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Lawrence
Game Day

Next Home Game โ€” TBAยท Sep 5
172Days
10Hrs
05Min
41Sec
TBA

Quick Facts

School

University of Kansas

Stadium

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

Capacity

47,233

Conference

Big 12

Local Bar Scene

Bar Districts in Lawrence

The neighborhoods where Lawrence fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe โ€” here's where to find your crowd.

Massachusetts Street (Mass Street)

Historic downtown Lawrence and heart of the city's entertainment. Packed with bars, restaurants, and blue-clad fans on gameday. Short drive to stadium.

Notable Bars

Free State Brewing Company
The Bourgeois Pig
Quinton's Bar & Deli
Limestone Pizza

Campus Area

University of Kansas campus with student bars and restaurants. Walking distance to Memorial Stadium.

Notable Bars

The Hawk
The Wheel
Johnny's Tavern

West Lawrence

Residential area with some local spots. More spread out, requires driving.

Notable Bars

Various local restaurants

2026 Football Schedule

Plan your game day around the University of Kansas Jayhawks home schedule

TBAHome

Sep 5

TBA
TBAAway

Sep 12

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TBAHome

Sep 19

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TBAHome

Sep 26

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TBAAway

Oct 3

TBA
TBAHome

Oct 10

TBA
TBAAway

Oct 17

TBA
TBAHome

Oct 24

TBA
TBAAway

Oct 31

TBA
TBAHome

Nov 7

TBA
TBAAway

Nov 14

TBA
TBAHome

Nov 21

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TBAAway

Nov 28

TBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Fall football weather in Lawrence brings a mix of conditions from warm September afternoons to cold November nights. Layers are your best friend on game day.

September

Warm & Sunny

78ยฐ

High

/

55ยฐ

Low

5 rainy days
Light layers โ€” afternoons can be warm but evenings cool down fast.
โญ Best Month

October

Crisp & Clear

65ยฐ

High

/

44ยฐ

Low

6 rainy days
Perfect football weather. Bring a light jacket for night games.
โ„๏ธ Toughest

November

Cold & Variable

50ยฐ

High

/

32ยฐ

Low

7 rainy days
2 snow days
Bundle up โ€” heavy coat, gloves, and a hat are essential for late-season games.

Game Day Packing List

  • Layers (t-shirt + hoodie + jacket)
  • Team colors / jersey
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Rain poncho (just in case)
  • Hand warmers for November games

Best Time to Visit

October

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Toughest Months

November

Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.

Local Bar Guide

Best Bars in Lawrence on Game Day

The definitive guide to Lawrence's college bar scene โ€” where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.

The Hawk

from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

#1

Atmosphere

College sports bar

Known For

KU institution and the ultimate Jayhawks sports bar. Multiple levels, outdoor patio, and packed on gameday. The place to be for Kansas fans.

The Wheel

from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

#2

Atmosphere

College dive bar

Known For

Legendary dive bar near campus with cheap drinks and authentic college atmosphere. KU students and alumni favorite for decades.

Johnny's Tavern

from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

#3

Atmosphere

Sports bar

Known For

Kansas sports bar chain with flagship location in Lawrence. Multiple TVs, full menu, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Free State Brewing Company

from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

#4

Atmosphere

Craft brewery

Known For

Lawrence's original brewery on Mass Street. House-brewed beers and elevated pub fare. Popular pre-game spot.

The Bourgeois Pig

from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

#5

Atmosphere

Craft cocktail bar

Known For

Upscale cocktail bar and restaurant on Mass Street. Craft cocktails and elevated menu. More sophisticated gameday option.

Quinton's Bar & Deli

from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

#6

Atmosphere

Bar/deli

Known For

Classic bar and deli on Mass Street with sandwiches and drinks. Casual gameday spot.

Limestone Pizza

from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

#7

Atmosphere

Pizza bar

Known For

Pizza and bar on Mass Street with outdoor seating. Popular with students and families.

Merchants Pub & Plate

from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

#8

Atmosphere

Upscale pub

Known For

Upscale pub on Mass Street with craft beer and elevated menu. Pre-game dining option.
Bar Hopping Guide

Lawrence Game Day Bar Hopping Guide

The best order to hit Lawrence's top bars on game day โ€” optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.

