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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Extension of Arrowhead deal ‘close’

By Tom Keegan

Fans cheer during Kansas University's game against Missouri on Nov. 24, 2007, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas and Missouri certainly did their part to close the gap in the Big 12, as the Jayhawks and Tigers played in the most high-profile conference football game of 2007.

Photo by John Henry

Fans cheer during Kansas University's game against Missouri on Nov. 24, 2007, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas and Missouri certainly did their part to close the gap in the Big 12, as the Jayhawks and Tigers played in the most high-profile conference football game of 2007.

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Mangino unsure if KU will return to Arrowhead next year

KU head football coach Mark Mangino says the team will have to wait and see how Saturday's Border War turns out to determine if he wants the Jayhawks to play Mizzou at Arrowhead Stadium next season.

An extension of the two-year deal to play the Kansas-Missouri football game at the Kansas City Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium is close, Kansas officials said Tuesday night.

"We're talking either two years of four years," associate athletic director Jim Marchiony said. "Four years is a possibility.

"I wouldn't say it's going to happen this weekend, but I wouldn't rule it out."

The current agreement between the Chiefs, the Jayhawks and the Tigers pays the two universities at least $1 million per year for the game. Additional profits, less expenses for the Chiefs, are then split between the three parties.

There was no word Tuesday night on what a new deal would look like. The current deal drew a mix of praise and criticism — the latter mostly from the Lawrence business community, which objected to losing one of their biggest games of the year to Kansas City, Mo.

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Comments

stupidmichael (anonymous) says...

Don't sell out KU! The arrowhead game is STUPID!

November 26, 2008 at 12:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Shazam (anonymous) says...

I hate the thought of an entire class of MU players escaping playing in Lawrence. Why not mix it up and play some other north team at Arrowhead?

November 26, 2008 at 12:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mushhawk (anonymous) says...

marchiony!!! you suck!didn't you hear the outcry from the town and fans due to this the first time around?!are you stupid!? man, i hate marchiony / perkins!

November 26, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

doolindalton (anonymous) says...

Arrowhead is the worst, most badly run football facility in the nation. One starts with a parking facility that charged $22 for each car (forcing everyone to make change and slowing traffic to a crawl). The stadium entrance we were herded into last season is right next to the bathrooms and snack bars, creating a traffic flow pattern from hell. Add that to the drunken Misery fans, at least one of whom pushed my daughter, who played college basktball and knows how to hold her position in the post, to the ground and you have a horrible place to play college football. I will never go there again for anything.

November 26, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

longhawk (anonymous) says...

The fact is that Missouri's program is a half-notch above ours right now. But in Lawrence, we stand an excellent chance of beating them every other year, helping to even the playing field in recruits' eyes.In Arrowhead? Not so much. It just gives them the chance to show their current superiority over and over and over....Playing the game in KC makes sense, financially. But it's damaging to the program.

November 26, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

natehawk (anonymous) says...

Are we this stupid, or is MU that smart?

November 26, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jacobpaul81 (anonymous) says...

Abe Vigoda Perkins is at it again. Chasing the almighty $.

November 26, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

meastland (anonymous) says...

I was at the Arrowhead game last year when it was supposed to be a home game. It was anything but. Conservatively, I would say it was 60-40 in favor of MU, which is total crap. If that game in 2007 was played in Lawrence, I have to believe we're winning it. I agree with everyone here that the new AD is all about the money. It's really sad, too. My brother and I have had season tickets for 9 years now. They already took away our parking pass because we don't contribute enough to the Williams fund, and I can see them pricing us completely out of our seats in the next couple of years. Very disappointing, to say the least.

November 26, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

bigjaybabyjay (anonymous) says...

Does anyone understand that you need money to build better sports programs? I wouldn't even consider memorial a home field advantage. The only section you hear noise from is the student section. Play it in Arrowhead, cash in, add 25k seats to Memorial, then move it back.Also...the split would not have been in Mizzou's favor if KU fans that purchased their tickets would have actually gone. If you want to support your program go to the game!

