Kansas and Kansas State have an age old rivalry that dates back to the creation of the two universities in the 1860s. Since then the two schools have created an intense basketball rivalry that began in 1907. The rivalry between the Jayhawks and Wildcats was at its peak in the 1950s when the two teams were regularly ranked in the Top 10. If you want to see the biggest game of the year, don’t miss it when the Wildcats come to Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas vs Missouri
Rival Team: Missouri Tigers
Kansas and Missouri have a long-standing rivalry across all sports. However, the rivalry has been dormant since 2012 when the Tigers moved to the SEC. The rivalry between these two states dates back to before the Civil War, so make sure to be in attendance when this rivalry kicks off again.
Kansas Jayhawks Stadium Guide
In Game
There are few venues in all of sports, let alone college basketball, that can rival the atmosphere found inside Allen Fieldhouse. Statistically, the Jayhawks have the best home court advantage in the nation having amassed a 140-3 record at home since 2007, meaning you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Jayhawks basketball game.
Kansas fans are arguably the best fans in the nation, which can be attested to by the incredible home record of the team. The fans here live and breathe basketball, which you can see by how everyone in Lawrence comes out to support the team. Not only is the student section at Kansas incredibly loud, you’ll also plenty of loud and rowdy fans among the alumni as well. KU fans even managed to set the record for loudest basketball arena when they recorded a decibel level of 122.
There is also an incredible amount of basketball history on display inside Allen Fieldhouse. The Booth Family Hall of Athletics is home to a ton of trophies and memorabilia from all throughout KU’s history. You’ll also see many banners hanging around the arena. You can even see James Naismith’s original rules when attending a Jayhawks game, making a trip to Lawrence a must for anyone who’s ever watched the game.
Finally, if Allen Fieldhouse and the rowdy fans aren’t enough to keep you entertained during your stay, then check out Massachusetts Street. You’ll encounter various bars and restaurants here including local favorites such as Red Lion Tavern and The Burger Stand.
Don’t miss your opportunity to see a game at Kansas’s famed Allen Fieldhouse where you’ll find one of the best experience in pro or college sports.
The Hall of Athletics is a great display of Kansas Jayhawks athletics history. From championship ring collections to trophies, this is a must see for any college sports fan. It is an excellent way to experience the rich tradition of the Jayhawks. The best part about the Hall of Athletics is it’s free!
Hanging from the rafters of the arena are banners honoring all of the Jayhawks best players and their many accomplishments. The honored numbers on the south wall pay tribute to Jayhawks legends including Wilt Chamberlain, Danny Manning, and Paul Pierce. Meanwhile, you'll find banners honoring Kansas’s five NCAA championship banners on the north wall. Make sure to take them all in when visiting Allen Fieldhouse to see the program’s great history.
Above the Jayhawks national championship banners is a sign that reads, “Pay Heed, All Who Enter: Beware of the Phog.” The sign shows off how intimidating Allen Fieldhouse is for opposing teams, where the Jayhawks have amassed a 140-3 record since 2007. Don’t come to Allen Fieldhouse expecting a W if you’re a fan of the opposing team.
Located in the DeBruce Center, you’ll find James Naismith’s original rules of the game. The rules are something every basketball fan should see at least once, so make sure to check them out during your visit to Lawrence.
Snap a pic with the Phog Allen statue located outside of Allen Fieldhouse. The statue pays tribute to one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history as well as the fieldhouse’s namesake making it a must see for any basketball fan.
KU has its personal version of the traditional wave at sporting events. Their version is known waving the wheat and features fans lifting their arms in the air and slowly waving them back and forth, which is reminiscent of Kansas wheat swaying in the prairies. Waving the wheat often occurs after an opposing player follows out and is accompanied by the chant “You Didn’t Have Your Wheaties,” so join in on this fun tradition when attending a KU basketball game.
Big Jay and Baby Jay are the two Jayhawk mascots found at every Kansas sporting event. Keep your eye open for these fun and energetic mascots as you never know what they’ll do next.
During the opponent player intros, the student section holds up a piece of paper and pretends to read it. Then when the Jayhawks are introduced, they rip up the paper and throw it in the air like confetti. Any leftover confetti is then thrown once the Jayhawks score their first basket, so if you’re sitting in the student section come prepared to be showered with confetti.
Kansas is a basketball school, and as a result, the fans go all out for the start of the season. Fans line up for hours to get their first glimpse of the team during Late Night at the Phog, so take the opportunity to attend this event if you’re in Lawrence for the start of the season.
Fight Songs
“I'm a Jayhawk”
Talk about the Sooners, Cowboys and the Bears,
Aggies and the Tiger and his tail.
Talk about the Wildcats, and the Cyclone boys,
But I’m the bird to make ’em weep and wail
‘Cause I’m a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk,
Up at Lawrence on the Kaw–
‘Cause I’m a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk,
With a sis-boom, hip hoorah,
Got a bill that’s big enough
To twist a Tiger’s tail,
Rope some ‘Horns and listen
To the Red Raiders wail–
‘Cause I’m a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk,
Riding on a Kansas gale.
Fight song clap
“Crimson and Blue”
Before the signing of the national anthem, Kansas fans sign the school’s alma mater. Show off your Kansas spirit by joining on the singing of “Crimson and Blue” before the game.
Far above the golden valley
Glorious to view,
Stands our noble Alma Mater,
Towering towards the blue.
Lift the chorus ever onward,
Crimson and the Blue
Hail to thee our Alma Mater
Hail to old KU.
Far above the distant humming
of the busy town,
Reared against the dome of heaven
Looks she proudly down.
Greet we then our foster mother,
Noble friend so true,
We will ever sing her praises
Hail to old KU
Rock Chalk Chant
Once coined the greatest college chant he’d ever heard by Teddy Roosevelt, Jayhawk fans proudly yell the rock chalk chant during the pre-game ritual as well as when they believe they are safely ahead.
(Slowly Sing)
Rock chalk, Jayhawk, KU.
Rock chalk, Jayhawk, KU.
(Yell Quickly)
Rock chalk, Jayhawk, KU!
Rock chalk, Jayhawk, KU!
Rock chalk, Jayhawk, KU!