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Lawrence
Game Day

Next Home Game — TBA· Sep 5
174Days
19Hrs
53Min
03Sec
TBA
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

University of Kansas

Stadium

Capacity

NaN

Conference

Big 12

2026 Football Schedule

Official University of Kansas home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 5TBAHomeTBA
Sep 12TBAAwayTBA
Sep 19TBAHomeTBA
Sep 26TBAHomeTBA
Oct 3TBAAwayTBA
Oct 10TBAHomeTBA
Oct 17TBAAwayTBA
Oct 24TBAHomeTBA
Oct 31TBAAwayTBA
Nov 7TBAHomeTBA
Nov 14TBAAwayTBA
Nov 21TBAHomeTBA
Nov 28TBAAwayTBA

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

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Lawrence features classic Kansas fall weather with warm, humid early season games giving way to crisp autumn conditions and cold late-season matchups. September can be hot and muggy, October brings ideal football weather with beautiful fall colors, while November turns cold and windy with occasional snow. Weather can change rapidly on the Great Plains.

Warm to hot, humid, occasional thunderstorms

82°

High

/

60°

Low

7 rainy days
Early season heat! Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Afternoon thunderstorms are common—bring rain gear. Tailgating can be hot and humid.

Perfect fall weather, mild days, cool nights

70°

High

/

48°

Low

6 rainy days
Ideal football weather! Comfortable days with crisp evenings. Bring a light jacket for night games. Fall colors peak mid-to-late October.

Cold and windy, possible snow or ice

54°

High

/

34°

Low

4 rainy days
1 snow days
Late-season cold arrives. Bring warm layers and windproof gear—Kansas wind cuts through everything. Snow is possible, especially late November.

Game Day Packing List

  • Layered clothing for variable conditions
  • Light jacket for October games
  • Heavy winter coat for November
  • Windproof outer layer
  • Hat and gloves for late season
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Rain jacket or poncho

Best Time to Visit

October

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to .

Bundle Up For

November

Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.

Best Game Day Bar Districts

The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Lawrence on game day

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
  • Merchants Pub & Plate

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

Top Bars for Game Day

The best spots near for fans

The Hawk

< 1 mile from stadium·College sports bar
KU institution and the ultimate Jayhawks sports bar. Multiple levels, outdoor patio, and packed on gameday. The place to be for Kansas fans.
Open in Google Maps

The Wheel

< 1 mile from stadium·College dive bar
Legendary dive bar near campus with cheap drinks and authentic college atmosphere. KU students and alumni favorite for decades.
Open in Google Maps

Johnny's Tavern

< 1 mile from stadium·Sports bar
Kansas sports bar chain with flagship location in Lawrence. Multiple TVs, full menu, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Open in Google Maps

Free State Brewing Company

< 1 mile from stadium·Craft brewery
Lawrence's original brewery on Mass Street. House-brewed beers and elevated pub fare. Popular pre-game spot.
Open in Google Maps

The Bourgeois Pig

< 1 mile from stadium·Craft cocktail bar
Upscale cocktail bar and restaurant on Mass Street. Craft cocktails and elevated menu. More sophisticated gameday option.
Open in Google Maps

Quinton's Bar & Deli

< 1 mile from stadium·Bar/deli
Classic bar and deli on Mass Street with sandwiches and drinks. Casual gameday spot.
Open in Google Maps

Limestone Pizza

< 1 mile from stadium·Pizza bar
Pizza and bar on Mass Street with outdoor seating. Popular with students and families.
Open in Google Maps

Merchants Pub & Plate

< 1 mile from stadium·Upscale pub
Upscale pub on Mass Street with craft beer and elevated menu. Pre-game dining option.
Open in Google Maps
Official Game Day Route

Bar Crawl Route Map

The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near — follow the stops in order for the best experience

Total Distance

1.6 mi

Estimated Time

3-4 hours

Bar Stops

6 Stops

Route Type

Walking Route

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

Live Route Map

Full Route
1

Free State Brewing Company

Stop 1 of 6

Starting point

Loading map…

Kansas's first legal brewery since Prohibition (est. 1989). Try the 'Ad Astra Ale' and enjoy the historic building's atmosphere.

1 / 7
1.6 mi
3-4 hours
6 bars + stadium
Full Route
Pro Tip

Mass Street is one of the best college bar districts in America — 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!

Join the Official Crawl

Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop

Book Your Spot
Fan Culture

Game Day Traditions

The rituals, chants, and moments that make University of Kansas game day unlike anywhere else

Rock Chalk Chant

Throughout the game

The Rock Chalk Chant — "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU!" — 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

3–4 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

Experience Every Tradition Live

Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single ritual

Best Gameday Food

Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near

Open Gameday

The Wheel Barrel

American Comfort Food · $$

4.6(1823 reviews)

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

Must Order:
Open Gameday

Free State Brewing Company

Brewpub · $$

4.5(3421 reviews)

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

Must Order:
Open Gameday

Limestone Pizza

Wood-Fired Pizza · $$

4.4(2156 reviews)

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

Must Order:
Open Gameday

Merchants Pub & Plate

Gastropub · $$

4.5(1678 reviews)

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

Must Order:
Open Gameday

Teller's Restaurant

Italian-American · $$$

4.6(2234 reviews)

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

Must Order:
Open Gameday

Sylas & Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream

Ice Cream Shop · $

4.7(1567 reviews)

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

Must Order:
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Lawrence GameDay Crawl

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

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at

Tip 1

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

Tip 2

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

Tip 3

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

Tip 4

Blue and crimson are mandatory - wear your Jayhawks gear

Tip 5

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

Tip 6

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

Tip 7

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

Tip 8

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

Tip 9

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

Tip 10

The campus is beautiful - arrive early to explore Mount Oread

Where to Stay

Top hotels near for game day weekend

The Oread

$$$
from stadium
  • Upscale hotel on KU campus with rooftop bar. Walking distance to stadium and best views in Lawrence.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Springhill Suites Lawrence

$$
from stadium
  • Modern hotel near Mass Street. Walking distance to downtown bars and restaurants.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Hampton Inn Lawrence

$$
from stadium
  • Reliable chain hotel with complimentary breakfast. Short drive to campus and Mass Street.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Lawrence

$$
from stadium
  • Marriott property with modern amenities. Good value for families.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Lawrence game day bar crawls

Ready for the Ultimate Lawrence Game Day?

Book your University of Kansas game day bar crawl and experience Lawrence nightlife like never before!