Travis Goff (Kinda) Talks Memorial Stadium Upgrades
Kansas officially will NOT play in a different stadium during construction
Kansas AD Travis Goff appeared on SirusXM Big 12 Radio Thursday and was asked about football stadium renovations. It’s hard not to get excited about what Goff is saying, but I’m starting to find the lack of substance to be a TINY bit troubling.1
I don’t mean to be overly pessimistic, and have long said these renovations ARE happening. You also can’t blame Goff for proceeding with caution… but I do have questions about when we’ll see more of the vision.
I also wonder what impact the lack of information has on fundraising. Some donors get a preview, but it’s a harder sell to anyone else if key decisions are outstanding.
What stood out in the interview:
KU alum Ari Temkin did a great job asking meaningful questions in a short period of time. I’ll attach the audio below, so you can give it a listen. Give him a follow here.
On playing in another stadium while construction takes place
“We have to play through the construction. I refuse to pick up our program and to play what really ends up being 12 road games when you play off-site.”
On the timeline
“We’re going to play through [construction], so there will be a phased element to it. Our sense of urgency is like nothing I’ve ever seen.2 Our timeline that we’re aspiring for exceeded my expectations.”
On when we can get stadium renderings
“We’re on the doorstep of that. The discipline is to be able to say here’s what its going to look like AND here are the specific timing elements.”
“I felt good when we announced in October. I’m threefold feeling more excited about where we’re going at this point.”
On the “global” aspect of the 11th and Mississippi Project:
“The core of the development is a totally reinvented David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.”
Let me know if you’ve heard anything by replying to this email, DMing me on Twitter, leaving a comment below, or emailing kuhearings@gmail.com.
Panic meter is at 10%. We’re good.
No idea what this means, but Goff can really fire a crowd up.
This reminds me of what Sporting KC did with their stadium. They didn't release any renderings until it was set in stone as to what the stadium would look like. This eliminates a potential “bait and switch” argument. Smart move, IMO.
It's tough to be patient these days. Goff is selling a big vision. Excited to see the substance behind it.