Why is Kansas-UNLV in Children's Mercy Park? Jayhawks playing away from home due to stadium renovatio
Kansas football is heading to a neutral site once again for a matchup against UNLV in a Big 12-Mountain West showdown. However, this time, the game won’t offer the chance to win a trophy, and despite being held at a neutral venue, it will count as a home game for Kansas.
The Jayhawks (1-1) will travel to Kansas City, Kansas, on Friday to face the undefeated Rebels (2-0) at Children’s Mercy Park. This unusual home game arrangement is due to the ongoing renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The construction is part of the larger Gateway District project in Lawrence, which prompted Kansas to move two of their home games to Children's Mercy Park and four more to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
This isn't the first time Kansas has played away from home in a notable matchup. Last year, the Jayhawks earned a 49-36 victory over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix. Kansas will aim to bounce back after a disappointing Week 2 loss to Illinois, which saw them drop out of both the US LBM Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25.
Kansas Athletics Director Travis Goff explained the reasoning behind the venue change in a statement from January: "While we are disappointed we can't play in Lawrence, ultimately, we want to create the best possible experience for all involved. Playing two games at Children's Mercy Park and four at Arrowhead allows us to do that while keeping the stadium renovation on track."
The game offers Kansas a chance to get back on course as they continue their season away from their home field.
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