Details for 35th annual Late Night in the Phog
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The 35th annual Late Night in the Phog presented by HyVee will take place on Friday, Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m., at Allen Fieldhouse. The event springboards the start of the men’s and women’s basketball season and gives the fans a first look at the 2019-20 Jayhawks.
Late Night in the Phog Timeline
11 AM – Phog Fest starts on the lawn east of Allen Fieldhouse
1 PM – Booth Family Hall of Athletics closes
2 PM – DeBruce Center closes
4 PM – Phog Fest closes
4:30 PM – Student doors open
5 PM – General public doors open
6:30 PM – Start of Late Night in the Phog
Late Night in the Phog will feature music by the KU pep band, routines from KU’s spirit squad and dance teams, skits by both men’s and women’s basketball teams, video highlights from KU’s award-winning Rock Chalk Video department, coach and player introductions, scrimmages and much more. The event is free to the public and doors open for KU students at 4:30 p.m. and to the general public at 5 p.m. The artist that will perform at Late Night in the Phog will be announced in the near future.
For the fourth year in a row Kansas Athletics will host Phog Fest on the front lawn of Allen Fieldhouse, with activities starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Phog Fest will have activities for all fans to enjoy leading up to Late Night, including the Hawk Zone, radio remotes, music and much more. The festival will also include food trucks, giveaways from a variety of sponsors, interactive displays and much more throughout the day.
For the fifth-straight year, one female and one male will each have the opportunity to win $10,000 from men’s basketball coach Bill Self by making a half-court shot at Late Night. In each of the first two Late Nights, men’s basketball Director of Basketball Operations Brennan Bechard made the shot for two lucky KU students. Since the last two years have not been the same, expect greater opportunities for the two lucky fans to win.
For the fourth-consecutive year, the championship games of a 3-on-3 Tournament will be played inside Allen Fieldhouse after the doors are opened. The tourney, comprised of women’s and men’s divisions, is being held the week leading up to Late Night, with both women’s and men’s finals to be held prior to the start of the Late Night program. KU head basketball coaches Bill Self and Brandon Schneider will present trophies to the winners during Late Night.
Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to be part of the Late Night in the Phog Light Show during both the women’s and men’s introductions. To participate, fans will need to download the Kansas Jayhawks app from the Apple or Android app stores and follow instructions inside the arena. The feature will utilize fans cell phone screens to light up Allen Fieldhouse during each of the team’s intro videos with a synchronized light show.
Late Night in the Phog will be televised via Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Brian Hanni and Greg Gurley will serve as hosts. It will also be carried on KU’s linear partners as well, including Midco Sports Network, Spectrum Sports, and Cox.
As is the tradition at Late Night, fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which Kansas Athletics will donate to Just Food of Douglas County. Late Night in the Phog is Just Food’s biggest collection event throughout the year. Non-perishable food and monetary donations supporting Just Food will be accepted throughout the day.
Kansas Athletics will take extra steps to ensure the fun and safety of all attending fans at Late Night, including:
- KU’s clear-bag policy and walk-through metal detectors will be enforced for those entering Allen Fieldhouse.
- KU and Lawrence Public Safety personnel will provide an increased presence.
- Kansas Athletics will increase its communication with fans throughout the day, using social media, conventional media and on-site communication.
- As on game nights, KU students will enter through their customary separate entrance on the northeast side of Allen Fieldhouse.
- Parking-wise, Lot 90, east and south of Allen Fieldhouse across Naismith Drive, opens at noon. Fans may also park in in the parking garage just north of Allen Fieldhouse with hourly rates. Lower levels of the parking garage will be reserved. All other normal campus parking rules apply.
