The Project

The Gateway District will transform the north entrance to campus in a profound way to drive student enrollment and economic benefit to Kansas. The project will develop a new campus gateway, multi-use space, and upgraded football facilities, all of which will enhance KU’s ability to recruit and retain students.

The most innovative component of this project is the development of multi-use facilities to be used throughout the year to generate revenue for academic programming and student success. In addition to the conference center, and as suggested by the project consultant, the project will include a mix of arts and entertainment, dining, retail, office space, lodging, student housing, parking, and other uses that support economic development and the university’s academic mission.

The transformational changes to the Anderson Family Football Complex and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium – one of the nation’s oldest football venues – has already created a world-class experience for fans and student-athletes. Currently, the University of Kansas generates $192 million and 2,600 jobs for the Kansas economy, and the Gateway District will greatly enhance those figures in the future.

Phase 1, which was completed before the 2025 football season, included weight room and locker room renovations to Anderson Family Football Complex, a complete new build of the southwest, west and north sides of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, as well as the conference center on the north end.

Phase 1
Phase 2

The
Developers

The Gateway District is being brought to life by a joint venture between Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate and Sunflower Development Group. This partnership combines Edgemoor’s national leadership in complex Public-Private Partnerships (P3)—including the award-winning delivery of KU’s own Central District—with Sunflower’s deep regional roots and specialized expertise in hospitality and mixed-use development. Together, the team offers a unique blend of financial innovation and technical sophistication, ensuring that this once-in-a-generation project is delivered with the precision of a national firm and the personal, alumni-driven commitment of a local partner.

Conference
Center

Previous studies demonstrated a significant demand for a large-scale conference center on the KU Campus. With the completion of the new 55,000 gross-square-foot Conference Center, Douglas County now has a suitable and comparable event space, and the conference center and other multi-use facilities have already filled a significant market need to serve as a major draw for out-of-town organizations and guests. On football game days, the area will be used to host fans in a wide array of activities and be available year-round for other events.

More Hospitality Information
Conference Center

Oak View Group – Elevating Venue Experience

The Oak View Group (OVG), a leader in global sports and entertainment, is the stadium operator for the Gateway District and reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. In its partnership with KU, Oak View Group oversees the day-to-day operations of both the football stadium and conference center. The group will lead the bookings of conference events, special events, and concerts.

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Douglas A. Girod

University of Kansas Chancellor

Words from our Chancellor

The gateway is a once-in-generation project to transform our campus and drive economic development throughout the region. Specifically, this project will create exciting new amenities for students, employees and visitors while providing Kansas Football the facilities it needs to compete at the highest level.

Economic Impact

  • Out-of-state Students make up

    41%

    of KU’s enrollment and

    35%

    of those students join the Kansas workforce after graduation.

  • 500,000

    Prospective students and guests visit KU each year who would utilize and view the new campus gateway as their first impression.

  • $192 Million & 2,600 Jobs

    is the annual benefit to Kansas from KU being in the Big 12 Conference.

  • Mixed-use development is projected to amount to

    $2.4 Billion

    In direct, indirect and induced spending and

    $1.4 Billion

    in direct, indirect and induced earnings while supporting

    720 Jobs.

  • State sales taxes are estimated at

    $100 Million

    over 30 years, and state personal income taxes are estimated at

    $48 Million

    over this period.

  • Construction of the mixed-use development will create an additional

    670 Temporary Jobs, $2.2 Million

    in state sales tax and

    $2.4 Million

    in state personal income tax.

  • The stadium is projected to generate nearly

    $2 Billion

    in direct, indirect and induced spending over 30 years. This spending is anticipated to generate

    $447 Million

    in direct, indirect and induced earnings over this time, supporting more than

    240 Jobs.

  • State sales tax is expected to equate to more than

    $80 Million

    With

    $14 Million

    in state personal income tax over 30 years.

  • Construction of the enhanced stadium will also generate

    2,600 Temporary Jobs

    With Over

    $8 Million

    in estimated state sales tax and

    $9 Million

    in state personal income tax.

    • KU has partnered with Hunden Strategic Partners, a national firm with experience in large development projects, to do a feasibility study and forecast economic benefits of KU’s plan. Please note, the size and scope of mixed-use development may change due to further market analysis and developer interest.

    What they
    are saying

    The Gateway District will impact the entire Lawrence community and surrounding region, driving economic impact.

    • Bonnie Lowe

      The Chamber of Lawrence Kansas – President & CEO
      KU and Kansas Athletics are a huge driver of economic support for our entire community. Last fall, Lawrence was filled with enthusiasm and commerce on KU football weekends. KU’s Gateway Project presents many exciting opportunities for our region. The amenities will expand tourism, provide an exciting extension to our downtown and introduce our vibrant community to new and diverse audiences. As a Jayhawk fan, I look forward to the new upgrades that the Gateway Project will offer.

    • Kim Anspach

      Explore Lawrence – Executive Director
      This visionary development holds the potential to invigorate the local economy by attracting a diverse range of visitors and events to our city and strengthening our weekday room nights. The Gateway Project also fosters collaboration and strengthens the bond between the City of Lawrence and the vibrant campus community. The project paves the way for increased connection, knowledge exchange, and shared growth by serving as a gateway between the town and gown.