Stadium namesake donates $300 million to KU athletics

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – A report from ESPN college football reporter Pete Thamel says the University of Kansas athletics program has received a $300 million donation from David Booth.

KU’s David Booth Memorial Stadium is named for the benefactor, who previously donated $50 million toward the football venue.

Thamel said the $300 million gift is believed to be among the largest in the history of college athletics.

According to Thamel, KU plans to allocate $75 million of Booth’s donation toward launching Phase 3 of renovations to Memorial Stadium and construction of the surrounding Gateway District.

According to ESPN, the second phase of the Gateway District project will include the development of a new hotel, outdoor event plaza, student housing, retail and restaurant spaces and parking located east of the stadium.

The total cost of Phase 2 between finishing the stadium and the mixed-use development is estimated to be $360 million. ESPN’s report said Lawrence city commissioners voted Tuesday night to approve a package of financial and tax incentives worth around $94 million to support the project.

KU said he remainder of Booth’s gift will allow the program to “maintain a leadership position in college athletics.”

KU said that With the advent of revenue sharing and the continued changes in NCAA and conference dynamics, the donation will help enable KU to “take the next step in cementing itself as a national leader in college athletics.”

Over 1,000,000 combined hours of work have been poured into the new Booth over the last 20 months.

The old version of the stadium was never really known for having flashy decor, or a modernized, upscale look. But with new clubhouses, several types of premium seating options and chairbacks, plus a shiny exterior, that’s no longer the story.

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