November 26, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

senortilo (anonymous) says...

To be fair, I think it may have just seemed like there were more MU fans because they had a whole lot more to cheer about last year. But the KU-MU game usually brings a ton of cash to downtown Lawrence every other year, and I don't think that we can count on a basketball championship parade every two years to make up for it. Now KCMO is getting ALL of the money every year; seems like a bad trade to me (not to mention having to funnel through a gate with 20,000 mutigers).

November 26, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUbsee69 (anonymous) says...

nooooooooo!!!!!!!

November 26, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

stupidmichael (anonymous) says...

Adding 25,000 seats to Memorial would result in 25,000 empty seats.

November 26, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

barackchalkjhawk (anonymous) says...

This is a really bad idea. Do they listen to the fans and alumni, you know the people buying the tickets? When they see a lot of empty seats at Camarohead on Saturday, hopefully they'll change their minds. Marchiony and crew need to start thinking a little more about long-term fan loyalty and less about making a quick buck.

November 26, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BigBlue4KU (anonymous) says...

I guess we can just go back to pre-Perkins and be the most underfunded athletic program in the Big 12 and get our asses kicked in everything except basketball until we could no longer compete in basketball and then join the MIAA. Come on folks, this isn't your favorite high school. College athletics IS a business. I frankly enjoy seeing us on TV on a regular basis and competing with the quality football AND basketball teams every game. Arrowhead is not only a good business deal, it is a great recruiting deal. Even though I can't afford tickets any more, I like being an alum of a school that competes. If you don't like it, go to Fort Hays State. You can get all the tickets you want, at a great price and EVERY home game is right there at home in Hays, Kansas. As for me, thank God for a business genius in the AD chair!

November 26, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BPSkelly (anonymous) says...

As a KU alum and St. Louis resident, I do find it interesting how both schools fans would rather play it at HOME instead of in Arrowhead.It's obvious this is a money grab, but its one that the ADs are being foolish if they at least dont contemplate it.Im not objected to the idea completely... but its clear that a HUGE game for both schools isnt played at home now... and possibly ever again.It'd seem silly to rotate it, but thats what I'd do. It would make a game at Arrowhead every few years seem and feel like an event as it did last year. Alas chasing the almighty dollar almost assures of this game being a regular occurrence in KC.It is what it is folks.

November 26, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

OPJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Absolutely awful.

November 26, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BigBlue4KU (anonymous) says...

By the way, how many of those "quick bucks" have you guys provided?

November 26, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

chicagohawk52 (anonymous) says...

I wonder if OU and Texas fans complain about playing in the Cotton Bowl as much as you guys complain about this. Shut Up! Don't you want this game to become a huge deal? It's one game a year! I would much rather play Missouri in KC then play one of the crap non-conference teams there or Colorado??? Man CU and KU at Arrowhead that would be exciting....

November 26, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jayhawk86 (anonymous) says...

Maybe if we sold out the Mizery game in Lawrence, they wouldn't move it.

November 26, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawk2062 (anonymous) says...

These posts make me a little sick to my stomach. Regardless of the situation we should be out there supporting our team. The money gained from this game far exceeds what we would make on a game in Lawrence, and we wouldn't make anything on a game in Columbia. Just something to think about.Top 5 Reasons to Reconsider Arrowhead:1. We should be able to beat Missouri on a neutral field.2. The new contract is probably going to bring double the money as it has the last two years. Which I'd say would probably help athletics considering the economy right now.3. College players like to play in professional stadiums, its a fact, ask them. That's gotta help in recruiting.4. A neutral site rivalry game is more attractive to television. 7 pm national broadcast on ABC last year, 11:30 am national broadcast on Fox Sports Net5. It's a great opportunity for us to get 30,000 of our fans to every Missouri game and not just for every other game.Last year's game had its bad spots, but I enjoyed myself other than the loss. It felt special and important, and that's the way it could be every year if we were all on board with it.

