Jayhawks Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Lance Leipold

Team Mascot: Big Jay, Baby Jay

Year Opened: 1921

Capacity: 47233

City / State: Lawrence / Kansas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Sunflower Showdown

Rival Team: Kansas State Wildcats

Sunflower Showdown is contested each season between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas State Wildcats. The game is one of the most anticipated of the season with the winner taking home state supremacy and the Governor’s Cup. One of the contentious points in the rivalry occurred in 1980 when the Jayhawks forfeited the 1980 meeting due to an ineligible player. To this day the Jayhawks count it as a win whereas the Wildcats count it as a loss. If you want to go the biggest Jayhawks game of the year, then book your ticket to the Sunflower Showdown.

Jayhawks Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

While KU is widely known as a basketball school, tailgating on Campanile Hill and the downtown area still offers a fun game day experience. Located just south of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Campanile Hill is where a vast majority of the tailgating at Kansas University takes place. The motto around KU seems to be “win or lose we booze” so Lawrence on game days is alive with fans, partying, and having fun.

The cool thing about tailgating at Kansas is that from Campanile Hill you can see the inside of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. This can come in handy if you’re sitting in the student section and want to get a good seat as you can watch the stands fill up while enjoying tailgating. It also means tailgating doesn’t have to end when the game starts as you can continue to tailgate without missing any of the action.

Lawrence also offers a good bar scene along Massachusetts Street, which means there are plenty of options for pregame entertainment. Regardless of whether you tailgate at the top of Campanile Hill or hit up the bars along Massachusetts Street, you’ll have a great time in Lawrence.

Traditions

Booth Athletics Hall of Fame

The Hall of Athletics is a great display of Kansas Jayhawks athletic 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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Campanile Hill

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium was built with Campanile Hill overlooking it to the south. The hill was the reason the south end zone was left uncovered by seats and is a popular location for tailgaters. Make the trek up Campanile Hill to get an excellent view of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

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Football and Flapjacks

The morning of the homecoming game at the University of Kansas includes a pancake tailgate in the Alumni Center parking lot. Tickets are only $5 and the event lasts for three hours so before a day of heavy tailgating begins, be sure to get some Jayhawk pancakes.

Marching Down the Hill

Before every Kansas football game you can catch the Jayhawks band march down the hill and run into the stadium. The scene is a sight to be hold and an excellent way to get pumped up before the game.

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Proud to be a Jayhawk Tailgate

Jayhawk fans 21 and older can drink and participate in a designated area three hours before game time as well as during halftime. The funds and donations collected at the Proud to be a Jayhawk tailgate are dispersed throughout Lawrence and Kansas University, so you can feel good about drinking on game day.

Massachusetts Street

Filled with restaurants, shops, and street performers, Massachusetts Street has something for everyone in Lawrence. When stopping here, make sure you give yourself enough time to explore the many unique places this six-block strip has to offer. On game day, whether it be basketball or football, the bars and restaurants are packed with fans cheering on the beloved Jayhawks.

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Where to tailgate

Jayhawks Stadium Guide

In Game

There are few better places to be on a fall Saturday than a Kansas Jayhawks game where you’ll be able to enjoy the crisp fall weather and the beautiful sight of Lawrence in the fall. Located on the KU campus, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is also a treat to visitors as you’ll be able to experience one of the more historical stadiums in college football as David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium traces its origin back to 1921. You’ll have a great time in Kansas as Lawrence provides a quintessential college town atmosphere that really adds to the great game day experience that can be found in Lawrence.

Kansas fans may be basketball fans first and foremost, but that doesn’t mean they don’t support the Jayhawks football team as well. The fans here come out in strong numbers to support their team and as a result, sell out David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium often. If in Lawrence on game day you wouldn’t be able to throw a dart without hitting a Jayhawks fan as the whole town is clad in blue and crimson.

Come prepared to chant Rock Chalk and wave the wheat and you’ll fit in wonderfully at Kansas. The beauty of Lawrence and the Jayhawks faithful are sure to make your trip to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium one to remember.

Things to check out

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.

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Ring of Honor

The Ring of Honor located at the top of the northern bowl of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium honors the all-time greats who have donned the Jayhawks uniforms. It is a great honor to be a part of, and some of the members include Gale Sayers, John Riggins, and Bobby Douglass.

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.

    Chorus:
    ’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. Learn the fight song clap

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. Tonic Lounge

    Tonic beer

    "You get the bang for your buck. The crowd varies so it's a mix of everything. Can't beat this place."

    728 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-856-0588

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. 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 - $$$

  5. 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 - $

  6. 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 - $

  7. 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 - $

  8. 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 - $

  9. 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 - $

  10. 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 - $$

  11. 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 - $

  12. 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 - $$

  13. 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 - $$

  14. 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 - $$

  15. 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 - $

  16. 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 - $

  17. 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 - $

  18. 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 - $$

  19. Burger stand

    Burger Stand fries

    Focusing on unique yet familiar food.

    803 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

    785-783-8900

    Bar website

    american - $$

  20. 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 - $$

  21. 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 - $$

  22. 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 - $$

  23. 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 - $$

  24. 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 - $

  25. 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 - $$