraded amenities, and a full-blown entertainment district on the way, The Booth is transforming into a destination - not just for game days, but year-round.
The bones of the old stadium may date back over a century, but what’s being built now is about the next 100 years. And if Phase I was the appetizer, Phase II is shaping up to be a main course worth waiting for.