Allen Fieldhouse is the legendary home of Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball, located on the campus of the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most intimidating arenas in college basketball, it carries on the tradition of the sport’s inventor, Dr. James Naismith.
Overview
Allen Fieldhouse opened on March 1, 1955, named after legendary Jayhawks coach Phog Allen, who coached Kansas basketball for 39 years. Located at 1651 Naismith Drive on the KU campus, the arena is steps from the spot where Dr. James Naismith — the inventor of basketball — coached at Kansas from 1898 to 1907. The arena has been continuously upgraded while preserving its historic character. Oak View Group took over food and beverage operations in 2024, replacing Sodexo Live!, as part of a broader Kansas Athletics partnership.
Fast facts
- Location: Lawrence, Kansas (1651 Naismith Dr)
- Teams: Kansas Jayhawks Men’s Basketball (NCAA — Big 12)
- Capacity: 16,300
- Opened: March 1, 1955
- Named for: Coach Phog Allen
- Hospitality: Oak View Group (from 2024, replacing Sodexo Live!)
Historic Significance
Allen Fieldhouse is deeply tied to basketball history:
- Named after Phog Allen, who coached 590 victories at Kansas
- Located on the campus where Dr. James Naismith invented basketball and coached the Jayhawks
- The original rules of basketball are displayed in the DeBruce Center adjacent to the fieldhouse
- Consistently ranked among the loudest and most intimidating arenas in college basketball
- Kansas has one of the best home records in college basketball history at Allen Fieldhouse
Recent Upgrades
As part of the University of Kansas’s broader partnership with Oak View Group:
- Upgraded food and beverage experiences with local restaurant partnerships
- New technology for faster concession ordering
- Elevated premium hospitality offerings
- Integration with the broader Gateway District improvements on campus
Major Events
- Home of Kansas Jayhawks basketball since 1955
- Big 12 Conference basketball games and tournament-caliber matchups
- NCAA Tournament First and Second Round host on multiple occasions
- Special events and concerts
- The arena sits within walking distance of the new Gateway District stadium facilities