November 26, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

bennettcl (anonymous) says...

I love having the game at Arrowhead. Last years game was the greatest football game I've ever been to. I have never been to a game that was loud the entire game. And at least Arrowhead doesn't let you leave at half time and come back so the fans that are there are forced to stay and watch or go home. And look at it this way. At least we don't have to play in Columbia this year. I'm betting Missouri is wishing the game was in Columbia this year.

November 26, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

toddparker05 (anonymous) says...

boooooo!!!!!!

November 26, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

LakeShawnee (anonymous) says...

bigjaybabyjay, BigBlue4KU, jayhawk2062 & bennettcl,You are absolutely correct! I find it incomprehensible how people think the Border Showdown at Arrowhead is a bad idea. I was prepared to say everything you four have already said, so because you've already said it, I will simply cite you and be done with it.People, go read the above posts by: bigjaybabyjay, BigBlue4KU, jayhawk2062 & bennettcl.

November 26, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

Major rivalry games played at neutral sites:Red River Shootout (Texas-Oklahoma) Played in Dallas. Oddly, neither fan base wants this game moved to campus sites, even though both OU and UT have larger stadiums.The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (Florida-Georgia)Played in Jacksonville. Neither fan base wants this game on campus, either. Seems they both enjoy going to Jacksonville and partying for the weekend.Colorado State-Colorado Played in Denver. Not as much history as the other two above, but both schools benefit financially from the game, even though CSU gives up their homefield advantage every other year since CU is the bigger school and generally packs in more fans. Still, it allows CSU to compete with CU on a more even playing field by not having to go to Boulder every other year.People, we have the oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi. There's history here. It's the Border (War) Showdown. There happens to be a border town with a big stadium in a city that has a huge alumni center for BOTH schools. This is a no brainer if you're Perkins. Add to that the cool million bucks he gets to fund programs like tennis and swimming that don't generate revenue and this just makes sense. this is big time football!!!!Think about it this way. This game should be like a mini bowl game. It's Thanksgiving weekend. You can party it up on the Plaza or at the Power and Light District, or out at the Legends, then hit the game on Saturday. It's Mizzou-KU. Don't whine. Enjoy. This is where the program NEEDS to go.

November 26, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jayhawk1116 (anonymous) says...

Is there a pep rally this Friday night before the game??? It had better not be in a strip mall parking lot again. lame, ku alumni association, lame!!!Mizzou has their rally at the Power and Light District. We have ours in the Salty Iguana and Intrust Bank parking lot. Corporate tie-ins are one thing, but this is ridiculous. A parking lot? Isn't anyone else embarrased by this?I think the natural place to have it is the legends. Hell, have the rally right there by the water fountain. There are all kinds of bars and restaurants and the place is named after Legends from the State of Kansas! It just kinda' makes sense, you know?Let me hear you, KU fans.

November 26, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Phillbert (anonymous) says...

If it is going to be at Arrowhead then at least don't force people to buy it as part of the KU season ticket package. It is not a "home" game.I buy season tickets so I can go to games at Memorial Stadium. If I wanted to drive to Arrowhead, I'd buy Chiefs tickets. I hear they're cheap these days.

November 26, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BigBlue4KU (anonymous) says...

You are correct, Phillbert, it is not a "home" game. It is an "EVENT". It is a "Border Party". It is a reason to mark the Saturday after Thanksgiving on your calendar. It is a reason to invite friends over for a "television" event with Kansas University in the spotlight. And, it just happens to be the most profitable "event" on the regular season calendar every frigging year forever.Come on folks. Support the program becoming great. Support the "idea" of The University of Kansas being considered one of the great universities.Can we quit the whining every time someone brings the athletic program a step further into the 21st century? We want to compete. If you don't want to compete, don't buy tickets, don't contribute and DON'T bitch. There are all kinds of athletic programs to support that will allow you to participate without financial pain; eg. high schools, small college, amateur programs. Unfortunately, major college athletics isn't one of them. Obviously, there are a whole lot of Jayhawks who want to compete at the very highest levels and they contribute a lot of money to see it happen. I don't have that kind of money, however, I must admit, I LOVE having my Jayhawks on TV and being talked about by the media. It is so much more fun than being beaten every year by 40-50 points by Nebraska in football. I don't ever want to go back!

