Documents Reveal Further Allen Fieldhouse Renovation Plans

Could '16,300' be at risk for KU basketball?

Mar 28, 2023

In this Hearings newsletter:

A 16-page Architectural Program detailing upcoming Allen Fieldhouse renovations obtained via the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA).
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Kansas Athletics' $49M renovation for Allen Fieldhouse go far beyond what the University initially announced, according to an Architectural Program that details upcoming changes to KU's most prized facility.

I obtained the 16-page Architectural Program via the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). The document mentions suites, video boards, air conditioning, additional premium seating, and more. Details from the document were first reported in part by the Lawrence Journal-Wold. I’ve attached the entire program to the end of this newsletter.

Below are the notable updates:

Suites

Suites are mentioned twice in the document. Unfortunately, the wording remains vague as to what KU is actually planning.

"Provide new, remodeled, and expanded suite areas for a premium fan experience, which are unobtrusively integrated into the current footprint of Allen Fieldhouse."
"Provide suite spaces that are integrated into the existing fabric and character of Allen Fieldhouse."

Here's what I said in my original Fieldhouse Renovations Hearings, which appear to align with the wording above.

Seating

KU plans to expand its seat back options, matching the existing wood designs. While this makes sense, the plans curiously omit seating capacity for the building. It's hard to envision 16,300 in attendance with additional chair backs.

Video Boards and Air Conditioning

Hallelujah! The architectural plan calls for improved air conditioning and new video boards. The AC improvement calls for year-round capabilities, which would be a substantial upgrade from its current state.

"HVAC systems shall be sized to meet code and provide suitable comfort conditions year-round, with appropriate control over varying occupancies within the space."

The above design also shows a new center-hung scoreboard, along with two new video boards in the corners. I’m not sure why KU wouldn’t have included these upgrades in their announcement.

Again, here's what I said in the previous Hearings that appears to have been accurate✅

The Pub and More

As KU announced (and was first scoop’d in the Hearings), there will be a pub area added to the second level. I expect this to go where Rally House previously existed. KU will need to ensure you “feel” like you’re at Allen Fieldhouse when getting a drink here.

Other key changes include enclosing the bridge between AFH and the parking garage, renovating the Naismith Room, expanding the Donor Atrium, and a number of other improvements.