Interactive Bar Hopping Map6 stops ยท 1.6 mi

Start

Free State Brewing Company

Est. Time

3-4 hours

Total Distance

1.6 mi

Start Here

Free State Brewing Company

Starting point
1
Stop 1First Stop

Free State Brewing Company

636 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Kansas's first legal brewery since Prohibition (est. 1989). Try the 'Ad Astra Ale' and enjoy the historic building's atmosphere.
Get Directions
1 min walk (0.1 mi)
2
Stop 2

Quinton's Bar & Deli

615 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

KU student favorite since 1980. Famous for cheap pitchers, pool tables, and the 'Quinton Burger'. Always packed on gameday.
Get Directions
2 min walk (0.2 mi)
3
Stop 3

Limestone Pizza

814 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Gourmet pizza and craft beer in a modern setting. Try the 'Jayhawk' pizza with BBQ chicken and blue cheese.
Get Directions
1 min walk (0.1 mi)
4
Stop 4

Merchants Pub & Plate

746 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Upscale gastropub with 40+ craft beers on tap and elevated bar food. The rooftop patio offers great Mass Street views.
Get Directions
8 min walk (0.4 mi)
5
Stop 5

The Hawk

1340 Ohio St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Legendary KU dive bar near campus. Cheap drinks, sticky floors, and the best jukebox in Lawrence. A true Jayhawk rite of passage.
Get Directions
10 min walk (0.5 mi)
6
Stop 6Final Stop

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

1101 Mississippi St, Lawrence, KS 66045

Home of the Kansas Jayhawks since 1921. Capacity 47,233. Arrive early for the Rock Chalk Chant. Renovated stadium on Mount Oread with beautiful campus views.
Get Directions

End Point

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

Pro Tip

Mass Street is one of the best college bar districts in America โ€” everything is walkable. Start at Free State for craft beer, then work your way north. The Hawk is a must-visit for the authentic KU dive bar experience. Rock Chalk!

Fan Culture

Lawrence Game Day Traditions

What makes Jayhawks game day unique โ€” the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.

Rock Chalk Chant

Throughout the game

The Rock Chalk Chant โ€” "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU!" โ€” is one of the most iconic chants in all of college sports. Fans chant it in a slow, rhythmic cadence that builds to a roar. It dates back to 1886 and is used at both football and basketball games. Visiting fans have called it the most spine-tingling chant they've ever heard.

Called the greatest chant in college sports since 1886

The Jayhawk Walk

2 hours before kickoff

Before every home game, the KU football team walks from the Anderson Family Football Complex through campus to Memorial Stadium. Fans line the route waving blue and crimson, cheering on the Jayhawks. It's a beloved tradition that connects players and fans before kickoff.

A beloved connection between players and fans

Mass Street Pre-Game Parade

3โ€“4 hours before kickoff

Massachusetts Street transforms into a river of blue and crimson on gameday. Fans bar-hop from Free State Brewing to Quinton's to The Hawk, building energy before heading to the stadium. The 2-mile walk from Mass Street to Memorial Stadium has become a tradition in itself.

Mass Street is the soul of Lawrence gameday

I'm a Jayhawk Fight Song

After every score

"I'm a Jayhawk" is KU's beloved fight song, played by the Marching Jayhawks after every score. The entire stadium sings along, and the energy is electric. The song dates to 1912 and is one of the most recognizable fight songs in the Big 12.

A fight song dating back to 1912
Fuel Up Before the Game

Best Game Day Food in Lawrence

Top spots to eat before or after the game โ€” ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.

$$Open Game Day

The Wheel Barrel

American Comfort Food ยท 0.9 miles from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium from stadium

4.6 (1823 reviews)

Lawrence favorite serving hearty comfort food and craft cocktails. Perfect brunch spot before noon kickoffs.

Must order: Chicken Fried Steak & Biscuits
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Free State Brewing Company

Brewpub ยท 1.2 miles from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium from stadium

4.5 (3421 reviews)

Kansas' first legal brewery since Prohibition. Legendary gameday atmosphere with award-winning craft beers.

