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Kansas football’s home game against UNLV will be held at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City due to ongoing renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Discover why the Jayhawks are playing at this venue, the impact of the stadium renovation project, and what fans can expect from this unique matchup.
Why Kansas vs. UNLV is Being Played at Children’s Mercy Park: A Unique 2024 Matchup
Kansas football, a key player in the Big 12 conference, finds itself playing a “home” game away from home this season. The Jayhawks are set to take on UNLV at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, instead of their usual venue, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence. This unusual choice of venue has raised some questions among fans, especially considering the matchup is not part of a neutral-site arrangement, but rather a designated home game for Kansas.
This article delves into the reasons behind Kansas’ temporary relocation, the ongoing stadium renovation project, and how this affects both teams and fans alike.
Background on Kansas Football’s 2024 Season
The 2024 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Kansas Jayhawks football team. Coming off a successful 2023 season and an appearance at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, expectations were high for Kansas under the leadership of head coach Lance Leipold. The Jayhawks started the season with a win over Lindenwood, but they stumbled in Week 2, suffering a 23-17 upset loss to Illinois. This defeat dropped Kansas out of both the US LBM Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25 Poll, putting them in a crucial position as they face UNLV in Week 3.
Kansas enters the matchup against the UNLV Rebels with a 1-1 record, while UNLV boasts a 2-0 start to their season. For Kansas, this game offers a chance to regroup after their disappointing Week 2 loss and reassert themselves as contenders in the Big 12.
Why is Kansas vs. UNLV Being Played at Children’s Mercy Park?
The decision to play this game at Children’s Mercy Park, home to Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, stems from the ongoing renovation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The renovations are part of a broader project known as the Gateway District project, which is designed to modernize and upgrade the stadium and surrounding areas. This project was announced following the 2023 season, and construction began in earnest in 2024.
According to Kansas’ director of athletics, Travis Goff, the decision to play several home games away from Lawrence was necessary to allow the renovation to proceed on schedule. Goff noted that while it was disappointing to move games away from the home stadium, the decision ultimately benefits the long-term future of Kansas football, its fans, and the university community.
“This plan for the 2024 season has an incredible number of benefits for our student-athletes, our fans and supporters, our campus partners and the Kansas football program,” Goff said in a statement. “While we are disappointed we can’t play in Lawrence, ultimately, we want to create the best possible experience for all involved, and playing two games at Children’s Mercy Park and four games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium allows us to do that.”
By moving two games to Children’s Mercy Park and four additional games to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas aims to provide an optimal fan experience while also maintaining the renovation timeline for their home stadium. Playing at two well-known Kansas City venues, the Jayhawks also capitalize on their regional fan base, ensuring that fans from the Kansas City area still have the opportunity to attend games.
Details of the Stadium Renovation and the Gateway District
The Gateway District project is a massive redevelopment of the area surrounding David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. It is one of the most ambitious initiatives the university has undertaken in recent years, and it aims to modernize the stadium, turning it into a premier venue for college football. The renovations will include upgrades to seating, facilities, and amenities for fans, as well as improvements for athletes.
The project is seen as critical to the long-term success of the football program, both in terms of recruiting top talent and enhancing the fan experience. While the renovation is a temporary inconvenience for Kansas football, the long-term benefits are expected to be significant, making the stadium one of the best in the Big 12.
Kansas Football’s Temporary Home: Children’s Mercy Park
Children’s Mercy Park, located in Kansas City, Kansas, is primarily known as the home of Sporting Kansas City, the city’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team. The stadium has a capacity of 18,467 for soccer matches, making it considerably smaller than David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, which holds over 47,000 fans. However, the intimate setting of Children’s Mercy Park offers a unique atmosphere for football games, allowing fans to feel closer to the action.
Kansas previously played at Children’s Mercy Park in Week 0 of the 2024 season, taking on Lindenwood. This game marked the Jayhawks’ first experience playing in the smaller stadium, and despite the change in venue, the team came out victorious. Now, as they face UNLV in Week 3, the Jayhawks will once again attempt to use the temporary home-field advantage to their benefit.
What’s Next for Kansas Football?
After their matchup against UNLV, Kansas football will move to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for the rest of their home games in 2024. Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, is one of the largest and loudest stadiums in the country, with a seating capacity of over 76,000. The Jayhawks will play their remaining four Big 12 home games at Arrowhead, providing fans with the opportunity to see Kansas football in one of the most iconic sports venues in the country.
Here is a breakdown of Kansas’ upcoming games at Arrowhead Stadium:
- Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. TCU
- Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. Houston
- Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Iowa State
- Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Colorado
These games will be critical for Kansas as they navigate the Big 12 season and attempt to improve their standing following the loss to Illinois in Week 2. Arrowhead Stadium offers a unique challenge, but it also provides Kansas with the opportunity to play in a world-class venue, which could have positive impacts on recruiting and fan engagement.
TV Coverage and Streaming Options for Kansas vs. UNLV
Fans who are unable to attend the game at Children’s Mercy Park can still watch Kansas vs. UNLV on ESPN, which will be broadcasting the game nationally. Additionally, the game will be available for streaming on the ESPN app and ESPN+, giving fans multiple options to tune in and support the Jayhawks from anywhere.
For those with DirecTV, there may be a disruption in service due to an ongoing carrier dispute between DirecTV and Disney, which has led to a blackout of ESPN channels on DirecTV. In this case, fans are encouraged to explore other streaming options, such as Fubo, which offers a free trial and carries ESPN’s family of networks.
Game Time and What to Expect
Kansas and UNLV will kick off at 6 p.m. CT on Friday, Sept. 13, from Children’s Mercy Park. The game marks Kansas’ second and final appearance at Children’s Mercy Park this season, and the Jayhawks will be looking to get back on track after their Week 2 loss to Illinois. UNLV enters the game with a perfect 2-0 record, and the Rebels will be eager to continue their winning streak.
Kansas fans can expect an intense and competitive game as the Jayhawks look to defend their home turf, albeit in an unusual setting. While Children’s Mercy Park may not offer the same home-field advantage as David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the intimate atmosphere and passionate fan base should provide the Jayhawks with plenty of support.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kansas football season has already been marked by unique challenges, including the relocation of home games due to the renovation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. However, the temporary move to Children’s Mercy Park and GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium offers an exciting opportunity for the team and fans alike. As Kansas faces off against UNLV, the Jayhawks will be looking to rebound from their Week 2 loss and continue their pursuit of success in the Big 12. Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup and the eventual return to a modernized stadium in Lawrence that promises to elevate the Kansas football program for years to come.
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