Alright, let’s talk about this David Booth Stadium renovation. Man, what a project! I started following this thing way back when they first announced it. I mean, it was high time they did something with that stadium. So, naturally, I was all over it, tracking every little update.
First thing I did was to dig into the initial plans. It was back in August when the University of Kansas dropped the news. They were planning a total makeover, not just for the stadium but the whole area around it. They called it the Gateway District project. Around $450 million project, that’s big, even for a stadium.
Then, I watched as they started the actual work. I remember seeing photos of the construction starting in November,2024. Demolition crews, heavy machinery, the whole nine yards. It was messy, but exciting! I started taking photos and recording videos of the progress, documenting every stage.
I kept a close eye on the construction updates. One of the key moments was when they raised the final steel beam for the first stage of the project. That was a huge milestone, I made sure to capture that moment on camera. The west stands were getting bigger by 26 rows, and they were adding a brand-new press box. And they replaced that old grass field with artificial turf.
Throughout this whole process, I’ve been hitting up the university’s website, reading every press release, and even chatting with some folks involved in the project. I wanted the inside scoop, you know? I heard the new stadium would hold over 40,000 fans, increasing the capacity to 44,900 and 51,500. What an upgrade!
- Documenting the Changes:
- Started tracking from the initial announcement.
- Captured photos and videos of the demolition and construction.
- Followed construction updates closely.
- Noted key milestones like the final steel beam installation.
This whole experience has been a wild ride. Seeing this stadium transform from an outdated facility into a modern sports arena has been incredible. And I’ve loved sharing every step of the journey with you all. This is something I’ll be talking about for years to come.
My Goal
My ultimate goal is to showcase the transformation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, capturing the essence of this massive project through my firsthand experiences and documentation. I hope to provide a unique perspective on the renovation, highlighting not just the physical changes but also the impact on the community and the excitement it has generated among fans like me.
