Kansas Jayhawks Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Bill Self

Team Mascot: Baby Jay, Big Jay

Year Opened: 1955

Capacity: 16300

City / State: Lawrence / Kansas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Sunflower Showdown

Rival Team: Kansas State Wildcats

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.

Things to check out

Booth Family Hall of Athletics

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!

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Honored Number and Championship Banners

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.

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Beware of the Phog Banner

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.

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Original Rules of Basketball

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.

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Phog Allen Statue

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.

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Waving the Wheat

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.

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Big Jay and Baby Jay

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.

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Confetti

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.

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Late Night at the Phog

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

  1. “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.

  2. Fight song clap

  3. “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

  4. 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!

Kansas Jayhawks Bars & Restaurants

  1. Red Lyon Tavern

    Red Lyon beer

    28 beers on tap. Free popcorn & darts. The best soccer fans in Lawrence!

    944 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-832-8228

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  2. The Eldridge

    wine

    Satisfy every appetite at The Eldridge. No matter how much time you have, the restaurants at The Eldridge provides the perfect meal any time of day.

    701 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-749-5011

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  3. The Oread

    Blarney Stone Wine Spirits

    The Oread is the most unique and complete center for lodging, hospitality, business and social leisure activities located beside the campus of KU.

    1200 Oread Ave, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-843-1200

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  4. West Coast Saloon

    West Coast Saloon

    The West Coast has been a Lawrence and KU tradition serving the best burgers anywhere since 1981.

    2222 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA

    785-841-2739

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Quinton’s Bar & Deli

    Bear Trap

    Soups from scratch, signature sandwiches, hand-crafted cocktails and more!

    615 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-842-6560

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. The Jayhawk Cafe

    Fat Daddys

    Long-standing institution providing drink specials & theme nights in a raucous environment.

    1340 Ohio St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-843-9273

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. Louise’s West

    Uncle Festers

    From grocery store to Tavern. From Tavern to Louise's. No matter how long it has been, the cold beer, good fun, and good company won't ever change

    1307 W 7th St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-840-9860

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Bullwinkle’s Bar

    beer

    Bullwinkles Bar, The Bull, located in Lawrence, KS is the best KU bar on campus.

    1344 Tennessee St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-832-2855

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  9. Bottleneck

    Green Street Cafe

    Live-music option balancing bands with karaoke, trivia, open-mike & metal nights.

    737 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-841-5483

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Sandbar

    The Sandbar

    Longtime collegial nook with a tiki motif & a festive feel providing tropical drinks in comfy digs.

    17 E 8th St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-842-0111

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Brother’s Bar

    Brothers

    Outpost of a Midwestern sports-bar chain serving casual American eats in a party atmosphere.

    1105 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-830-9281

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. J Wilson’s

    J Wilsons

    INAPPROPRIATELY GOOD. A new way to nurture your soul.

    4821 W 6th St a, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA

    785-312-9057

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Bigg’s BBQ

    Biggs BBQ

    Family-friendly outpost known for Kansas City-style BBQ, plus a bar & many TVs for sports viewing.

    2429 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA

    785-856-2550

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  14. Munchers Bakery

    Munchers Bakery

    Simple, old-fashioned bakery featuring a wide array of pastries, including donuts, cookies & cakes.

    925 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-749-4324

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. PepperJax Grill

    PepperJax Grill

    Cheesesteaks & other sandwiches are ordered straight from the grill cook at this casual chain spot.

    919 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-856-4529

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. The Mad Greek Restaurant

    Falafel

    Greek & Italian specialties, plus burgers, served in a bright cafe-style setting with a full ba

    907 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-843-2441

    Bar website

    european - $

  17. Milton’s

    MIltons

    Milton's features that same great, gourmet coffee & signature breakfast.

    901 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-856-0663

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  18. Burger stand

    Burger Stand fries

    Focusing on unique yet familiar food.

    803 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-783-8900

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Dempsey’s Burger Pub

    Dempseys burger

    Bustling Irish-themed hub with more than 100 types of beer & gourmet burgers with seasonal fixings.

    623 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-856-5460

    Bar website

    european - $$

  20. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

    Fuzzys Taco Shop

    Modern counter-service chain serving Baja-style tacos & other Mexican eats, plus beer & margaritas.

    1115 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-841-8226

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  21. Papa Keno’s Pizzeria

    Papa Kenos Pizzeria

    Classic & trendy pizzas plus subs, beer & wine dished out in an old-school counter-serve joint.

    837 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-841-7272

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  22. Henry T’s

    Henry Ts burger

    Contemporary sports bar offering burgers, wings & other pub staples, plus daily drink specials.

    3520 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA

    785-749-2999

    Bar website

    american - $$

  23. 715 Mass

    Restaurant

    Tuscan cuisine made with ingredients sourced from Kansas farms & served in date-worthy digs.

    715 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-856-7150

    Bar website

    american - european - $

  24. Free State Brewing Co.

    Free State Brewing Co beer

    This easygoing brewpub with exposed-stone walls serves up hearty fare such as quesadillas & gumbo.

    636 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-843-4555

    Bar website

    american - $$