Kansas Athletics Unveils Exclusive Watch Party Event for High-Stakes Football Rivalry Showdown Against Missouri

If you’re a Kansas football devotee stuck miles away from the electric buzz of the rivalry showdown with Missouri this Saturday, don’t despair just yet. The Jayhawks are rolling out the red carpet for fans to soak in the action together—right inside the freshly revamped David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Starting at 1:30 p.m. CT, a watch party will bring the community close to the gridiron drama just as these two longtime foes face off for the first time since 2011—and for the first time on campus since 2006. Trust me, the upgrades to the stadium—from the massive new videoboard to fresh food spots—promise to turn this gathering into an experience that’s more than just watching a game. With KU 2-0 and Missouri off to a strong start of their own, you can bet the tension and anticipation will be palpable, even within the stadium’s walls. Oh, and the story gets sweeter when you consider redshirt senior quarterback Jalon Daniels’ resurgence and the fresh blood on Coach Leipold’s squad—every player fired up to make this rivalry count. If you want to catch all the details about this upcoming clash and the spirited preparations surrounding it, you’ll wanna check this out. LEARN MORE

LAWRENCE — For any Kansas football fans who won’t be in person for Saturday’s rivalry game against Missouri, in Columbia, Missouri, there’ll be a chance to enjoy the occasion with fellow Jayhawks.

KU Athletics has announced supporters are welcome to take it in, during a watch party inside the new-look David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium that will start at 1:30 p.m. (CT). Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (CT). It’s the first time these sides will have played since 2011, and the first time it’ll be played on a program’s campus since 2006.

“Fans will have the opportunity for self-guided tours throughout the stadium, a family fun zone on the turf, open field seating and special performances and appearances by the KU spirit squad and band,” the KU release stated. “Fans can enjoy new amenities at the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, including enhanced sightlines and seating, a videoboard that is 2.5x larger and 60 feet closer to the field, more food and beverage offerings and more. New food and beverage options will be available for purchase throughout the stadium.”

Kansas is 2-0 this season, after wins at home against Fresno State and Wagner. With this matchup against Missouri, will come the Jayhawks’ first road test of the fall. The Tigers are 1-0, after winning their opener at home against Central Arkansas.

KU has witnessed redshirt senior quarterback Jalon Daniels have a quick start to this season, after struggling at times last fall. The Jayhawks’ host of newcomers, many through the transfer portal, have acclimated well to coach Lance Leipold’s squad. Some are more connected to the rivalry than others, returners and newcomers alike, but all will be looking to help their Big 12 Conference program take down one from the Southeastern Conference in front of a hostile crowd.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.