University of Kansas

Get a closer look at what’s new at KU’s Memorial Stadium after official media tour

Kansas Jayhawks football fans will be closely watching the crimson and blue take on Fresno State Saturday in the season opener for indications of what the season might hold. Fans can be excused though if their attention isn’t solely focused on the game.

Along with a fresh start to the season, Jayhawks fans are stepping into a freshly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the first time. There will be a lot more to take in other than how head coach Lance Leipold has prepared his team.

The University of Kansas Athletics Department let members of the media into the stadium on Tuesday for a tour of the completed renovations done for the first phase of the project. The second phase of the project will see the renovation of the east side of the stadium. A third phase will introduce hotel, retail and restaurants spaces along with student housing, improved parking and an outdoor event plaza.

Here is a closer look at the renovations completed for Phase I.

A window cleaning crew washes windows as the $450 million renovation project winds down at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. The Kansas Jayhawks will open the season as they host Fresno State on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the stadium.
A window cleaning crew washes windows as the $450 million renovation project winds down at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
As part of the $450 million renovation project, a restructured seating bowl features seats with seat backs on the north and west side of the stadium at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
As part of the $450 million renovation project, a restructured seating bowl features seats with seat backs on the north and west side of the stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Lighting structures, designed to resemble shafts of wheat, were seen during a tour showing off the $450 million in renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Lighting structures, designed to resemble shafts of wheat will provide the light for games at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The Blue & Brew drink stand in the concourse seen during a tour showing off the $450 million in renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
The Blue & Brew drink stand in the concourse is part of the expanded concession offerings at the stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A Founders Suite at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
A Founders’ Suite at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A Founders Suite at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
A Founders’ Suite at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A lounge area in the Founders Level at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
A lounge area in the Founders’ Level at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium features a bright view from the Founders' level seen on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
The renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium features a bright view from the Founders' level. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The Ad Astra Grill & Market concession area on level three was seen during a tour showing off the $450 million renovation project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
The Ad Astra Grill & Market concession area on level three at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The new field was seen against the stark background of the old seats on the east side during a tour of the $450 million renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
The new field was seen against the stark background of the old seats on the east side during a tour of the $450 million renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The jumbotron is about 2 1/2 times larger than the previous scoreboard at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The seats, which now have seatbacks, are closer to the field.
The jumbotron is about 2 1/2 times larger than the previous scoreboard at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The seats, which now have seatbacks, are closer to the field. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Lighting structures, designed to resemble shafts of wheat, were seen during a tour showing off the $450 million in renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Lighting structures, designed to resemble shafts of wheat arc over the west side of the renovated stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Fabricators from Metal One in Lee's Summit installed aluminum panels outside the Conference Center at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium at the University of Kansas in Lawrence on Monday, August 18, 2025. The panels commemorate the sacrifices made by university students and alumni during World War I.
Fabricators from Metal One in Lee's Summit installed aluminum panels outside the Conference Center at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Monday, August 18, 2025. The panels commemorate the sacrifices made by university students and alumni during World War I. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Crews worked on renovations on the Campanile Bell Tower on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence. The repairs and upgrades are expected to be completed this fall. The project will include repointing mortar joints, replacing damaged stones, and repairing, cleaning, and sealing all of the stones. Additionally, crews will replace the roof, electrical wiring, and lighting, while also removing rust from the steel bell supports before priming and painting them. The School of Music will handle the refurbishment of the carillon keyboard and bell cables.
Crews worked on renovations on the Campanile Bell Tower on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence. The repairs and upgrades are expected to be completed this fall. The project will include repointing mortar joints, replacing damaged stones, and repairing, cleaning, and sealing all of the stones. Additionally, crews will replace the roof, electrical wiring, and lighting, while also removing rust from the steel bell supports before priming and painting them. The School of Music will handle the refurbishment of the carillon keyboard and bell cables. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Renovations totaling about $450 million have remade the west and south side of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, seen on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. The Kansas Jayhawks will open the season as they host Fresno State on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the stadium. Renovations to the east side of the stadium will happen in the next phase.
