Helena Frye
Allen Fieldhouse, the basketball arena of the University of Kansas, is one of the most prestigious and historic intercollegiate basketball arenas in North America. The arena is home to the Kansas Jayhawks men's and women's basketball teams and has a capacity of 15,300 following recent renovations. The venue has undergone a $50 million facelift, including the addition of a new video board, updated graphics, and improved accessibility features, enhancing the experience for fans and players alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Allen Fieldhouse |
| Location | University of Kansas (KU) campus in Lawrence, Kansas |
| Teams | Kansas Jayhawks men's and women's basketball teams |
| Named After | Phog Allen, a former player and head coach for the Jayhawks |
| Nickname | The Phog |
| Playing Surface Named | James Naismith Court, honouring basketball's inventor |
| Capacity | 15,300 after renovations (previously 16,300) |
| Renovations | New video board, 1,100 new chair-back seats, ADA seating, updated graphics, new concession areas |
| History | Hosted 37 NCAA Tournament games, NBA exhibition games, and concerts |
| Home Court Advantage | Jayhawks have won over 87% of their games since 1955 |
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What You'll Learn
The arena's capacity will be 15,300 after renovations
The University of Kansas' Allen Fieldhouse, home to the Kansas Jayhawks men's and women's basketball teams, is undergoing renovations. The arena, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is one of college basketball's most historically significant venues. The $50 million renovation project, funded by donors, includes a range of upgrades aimed at enhancing the fan experience while preserving the arena's beloved aura.
The arena's capacity will be reduced from 16,300 to 15,300, with the addition of 1,100 new chair-back seats on the west side. This change will provide a more comfortable experience for fans, ensuring that every attendee can benefit from the improved amenities. The amount of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible seating has also doubled, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
The top two levels of the arena have been overhauled, with a modern aesthetic replacing the previous design. The student section has been moved two rows closer to the court, enhancing the atmosphere and energy for which Allen Fieldhouse is renowned. New graphics adorn the concourse, showcasing the rich history of the venue and KU's basketball program.
A state-of-the-art centre-hung video board, measuring over 9 feet high and 18 feet wide, has been installed. This video board features two screens tilted towards the lower levels, ensuring an optimal viewing experience for all fans. The donor atrium, known as the Crimson Club, boasts a new and improved hospitality area, offering a refined experience for donors and guests.
The Kansas Jayhawks have a well-established home-court advantage at Allen Fieldhouse, with an impressive winning record since the arena opened in 1955. The renovations will further enhance the arena's reputation as one of the greatest venues in basketball, combining historical prestige with modern amenities to create an unparalleled fan experience.
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It is named after Phog Allen, a former player and coach
The University of Kansas' basketball arena, Allen Fieldhouse, is named after Dr. Forrest C. "Phog" Allen, a legendary figure in the history of the sport and a pioneer in the game of basketball as we know it today. Allen was a player and, later, a coach at the university, and his influence on the game and its development was immense.
Allen played for the Kansas Jayhawks from 1905 to 1907 and was coached by the inventor of basketball, James Naismith. After graduating, he became a coach himself, first at a high school in Kansas and then at the University of Kansas from 1907 to 1909. He left to coach at another university but returned to KU in 1919, remaining there until his retirement in 1956. During his time as head coach, he led the Jayhawks to numerous successes, including a Helms Foundation national championship in 1922 and NCAA championship games in 1940 and 1952.
However, Allen's impact extended far beyond the court. He is often referred to as the "Father of Basketball Coaching," as he not only played under but also helped spread James Naismith's ideas about the game. Allen is credited with developing the concept of the fast break and popularizing the practice of the full-court press. Additionally, he was a driving force in making basketball an Olympic sport, and he coached the 1952 US Olympic basketball team to a gold medal.
Given his illustrious career and profound impact on the sport, it is only fitting that the University of Kansas' basketball arena bears his name. Allen Fieldhouse opened in 1955, and although it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years, the name has remained, honoring one of the most influential figures in the game's history.
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Allen Fieldhouse is home to the Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks have a well-established home-court advantage at Allen Fieldhouse, often considered one of the best in college basketball. The team has won over 87% of their games in the venue's history, with only 118 losses as of 2024. The arena has also hosted 37 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament games and other notable events, including an NBA exhibition game and concerts by renowned artists.
