The Jayhawks’ home stadium is being completely rebuilt to improve the seating, concessions, restrooms and premium amenities. Students have to adapt to the use of different locations of sporting games, causing different opinions on the temporary location. 

During the reconstruction of the stadium, the college football games are being played at Children’s Mercy Park and Arrowhead Stadium. Students state that while the new amenities are an improvement, it can be an inconvenience when having to travel away from home. University of Kansas student, Ava Decatur,  Has been attending KU games for her whole life and feels this it…

“I like traveling with friends and it’s fun to be in a new area, but I miss tailgating at the KU stadium,” Decatur said.

Olathe North high school students also explain that on campus games create a better environment for sporting events. These off campus “home” games make it difficult for students, especially underclassmen, to find transportation to and from sporting games. Students explain that if football games were played on campus, it would be an easy fix to transportation issues. 

Senior Avery Baker is a member of the Flight Crew, Baker’s own experience with school spirit is a large part of her role in Flight Crew.

“I do think traveling for games can be fun at times, but I think there would be a much better turnout if the football games were on campus,” Baker (12) said. 

Athletes are also impacted by off campus games participating in the sporting games. Using a stadium away from home can have pros and cons, one con being the disconnection from students and their home school as a result of a different environment. Players and cheerleaders believe they would be more likely to win games on campus due to the familiarity and connection they have with their home stadium.

“I believe football games would have better results because football players will feel more comfortable because they are used to practicing on campus,” Ashlynn Adams-Crist (11) said.