Must order: Ad Astra Ale & Oatmeal Stout Burger
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Limestone Pizza

Wood-Fired Pizza ยท 1.1 miles from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium from stadium

4.4 (2156 reviews)

Neapolitan-style pizza with creative toppings. Great for groups and quick pre-game meals.

Must order: The Jayhawk Pizza & Garlic Knots
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Merchants Pub & Plate

Gastropub ยท 1.3 miles from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium from stadium

4.5 (1678 reviews)

Upscale pub fare with rotating craft beer selection. Known for creative takes on comfort food.

Must order: Brisket Poutine & Craft Beer
Get Directions
$$$Open Game Day

Teller's Restaurant

Italian-American ยท 1.4 miles from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium from stadium

4.6 (2234 reviews)

Housed in a historic bank building. Upscale Italian dining perfect for special gameday celebrations.

Must order: Lasagna & Tiramisu
Get Directions
$Open Game Day

Sylas & Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream

Ice Cream Shop ยท 1.2 miles from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium from stadium

4.7 (1567 reviews)

Lawrence institution serving homemade ice cream since 1998. Perfect post-game treat on Massachusetts Street.

Must order: Jayhawk Crunch & Salted Caramel
Get Directions

Best Neighborhoods for Bar Hopping

The top districts in Lawrence for game day bar crawls and nightlife.

Massachusetts Street (Mass Street)

Historic downtown Lawrence and heart of the city's entertainment. Packed with bars, restaurants, and blue-clad fans on gameday. Short drive to stadium.

  • Free State Brewing Company
  • The Bourgeois Pig
  • Quinton's Bar & Deli
  • Limestone Pizza

Campus Area

University of Kansas campus with student bars and restaurants. Walking distance to Memorial Stadium.

  • The Hawk
  • The Wheel
  • Johnny's Tavern

West Lawrence

Residential area with some local spots. More spread out, requires driving.

  • Various local restaurants
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Lawrence GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Jayhawks football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200โ€“$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

Mass Street is THE place to be - arrive early gets packed

Mass Street is THE place to be - arrive early gets packed

The Rock Chalk Chant is iconic - learn it before the game

The Rock Chalk Chant is iconic - learn it before the game

The Hawk is the ultimate KU sports bar - arrive early for space

The Hawk is the ultimate KU sports bar - arrive early for space

Blue and crimson are mandatory - wear your Jayhawks gear

Blue and crimson are mandatory - wear your Jayhawks gear

Memorial Stadium is on a hill - bring comfortable shoes for walking

Memorial Stadium is on a hill - bring comfortable shoes for walking

Free State Brewing has the best local beer - try the Ad Astra Ale

Free State Brewing has the best local beer - try the Ad Astra Ale

The Wheel is cash-friendly and has the cheapest drinks near campus

The Wheel is cash-friendly and has the cheapest drinks near campus

Mass Street is about 2 miles from stadium - drive or Uber

Mass Street is about 2 miles from stadium - drive or Uber

Lawrence is a basketball town first - football is growing but embrace the hoops culture

Lawrence is a basketball town first - football is growing but embrace the hoops culture

The campus is beautiful - arrive early to explore Mount Oread

The campus is beautiful - arrive early to explore Mount Oread

Where to Stay

Top hotels near David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for game day weekend

The Oread

$$$
0.3 miles from stadium
  • Upscale hotel on KU campus with rooftop bar. Walking distance to stadium and best views in Lawrence.
Upscale hotel on KU campus with rooftop bar. Walking distance to stadium and best views in Lawrence.

Springhill Suites Lawrence

$$
2 miles from stadium
  • Modern hotel near Mass Street. Walking distance to downtown bars and restaurants.
Modern hotel near Mass Street. Walking distance to downtown bars and restaurants.

Hampton Inn Lawrence

$$
3 miles from stadium
  • Reliable chain hotel with complimentary breakfast. Short drive to campus and Mass Street.
Reliable chain hotel with complimentary breakfast. Short drive to campus and Mass Street.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Lawrence

$$
3 miles from stadium
  • Marriott property with modern amenities. Good value for families.
Marriott property with modern amenities. Good value for families.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Lawrence game day bar crawls

Know Lawrence's Bar Scene Better Than Anyone

Explore every bar district, find the best spots near David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and discover where Jayhawks fans drink on game day.

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