The Kansas Jayhawks will open the season as they host Fresno State on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the stadium. Renovations to the east side of the stadium will happen in the next phase. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Renovations totaling about $450 million have remade the west and south side of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, seen on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. This view is from the north looking south towards the campus. The Kansas Jayhawks will open the season when they host Fresno State on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the stadium. Renovations to the east side of the stadium will happen in the next phase.
Renovations totaling about $450 million have remade the west and south side of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. This view is from the north looking south towards the campus. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
On the west side of the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the seats spell out "Rock Chalk," on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.
The seats spell out "Rock Chalk" on the west side of the stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A display entitled "Bleeding Kansas" features a mural of John Brown, a radical abolitionist, at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
A display entitled "Bleeding Kansas" features a mural of John Brown, a radical abolitionist, at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The Ad Astra Grill & Market concession area on level three was seen during a tour showing off the $450 million renovation project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
The Ad Astra Grill & Market concession area on level three was seen during a tour showing off the $450 million renovation project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A display explaining the name ‘Jayhawks’ hangs in a concourse at the newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
A display explaining the name ‘Jayhawks’ hangs in a concourse at the newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The name Jayhawks in oversized letters adorns a wall seen during a tour showing off the $450 million renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
The name Jayhawks in oversized letters adorns a wall seen during a tour showing off the $450 million renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Red and white seats create a large ‘K’ in the north end of the renovated at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Red and white seats create a large ‘K’ in the north end of the renovated at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Guests view the Hawks Nest suite during a tour showing off the $450 million in renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Guests view the Hawks Nest suite during a tour showing off renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Crews hang a banner touting the future of the Gateway District as renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium are wrapping up on Monday, August 18, 2025, in Lawrence. The Kansas Jayhawks host Fresno State on Saturday, August. 23, 2025, in the home opener at the renovated facility at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.
Crews hang a banner touting the future of the Gateway District as renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The Slawson Limestone Club at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
The Slawson Limestone Club at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Kansas is spelled out on the ceiling inside the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Kansas is spelled out on the ceiling inside the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Guests view the Anderson Family Football Complex at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Guests view the Anderson Family Football Complex at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Artist Megh Knappenberger of Kansas City created the "Game Day Flag" artwork, which is a tribute to the flag that has flown over Fraser Hall for more than 50 years. The piece, prominently displayed inside the Anderson Family Football Complex, incorporates pieces of the old stadium and is a "love letter to that tradition."
Artist Megh Knappenberger of Kansas City created the "Game Day Flag" artwork, which is a tribute to the flag that has flown over Fraser Hall for more than 50 years. The piece, prominently displayed inside the Anderson Family Football Complex, incorporates pieces of the old stadium and is a "love letter to that tradition." Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Footballs line the wall in an area for Premium Seating Investors at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Footballs line the wall in an area for Premium Seating Investors at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
An oversized Jayhawk is seen on the ceiling inside at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The giant emblem is at the entrance to the Jayhawk Club which will serve as the players’ fuyeling station and premium space on gamedays.
An oversized Jayhawk is seen on the ceiling inside at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The giant emblem is at the entrance to the Jayhawk Club which will serve as the players’ fuyeling station and premium space on gamedays. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The entrance to the 1921 Field Club at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
The entrance to the 1921 Field Club at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A large Jayhawk adorns a north wall of the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
A large Jayhawk adorns a north wall of the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The esclator at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
The esclator at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Drew Halling of Fullbright Sign of Lawrence adds lettering to a sign in progress at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Drew Halling of Fullbright Sign of Lawrence adds lettering to a sign in progress at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The 1921 Field Club at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
The 1921 Field Club at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A photo of benefactor David Booth is on display at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
A photo of benefactor David Booth is on display at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A guest views a display of vintage photos at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
A guest views a display of vintage photos at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com

This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 6:58 PM.

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Tammy Ljungblad
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Tammy Ljungblad, at The Kansas City Star, since 1989, is a photojournalist producing videos and storytelling photographs covering a wide range of topics including the Kansas City Chiefs, breaking news, in-depth stories and personality profiles. She is also a FAA licensed drone pilot. Support my work with a digital subscription
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