November 26, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

Phillbert, that's silly. Its better as a package deal because then you can make it a more neutral game. If season ticket holders don't buy-in, there's a chance that the MU folks will outnumber the crimson and blue.

November 26, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Appoggiatura (anonymous) says...

You people can complain all you want, but this is good for our program and recruiting. Our bandwagon fans who are afraid to go to Camerohead b/c of Mizzou fans disgusts me. You can whine and complain and vow to never go, but to the AD, it won't matter, b/c Mizzou fans will buy the tickets and everyone will still get their money, which obviously is all that matters. The only point that you'll make is that our fanbase will suck in the eyes of the nation and potential bowl game reps. People need to stop fearing MU, like they're USC and go to the game. The way they talk, you'd think we can never beat them anywhere but Lawrence. Support your damn school and their players and be there for them!

November 26, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kuhwks (anonymous) says...

The money made from this two year deal was a actually LESS than KU would have made from the one home game at Memorial Stadium. This is a FACT!The only way I would agree to it is if the following issues were addressed.1) Parking prices are dropped to a reasonable level ($15-20).2) Guaranteed television and guaranteed last game of the regular season. Work with the league and make it happen. Used to be that ALL of the rivalry games were the last regular season game and then the Big XII "screw it up" office started messing it up. FIX IT!3) All income from the game goes to the schools minus expenses for the Chiefs. This should NOT be a money maker for the Chiefs. If you want to give the Chiefs some small percentage (not to exceed 10% of the net), then fine. This will guarantee that the schools get all the ticket, parking, and concession revenue. This should have happened in this contract, but someone wasn't very smart (insert KU/MU athletic directors here).4) Home team for the game gets control of the game day operations (ala video boards, on field presentations and entertainment, etc.). If the Chiefs and the Big XII want this deal to work, then at least make it a home atmosphere for the fans whose team is the HOME team.5) All seats should be split down the middle (like UT/OU), and all of the seats should be sold through the KU and MU box offices. Get Ticketbastard out of the equation. Once the teams allotment is sold, then you want tickets, you call the opposing teams box office.6) This pertains to KU only. The athletic dept. MUST make this game a part of the season ticket package in years when KU is the home team! They did get this part right last season. I think MU did a big disservice to their fans when they did not this year. It does create a big job for the box office of the university, but it makes the fans less put upon with the change of venue.These aren't hard issues to deal with. Honestly, they should have been dealt with originally. The fact that they weren't points to it being a rush job and no forsight from the athletic depts.Bottom line. If you are going to take home games away from these teams, you have to make it LIKE a home game for the home team, and make it worth the fans while to change the usual routine.

November 26, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

beenahawk (anonymous) says...

Fact is we will NEVER pull off a 50-50 ticket split at Arrowhead..therefore it is neither a neutral or HOME game..(if we couldn't get 50% last year at 11-0...we will NEVER make the split)....it will always be an AWAY game from a fan standpoint. We all know about the MONEY...geez, that's been hammered down our collective throats since the "talks" began back in 2005! As for comparing this to OU and the Bevos? Initially the game at the Texas State Fair was hated by the Sooners....but the location helped them make huge inroads into the state from a recruiting standpoint...not needed now and the majority of Sooner fans and alums I know would LOVE to get Texas in the old snakepit...but they are now resigned to the fact that the game willl be played in Texas forever..because of "tradition". The "tradition" for the Jayhakws and Tigers is to play every other year on CAMPUS...until Lew and Jim Marchingformoney saw the damn dollar signs. I for one HATE Misery so damn much it makes my blood boil and as far as I'm concerned we can play the bastards in a sandlot. But if the deal is all about money, the Chiefs need to pony up a hell of a lot more AND staff that craphole! Last year was the WORST experience as a fan I have ever had, anywhere and at anytime, win, lose or draw.So join in and sing the alma mater!Far beneath the bottom dollar.... glorious to LEW!Stands our hobbled Alma Mater.... once sold out by LEWLift your wallets ever higher...reaching out to LEWHail to thee our gracious savior....HAIL to big man lew!Roooocccckkkkk Chhhaaalllkkkk Jaaaayyyyy HaaawwwwkkkkkkkPaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy leeeewwwwwwww

