New KU football stadium structure complete - final steel beam placed
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Construction crews are making progress on the University of Kansas' brand new football stadium with the final beam set in place.
Hundreds of trade workers, and donors, alongside a few of the players and coaches celebrated the placement of the stadium's final steel beam on Thursday, Sept. 19.
"A lot of us seniors and older guys, we won't be able to play in this stadium, but everything we've done to this point we get to experience," said KU Running Back Devin Neal. "It's for all the future generations of Jayhawk football players."
The new stadium is estimated to seat more than 40,000 fans. KU Athletic Director Travis Goff says it will add to the great home-field advantage Lawrence has.
"The fans have been incredible," said Goff. "We have the ability to determine what do we need this east and south to be from a more permanent perspective. That's going to have everything to say about how deep into the 40's we go."
KU always had its sights on opening this stadium for the 2025 season. That means relentless work around the clock from construction crews.
"All of our trades partners and workers are out here all the time, seven days a week," said Jason Brown with Turner Construction. "It was a hot summer, it's been cold, it's rained. Everyday they're out here putting in work making this a reality."
KU opens the 2025 season at its new stadium. They host Fresno State on Saturday, Aug. 23.
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