Heightened security at Kansas University’s Allen Fieldhouse was hardly noticeable through all the ravenous fans who flocked Friday night to the official opening of the Jayhawks’ basketball season.
Event staff at “Late Night with Roy Williams” peeked in backpacks and purses as people filed into the fieldhouse, but fans took the extra precaution in stride.
“I don’t think it’s too big of an inconvenience,” said KU freshman Beth Hohenstein. “I think it’s a pretty good idea.”
In past years, fans had been allowed to camp inside the fieldhouse to ensure a prime seat for the event, but this year the building was cleared at 5 p.m. for a security sweep before doors reopened at 6:30 p.m.
Jean Pierce drove her high-school-age daughter and three of her daughter’s friends to Late Night festivities from Olathe.
“They wanted to paint their faces, but I said I wouldn’t be seen in public with them,” she said.
So, the 15-year-old girls settled for spraying crimson and blue stripes in their hair and wearing T-shirts that said “KU Cuties” on the front and bore the names and numbers of their favorite players on the back.
Why?
“Because KU basketball is the best,” Jayme Edgar said.
“There’s no doubt in our minds,” Katie Pierce added.
Although most fans were anticipating the midnight scrimmage that would be their first taste of KU men’s hoops this season, the entertainment brought the crowd to life.
KU mascots Big Jay and Baby Jay teamed up with eight professional mascots in a 5-on-5 basketball competition. A dance team from Orlando, Fla., called “High Voltage” electrified onlookers with contortionist, hip-hop dance stylings.
The appearance of the American flag elicited shouts of “I love America” and “USA” from the perhaps more patriotic-than-usual crowd.