November 26, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

AzHawk97 (anonymous) says...

How about we play the game in Osceola? The Jayhawkers have a pretty good record in that town. And can we pleeease wear the red socks this year? I don't know what happened to them last year, but they were missed.

November 26, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkfan20 (anonymous) says...

Frankly, I find most of this discussion hilarious. KU has 170,000 alums within an hour of Arrowhead....Mizzou has 20,000 in the KC area and probably a few more than that in the vicinity....so let's call it 30,000 (MU is very St. Louis heavy). We basically outnumber them 5:1 (more than 3:1 in KC alone) and KU fans are whining we're a disadvantage. We're only at a disadvantage because our fanbase is a bunch of babies. It's too cold, the game's on the wrong side of the line, a Missouri fan might look at me wrong, there's too much traffic going to the game.....as Kansas fans, we find every excuse in the book to not support our team. The athletic department isn't the problem. It's our fanbase and the crappy attitude about supporting the team. If you guys would show the team some support, we could more easily be getting more of the talent that's close to campus. There's a reason why it's easier for us to recruit a talented Texas kid than a kid that's in our backyard in KC. It's our fanbase and their lackadaisical attitude toward our football program. It's no wonder other programs are always coming into our area and state and stealing our kids. You gotta have some passion for the program and quit selling KU Football short all the time and quit finding excuses not to support the program. I know we don't have the greatest football history and the past administration should share a lot of the blame, but if the fans had some passion and had held the administration accountable, our program would have been much better through the years.I'd walk to Arrowhead if I had to to support our team against Mizzou. The team can't hear your support yelling at your TV set. So for our fans that are going to the game, see you there and I hope none of us have our voices left when the game is over. Rock Chalk.

November 26, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

soswalt4 (anonymous) says...

Lets play KSU at Camarohead for the next couple years. We need to play MU at home to have a chance.

November 26, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

thills (anonymous) says...

What is our record in Arrowhead? OFER!!! Enough said!!!

November 26, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Phillbert (anonymous) says...

If I want to go to an away game, which I have many times previously, including to Columbia, then I'll buy the ticket and go. It isn't a matter of not wanting to travel or not being a big enough fan. I just have ZERO interest in going to Arrowhead and don't appreciate what is the equivalent of an away game being part of the season ticket package. And in response to the idea that the tickets not being in the season ticket package would cause Mizzou fans to outnumber KU fans, I refer you to the likely thousands of posts made about how Mizzou fans outnumbered KU fans at last year's game - which was in the KU package.Finally, before anyone starts going after others for not being "true Jayhawks," may I suggest you focus your anger on Missouri and lay off the school patriotism of your fellow Jayhawks.

November 26, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jayhawk86 (anonymous) says...

This is laughable. The only way we have a chance against mizery is to play them at home???? Is that what this is all about? Our fans are afraid of the tigers?? What the hell is wrong with you people?We had the majority allotment for the tix last year. IF the mizery fans outnumbered us, who's fault is that? We had the opportunity to buy more tix. Our fans don't support the way they should, but they are quick to bitch and moan as soon as everything is not perfect for them. Suck it up and be a fan!We did not sell out the last 2 times the mizery game was played in Lawrence, so I for one am sick and tired of the people that complain about having to drive to Arrowhead. Because, apparently you don't want to drive to Lawrence either.Kuhwks.... I doubt that KU makes $2.5 million per home game. Especially if we cannot sell out our own stadium.Quit complaining and show up to support your team.

