Kansas Releases 50th Anniversary of Allen Fieldhouse Logo
Oct. 11, 2004
LAWRENCE, Kan. – University of Kansas officials Monday released a commemorative logo celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first game played in Allen Fieldhouse, the Jayhawks’ legendary basketball arena.
Recognized as one of the greatest venues in the nation for college basketball, Allen Fieldhouse was dedicated on March 1, 1955. The Jayhawks defeated Kansas State in the inaugural game that night, 77-66, before an overflow crowd of 17,228. Ceremonies for the anniversary of Allen Fieldhouse are being planned around the Jayhawks’ March 2, 2005 game against Kansas State.
Named in honor of the renowned y Dr. F.C. “Phog” Allen, the Jayhawks’ head coach for 39 years, Allen Fieldhouse currently seats 16,300 fans. It is the second-largest basketball arena in the Big 12 Conference and the largest in the state of Kansas. The KU men’s team has posted a 551-101 record there (84.5 percent), which includes 14 undefeated home seasons. Between 1994 and December of 1998, the Jayhawks won 62 consecutive games in Allen Fieldhouse. Additionally, this will be the 32nd season for the KU women’s basketball team in Allen Fieldhouse.
Allen Fieldhouse is located in the southern sector of the main campus and carries these dimensions: outside 344 feet by 254 feet, rising three stories above the ground; sidewalls 60 feet high; roof peak 85 feet; clear height at center 75 feet; arena 252 by 341 feet overall. The original construction cost was $2.5 million. There were 650,000 bricks used to construct the arena.
Capacity in Allen Fieldhouse was 15,200 prior to the 1986-87 season, when 600 seats were added. Prior to the 1994-95 season, an additional 500 seats were added, bringing capacity to 16,300. More than 4,000 seats, including many close to the playing floor, are reserved for the students.
A $3.5 million renovation prior to the 1998-99 season paved the way for new and larger restrooms and concession stands, an elevator and larger and more accessible entryways. In 2001-02, improved handicapped seating was installed in both end zones.
Prior to the 2003-04 season, the floor was completely re-finished, including replacing artwork of the state of Kansas at midcourt with a giant Jayhawk — an idea endorsed by men’s basketball coach Bill Self and athletics director Lew Perkins. Prior to the upcoming season, restrooms were renovated on the north end of the facility.
Allen Fieldhouse, historically, has served as host for many NCAA championships. In men’s basketball alone, Allen Fieldhouse has hosted 37 NCAA Tournament games.
Today, Allen Fieldhouse hosts approximately 30 home basketball games (men and women combined) each year. The facility has also been used for stage shows, major addresses and for commencement ceremonies when the weather is inclement.
Originally, Allen Fieldhouse was used as a multi-purpose facility. The Kansas track teams ran there during the indoor season, and the Fieldhouse served as an indoor practice facility for the basketball, softball and football teams.
In 1984, Anschutz Sports Pavilion was completed, making Allen Fieldhouse the home for only the KU men’s and women’s basketball teams and the volleyball team.
Administrative and coaching offices for the athletics department are located in Allen Fieldhouse, the Parrott Athletic Center, which was annexed to the Fieldhouse in 1970, and the Wagnon Student-Athlete Center.
The commemorative logo was designed by KUAC graphic designer Vince Jacobson with assistance from Agape Marketing Solutions in Overland Park, Kan., and the Collegiate Licensing Company. Merchandise with the commemorative logo will be available at the KUstore.com via the Kansas athletics web site – kuathletics.com – starting Nov. 1, and will be available at all KU retailers Nov. 8.
