University to host informational sessions about indoor football facility


LAWRENCE – Students, staff and community members are invited to two informational sessions to learn about the University of Kansas’ plans to build an indoor football facility.

The first session will be at noon Dec. 14 in The Commons at Spooner Hall and is intended for faculty, staff and students. The second session will be the same day at 5:30 p.m. in the Malott Room of the Memorial Union and is intended for Lawrence residents and campus neighbors.

The sessions will be hosted by representatives from Facilities Planning & Development and Kansas Athletics Inc. Each session will provide attendees an opportunity to learn about the project, ask questions and provide feedback on design and construction elements.

In September, the university announced a fundraising project focused on football, the first phase of which will be the construction of an indoor practice facility. This facility will cost an estimated $26 million and be funded through private donations. KU is exploring multiple sites on the west side of Memorial Stadium.

“KU leaders have articulated the need for this project and how it impacts our broader mission as a research university,” said Jim Modig, university architect. “As we move forward on this indoor facility, these informational sessions are an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project, see the latest site options, ask questions and provide input. We hosted similar sessions during the development of the Central District and found them to be tremendously beneficial for everyone involved.”

As with any project, the university is evaluating factors related to aesthetics, environmental impact, campus heritage, parking and accessibility. The university will appoint an official building committee and an ad hoc community advisory committee based on the long-standing cooperative agreement between the city of Lawrence and KU. This process is intended to address the needs of the university and provide a mechanism for involvement of the community and neighborhoods.

The project was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents in November.

For more information on the need for the project, read Chancellor Douglas A. Girod’s messages to campus on Sept. 25 and Nov. 13.

Thu, 12/07/2017

author

Joe Monaco

Media Contacts

Joe Monaco

KU Office of Public Affairs

785-864-7100