Allen Fieldhouse

Allen Fieldhouse is a college basketball arena in Lawrence, Kansas, that serves as the home venue for the Kansas Jayhawks. The arena opened in 1955 and is named after Forrest “Phog” Allen, a longtime Kansas basketball coach, while the playing surface is named after James Naismith, the creator of basketball and a former Kansas coach. Allen Fieldhouse is sometimes referred to as “The Phog” or “The Cathedral of Basketball,” as it’s one of the most iconic venues in college basketball, not to mention one of the loudest. For basketball games, Allen Fieldhouse has a capacity of 16,300 fans, while the record attendance for the venue remains 17,228, which was recorded at the first game ever played there.

Where are the Best Places to Sit at Allen Fieldhouse

Allen Fieldhouse is shaped like a perfect rectangle, so there are some funky angles for fans in some sections. The first 19 rows of sections 4-8 are typically regarded as the best places, primarily because these sections heave a seat-back. Also, they run parallel to the court and are in the lower section of the arena. Meanwhile, sections R, S, T, F, G, and H will be closest to the court and near the middle of the court. Section T is located directly behind the Kansas bench, while Section R is behind the bench of the visiting team.

Tips for Visiting Allen Fieldhouse

The best tip for visiting Allen Fieldhouse is to arrive early. For starters, Lawrence is a college town with a lot of local hotspots nearby to enjoy before the game. Also, Allen Fieldhouse serves as a mini-museum for Kansas basketball. The program has a lot of history, which is shared in the form of pictures, trophies, and other memorabilia, including the original rules for basketball written down by James Naismith. Finally, be prepared for a noisy environment as Allen Fieldhouse is one of the loudest venues in the country, thanks to the fans and the Kansas pep band. 

Food to Try at Allen Fieldhouse

Allen Fieldhouse offers all of the traditional arena fare, as well as more elaborate food options with a local twist. For example, the Salty Iguana offers a Bill Self Burrito, named after the team’s head coach. The pulled pork sandwich at Bigg’s BBQ is another good choice beyond the typical hot dog and pizza options. Finally, there are several stands throughout the concourse offering special cookies and desserts.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Allen Fieldhouse located?

Allen Fieldhouse is located in Lawrence, Kansas.

What kind of events does Allen Fieldhouse host?

Allen Fieldhouse events are always centered around college basketball.

Which team is playing at Allen Fieldhouse?

The stadium is primarily used as the home of the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team.

Where can I park for free at Allen Fieldhouse?

There are plenty of parking spaces available for Allen Fieldhouse events. Free parking is available in Park & Ride lot 301, with a shuttle that runs to the venue. A round-trip fare is $3.00. If you wish to park closer, a specific game permit issued by the Williams Fund is required to park in lots 31, 54, 71, 72, 90, 93, 125, 127, and the Allen Fieldhouse Garage. If you don’t wish to obtain a permit, there are public parking lots available in the vicinity, prices will vary depending on the lot.

What is the seating capacity of Allen Fieldhouse?

Allen Fieldhouse sporting events can host up to 16,300 cheering fans. 

Who owns Allen Fieldhouse?

Allen Fieldhouse is owned by the University of Kansas.

How do I get to Allen Fieldhouse using public transport?

Fans wishing to reach Allen Fieldhouse events by public transport are in luck. From several bus routes to taxi services fans have a number of options at their disposal.