Three weeks remain until the Kansas football team takes the field for the Jayhawks’ inaugural game at the revamped David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, but they had the chance to see it up close on Friday night.
KU held its first practice at the stadium since its renovation, following the installation of its new turf in mid-July.
It was the Jayhawks’ eighth formal practice of the 2025 season overall, as they completed the second cycle of four practices and crossed the midway point of their fall training camp.
Phase one of KU’s Gateway project will largely be completed in time for the Jayhawks season opener against Fresno State on Aug. 23, with the exception of the conference center at the venue’s north end, which is expected to open formally in October. The second phase of construction, which focuses on the east end of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, could begin as early as the conclusion of the 2025 season.
It may not take the Jayhawks long to return to the stadium this month, as head coach Lance Leipold has said KU is hoping to practice there multiple times before the season begins.
Kansas senior Jalon Daniels, right, and sophomore Cole Ballard run a drill during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas senior Jalon Daniels calls out instructions during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas sophomore Tavake Tuikolovatu watches on during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas sophomore Tavake Tuikolovatu lines up for a drill during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold watches his team during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas sophomore Jahlil Hurley makes a catch during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas sophomore Jalen Todd eyes a catch during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas junior Alex Bray lines up for a drill during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas sophomore Cole Ballard first the ball to a teammate during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas freshman Isaiah Marshall looks to throw the ball during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas seniors Enrique Cruz Jr. and Nolan Gorczyca participate in a drill during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas senior Justice Finkley stretches during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
The Kansas offensive line runs a drill during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas freshman Darrion Jones catches the ball during practice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas Football holds its first practice in the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 in Lawrence.
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World
Mike Gunnoe/Special to the Journal-World