November 26, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BigBlue4KU (anonymous) says...

kuhwks, you lay out a nice letter but your facts are lame. You have no clue of what you speak. There is absolutely no way the game at Arrowhead made less money over the last two years than KU would have made in one game at Memorial. Just because you can format a letter doesn't mean you know beans from apple seeds.beenahawk, you write a funny piece, but you live in the dark ages. Florida-Georgia and Texas-Oklahoma games are loved by the fans. I've been to both and these games are looked forward to by the fans of all of the schools. Haven't been to KU-MU at Arrowhead yet, but someday I will. I can't wait!

November 26, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

doubleJ25 (anonymous) says...

BigBlue4KU I hope you never get to go because I hope this game is never EVER played in Kansas City again. The Oklahoma game was awful there. The Missouri game was horrible there and not just because of the outcomes.But ultimately the game will probably stay there because of the guaranteed money. And that's horrible. Yes we need to fund our program, but we need to win games and KU has a bad record in NFL stadiums and I'd much rather play in Columbia every other year than in Arrowhead every year.

November 26, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkjim80 (anonymous) says...

Responses mostly to kuhwks, but some others also -One, this is incorrect about us making more at a game in Lawrence. You have to keep in mind we make about a million when the game is in Lawrence, and obviously very little for a road game. With the Arrowhead games we are making a million in both years, not every other year at Memorial.Two, parking costs are a wash pretty much. Donor lots at KU are now over $20 per game. Arrowhead cost is $25 this year. Don't like this, go park in someone's yard, and try to get out quick after a game.Three, pro teams wouldn't do these other games if something isn't in it for them. Go back to my number one above for further reference that we are making more.Four and five - agree with you on these.Six, I agree but I want to take this further. The game should also be made part of the season ticket package in years the game isn't our home game. Our season ticket base continues to climb, nearly 35K this year. On this basis, as the game hopefully increases in popularity and hopefully importance, it will become tougher to get tickets and we will need as many blue clad people there as possible.People we need to get over this issue. As our fan base continues to grow, we have to be willing to go and support our team wherever they are. If this includes playing once a year at Arrowhead, then so be it. I live in KC, but this really doesn't matter to me. I would be at this game wherever it is, and I have made many trips to Columbia as well. If we suck it up and take care of the tickets that are rightfully ours, then be loud at Arrowhead as the Tiggger fans were last year, we can make this better, and we will make this an advantage for us. Be there Saturday and be loud for the Hawks.

November 26, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUHawkhead (anonymous) says...

I see both sides of the issue. I will hold my comment until I experience it for myself this Saturday. However, if even 1/100th of the horror stories that I heard last year are witnessed, or occur this year when I go, I will enjoy my flat screen HD the saturday after thanksgiving every year.RCJHKU!

November 26, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawk2062 (anonymous) says...

It seems as if our fans are always ready to walk away from a challenge rather than meet that challenge head on and succeed.* Note to all doubters of this game........Do you think OU/Texas was a walk in the park for the first few times it was held in Dallas??? (By the way that was in the very early 1900's, if anyone remembers the first 25 years of Kansas/Missouri was played in Kansas City)I've spoken with OU season ticket holders that I know on this issue....needless to say things weren't always as easy for them as well, but being knowledgeable football fans they saw the potential for a national spotlight for their university and what that could do for them.I think patience and a little backbone is required by KU fans. Bottom line is that I thought fair weathered fans cheered for K-State not KU. Get with the program folks.* Also, kuhwks, you are misinformed about the game. Actual revenue ( i stress revenue) from Kansas home games numbers between $600,000 and 1 million dollars depending on a sell out and the ticket price for the game.* Kansas not only made 1 million guaranteed last year from arrowhead, but took home extra incentive money from ticket sales surpassing the goal the Chiefs set. Total Earnings from that KU/MU game numbered around 1.6 to 1.8 million dollars. Those numbers were reported in the Kansas City Star after the game last year. Get the facts straight bud.

