LAWRENCE – Governor Laura Kelly joined University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod and Kansas Athletics today at the announcement of the latest plans for the Gateway District, which will feature renovations of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, a new conference center, and multi-use facilities.
Development of the conference center and mixed-use facilities is projected to support 670 temporary jobs while being constructed and 720 permanent jobs once complete. The upgrade of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is projected to support 2,600 temporary jobs while underway and 240 permanent jobs once complete. Both projects will generate millions of dollars through sales and income taxes that will go toward making life better for Kansans.
This project was made possible in part due to a $50 million grant awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce earlier this year. The grant was part of the University Challenge Grant program that Governor Kelly proposed in her 2022 budget to incentivize universities to drive projects that grow the state’s economy, attract businesses, and build the workforce.
“In developing these University Economic Development Challenge grants, my aim was to leverage one of Kansas’ greatest resources – our university system – to spur new growth for decades to come. The KU Gateway District is a perfect example of that,” Governor Kelly said. “The improvements announced today will not only help us attract and retain young people but will also make Kansas more attractive for businesses and generate millions of dollars that will make life better for Kansans across the state.”
The project will be completed in a multi-phased approach. The first phase will include renovations and expansion of the Anderson Family Football Complex training facility, as well as construction of new southwest, west, and north sides of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Construction on the first phase will begin at the conclusion of the 2023 football season and will be completed by the beginning of the 2025 season.
“The Gateway District is a once-in-a-generation project to transform our campus and drive economic development throughout the region,” Chancellor Girod said. “Specifically, this project will create exciting new amenities for students, employees and visitors while providing Kansas Football the facilities it needs to compete at the highest level."