The transformational development creates a new gateway to KU’s campus, including multi-use space and reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and Anderson Family Football Complex
LAWRENCE, Kan. (Aug. 16, 2023) – The University of Kansas unveiled yesterday a new vision for their transformational Gateway District project in the heart of Lawrence which includes major upgrades to the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and a remodel to Anderson Family Football Complex. The project is co-designed by award-winning architecture firms, HNTB and Multistudio
In addition to the stadium updates, the project will transform the area near the intersection of 11th & Mississippi streets with new facilities that will include a mix of conference, entertainment space, retail and other functions that will drive regional economic growth in Lawrence for decades to come.
The updated stadium is scheduled to open for The University of Kansas — a charter member of the Big 12 Conference — in 2025. Other components of the Gateway District are still yet to be determined and will be announced later this year.
The redesigned stadium will include upgrades to the in-game fan experience such as seating bowl design with improved sightlines that increase fan comfort and bring fans closer to the field; expanded concessions, restrooms and accessible seating locations; improved concourse circulation; and new premium amenities such as club seats, ledge seats and suites.
The stadium design will include multi-use spaces to augment conference facilities and bring the public together, while the design of the stadium will nestle the stadium into the landscape and invite fans into the experience. The subsequent design is a stadium whose identity is reflective of the University and the region and will foster a sense of community for years to come.
Phase one of Anderson Family Football Complex, which included a new locker room and weight room, was revealed earlier this month. The second phase will feature a new entry lobby, expanded auditorium, expanded coaches’ offices and expanded team meeting rooms. There will be a state-of-the-art sports medicine, sports science and recovery area to enable KU student-athletes to prepare and recover as effectively as possible. Additionally, one of the club lounges adjacent to the complex will serve as a training table for student-athletes.
Prado
“The corner of 11th & Mississippi will forever transform this part of campus and provide a memorable experience for visitors entering the KU campus,” said Gerardo Prado, HNTB national sports practice leader and vice president. “These type of transformational projects and vision is what drives us toward excellence in the delivery of our designs. Projects with a vision for 365-day activation have the power to drive economic development, serve as a catalyst for campus transformation and enhance the experience of students and visitors will become the norm in collegiate sports. This project will benefit KU, the City of Lawrence and the State of Kansas to continue to be a place where people want to come learn, live and work.”
“We are proud to be partners of KU’s for more than 40 years. We are also working on the renovation of Allen Fieldhouse, KU Innovation Park, as well as their 10-year comprehensive masterplan,” said John Wilkins, principal at Multistudio. “The Gateway Project is a critical part of that plan and will help deepen KU’s position as a vital hub of economic and cultural impact in the state of Kansas and beyond. The stadium and the entirety of the Gateway District will honor and respond to the beauty of this site, its history and its future.”
“This project is unmatched in its vision to benefit a broad range of KU constituents while signaling a new era for Kansas Football,” said Travis Goff, KU director of athletics, in an article published on KUathletics.com. “Once complete, this project will ensure our football program has the facilities it needs to compete at the highest level and provide the best-possible game day experience for student-athletes and fans. Moreover, we are thrilled this project goes beyond football to benefit the entire university and the regional economy.”
HNTB and Multistudio bring a combined 160+ years of critical design knowledge and stadium experience to the Gateway District.
HNTB’s signature architecture projects include serving as lead design architect for Lower.com Field for the Columbus Crew; architect of record for Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium; sports design architect for the Ryan Field Redevelopment for Northwestern University; and teamed with Multistudio on Mountain America Stadium at Arizona State University. The firm also served as lead architect of record and designer of Levi’s Stadium, the first new construction NFL stadium to achieve LEED Gold certification.
Multistudio’s recent and ongoing design projects at the University of Kansas include a renovation of Allen Fieldhouse, The Earth, Energy, and Environment Center, and the DeBruce Center. Other notable projects include Lawrence Public Library, Yulman Stadium at Tulane University in New Orleans, Mountain America Stadium at Arizona State University with HNTB, Southeast Community College Academic Excellence Center and Chorus in San Francisco.