The next phase is planned to reshape the stadium’s east stands and add a mixed-use district with student housing, a hotel, retail and office space.
The University of Kansas has tapped a joint venture of Clark Construction and JE Dunn Construction to deliver a $362-million Phase II project that is planned to upgrade football facilities, expand the campus gateway, and add a mixed-use development.
The work in Lawrence, Kansas is part of an $809-million redevelopment that encompassed major renovation and reconstruction of the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium’s southwest, west, and north sides, along with related facilities. Phase I, led by Turner Construction Co., opened in August 2025.
Kansas City-based design firms Multistudio and HNTB provided architecture and design services for both phases, covering the stadium and the adjacent Gateway District, located east of the stadium.
Phase II is planned to reconstruct the stadium’s east stands with new seating and amenities, reshape the south portion of the bowl, and construct a year-round district that includes a 162-room hotel, 450-bed student housing, 43,000 sq ft of retail, office and restaurant space, an underground parking garage, and an events plaza.
«One of the most interesting construction challenges of this project will be seamlessly tying Phase 2 into the completed Phase 1 while maintaining continuity across all components,» says Scott Sherry, national sports director, for JE Dunn. «This development isn’t just a football stadium—it also includes a parking garage / plaza and a student housing complex—requiring the team to balance three interconnected projects. The challenge lies in creating a unified campus environment where all elements complement one another and function as one cohesive destination.»
“The project will develop a new campus gateway, multi-use space and upgraded football facilities, enhancing KU’s ability to recruit and retain students,» the university said.
Phase I, at the corner of 11th and Mississippi streets, cost $448 million and connected the Anderson Family Football Complex, Booth Stadium, and a 50,000-sq-ft conference center on the stadium’s north end. Renovations included a new team room overlooking the field, an additional 20,000 sq ft of walkthrough, meeting and support spaces, and upgraded locker, weight, and training rooms.
The first phase also reconfigured the seating bowl to improve sightlines and bring fans closer to the field, added new concession offerings, enhanced concourse circulation and accessibility, and introduced premium seating options, including clubs, ledge suites, and loge seating. All west-side seats now include seatbacks, with about 3,000 accessing premium areas. The west side features four club areas and 42 suites.
University officials said the Gateway District is scheduled for full completion in 2028, with stadium work scheduled during off-season periods following the 2026 and 2027 football seasons.
Kansas Football was established in 1890, playing in what is recognized as the first stadium built on a college campus west of the Mississippi River. Booth stadium is the seventh-oldest collegiate stadium in the nation, according to the university.