The Fieldhouse has undergone several renovations over the years, including seating expansions, accessibility upgrades, and modernisations of concession stands and restrooms. The most recent renovations, completed before the 2024-25 season, cost \$50 million and included a reimagined experience for fans. The top two levels were overhauled for a more modern look, and a new video board was installed, along with additional chair-back seats and corner video boards. The capacity of the arena has been adjusted to 15,300, with improved Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seating options.
Allen Fieldhouse is not just an arena but a historic venue for college basketball. It is adorned with banners honouring former men's and women's basketball players, as well as KU's multiple Final Fours and conference championships. The playing surface is named the "James Naismith Court," honouring the inventor of basketball, who was also the Jayhawks' first coach from 1898 to 1907. The Booth family also purchased Naismith's original 13 Rules of Basketball, which will be permanently housed in the "DeBruce Center" addition to Allen Fieldhouse.
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The playing surface is named after basketball's inventor, James Naismith
The University of Kansas' basketball arena, Allen Fieldhouse, is a storied and legendary venue in the world of college basketball. While the arena itself is named after former coach Phog Allen, the playing surface bears the name of an even more iconic figure in the sport's history: James Naismith.
James Naismith is widely credited as the inventor of the game of basketball, and his legacy is deeply intertwined with the University of Kansas. In 1898, just six years after Naismith invented the game, he became the University's first basketball coach. He served in that role for six seasons, compiling a record of 55-6 and helping to establish the University of Kansas as a basketball powerhouse.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the sport and the University, the playing surface of Allen Fieldhouse was named James Naismith Court in 1989. The dedication ceremony took place on February 11, with descendants of both Naismith and Phog Allen in attendance, marking a special occasion in the history of Kansas basketball. The court naming served as a fitting tribute to the man who not only invented the game but also helped lay the foundation for the University's rich basketball tradition.
The floor of James Naismith Court has witnessed countless memorable moments in college basketball history. It has been the site of numerous Big Eight and Big 12 Conference championships, as well as the home court for some of the game's all-time great players and coaches, including Wilt Chamberlain, JoJo White, and, more recently, Frank Mason III and Devonte' Graham. The court has also played host to some of the sport's most passionate fans, with the student section, known as the "Bleeders," adding to the electric atmosphere for which Allen Fieldhouse is renowned.
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Renovations include a new video board and 1,100 new seats
The University of Kansas' Allen Fieldhouse, home to the Kansas Jayhawks men's and women's basketball teams, has undergone extensive renovations ahead of its 70th season. The $50 million project, funded by donors, includes a new video board, 1,100 new seats, and a range of other improvements.
The new state-of-the-art centre-hung video board is one of the most notable additions to the arena. With a height of over 9 feet and a width of 18 feet, the video board features two screens tilted towards the lower levels, ensuring that fans in all areas of the arena can easily see the action.
The installation of 1,100 new chair-back seats on the arena's west side is another significant upgrade. This addition provides enhanced comfort and improved sightlines for a significant number of fans. The overall capacity of the arena has been adjusted to 15,300, taking into account the new seating configuration and the increased number of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible seats, doubling the previous amount.
The top two levels of the historic fieldhouse have been overhauled to give them a more modern appearance, and the student section has been moved two rows closer to the court, enhancing the atmosphere and energy for which Allen Fieldhouse is known.
Other renovations include updated graphics and concessions, with grab-and-go options and digital menu boards. Every restroom in the arena has been upgraded, and an on-site cooking kitchen has been added to the Naismith Room, enhancing the overall fan experience. These improvements demonstrate the University of Kansas' commitment to providing a world-class experience for both athletes and spectators.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kansas basketball arena, Allen Fieldhouse, has a capacity of 15,300 after renovations. The previous capacity was 16,300.
Renovations to the Kansas basketball arena include a new video board, 1,100 new chair-back seats, additional ADA seating, updated graphics, new concession areas, and an on-site cooking kitchen. The top two levels of the arena have also been overhauled for a more modern appearance.
The Kansas basketball arena, Allen Fieldhouse, opened on March 1, 1955.
The Kansas basketball arena, Allen Fieldhouse, is named after Phog Allen, a former player and head coach for the Jayhawks.