November 26, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MarchSadness (anonymous) says...

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 26, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

doubleJ25 (anonymous) says...

jayhawk2062 I don't see where you're coming from. I'm as loyal a jayhawk fan as it gets, but supporting the team and supporting this foolish plan to play in Kansas City are two different things. I'll always support the team no matter where they play, but my whole point is where does it stop? What's to stop the department from playing the Missouri game at the Sprint Center for basketball? If nobody cares about home field advantage then why even have a stadium/arena on campus?

November 26, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Mr_Sandman (anonymous) says...

no no no no no!! What fan likes this idea? Oh yeah, nobody. Quit being so damn greedy and bring the game back to campus where it belongs.

November 26, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

pbowman2 (anonymous) says...

I've been buying season tickets for years. This one is the last. Arrowhead is the worst. It is not for the benefit of the team or the fans. All for the mighty dollar so we can give Perkins a big bonus. Have you noticed the prices for tickets increases every year and so do the parking spots. Have you seen any improvement in the facility? None! The restrooms on the upper floors are pathetic. There is so little room for food vendors that it is impossible to get a drink. Meanwhile, the fat cats in the luxury boxes are sitting up there drinking Heineken and looking down on the rest of us. I'm still True Blue but not going to the games anymore.

November 26, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bigjaybabyjay (anonymous) says...

pbowman2, why don't you take a walk by allen and the sports complex adjoining it. everything is completly fenced off with major construction taking place. the fieldhouse is getting a facelift as well as the team locker rooms, coaches offices, and student-athlete support (academics). in 18 months everyone will see where the money from arrowhead and our generous donors/season ticket holders is going.

November 27, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkonleftcoast (anonymous) says...

As long as KU people gunch and moan about Arrowhead, yet continue to write checks for tickets, spend money for parking, concessions, souvenirs, etc., Lew will keep this game in Missouri. With it we will keep shipping a home field advantage, along with sports dollars and sales tax revenue across the border every other year. And Missouri gets the revenue and sales tax EVERY year. This is a free market society. As long as the market (KU fans) continues to pony up, it doesn’t matter how many letters to the editor you write. If you think Lew and Marchiony care about Lawrence merchants, the state, or what KU fans who give less than $1,000 a year think, you’re nuts. He isn’t paid to care. Bob Frederick cared. He’s paid to produce, and he is.Lew is not considered one of the most effective AD’s in the country for nothing. He has elevated the entire program from an underfunded joke in everything but Men’s Basketball to a level where we are dominant in on major sport, respectable in another, and at least competitive in most. His effectiveness and his power hinge on his suburb ability to fund these. He’s good – and smart enough to respond quickly if KU faithful decide as a group to alter his revenue stream.The definition of idiocy is continuing to do the same things and expecting different results. If you want to get the game back, make it economically painful for the KUAC, the Chiefs, and MU to keep it there.First, let KUAC know that you won’t renew your season tickets, or the Williams fund donation to allocate seats, if it includes a game in Arrowhead. See what happens if 5,000 season ticket holders decide to stay away. Until you come up with the collective resolve to do this, gas your cars, pay the turnpike, hold your noses, and go to Missouri.As for this Saturday? Go to the game. Support the kids. But don’t spend a dime in Missouri, especially in the stadium. No concessions, no souvenirs, nothing. Don’t buy gas in Missouri. Bring your own food. If 1/2 of the stadium spends nothing, Carl Peterson is stuck with HUGE one-shot inventory that he can’t get rid of. His overhead for this is huge. kuac can’t get 1/3 of nothing. It wouldn’t hurt, either, if every woman flushed a Maxi Pad or 2 on her way out of Arrowhead (do you know the overtime it costs to clear these?). But you didn’t read that here.Make it economically painful for Carl, Lew, Jackson County, the State of Missouri; the game will be back in Lawrence next November. Guaranteed.

November 27, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )