Kansas Athletics commences fall sports at Corinth Square
PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. – A week away from the eve of Kansas football’s first game, Kansas Athletics and the KU Alumni Association greeted a throng of fans at the 11th annual KU Kickoff at Corinth Square Friday evening.
Director of Athletics Dr. Sheahon Zenger, head football coach David Beaty and KU Alumni Association’s Heath Peterson were special guests at the event emceed by the IMG Jayhawk Radio Network’s football analyst David Lawrence. KU’s band and cheerleaders entertained the crowd, while inflatable games, multiple vendors and various KU giveaways were also available.
Zenger began the event addressing the gathering and thanking Jayhawk nation for year-in and year-out support of Kansas Athletics.
“There are very few schools who can do this every year and bring thousands of people to a shopping center parking lot to celebrate their tradition,” Zenger said.
Fresh from an afternoon practice, Beaty arrived and almost immediately took the stage along with players Dorance Armstrong Jr., Daylon Charlot, LaQuvionte Gonzalez and Fish Smithson to greet those in attendance.
Beaty proceeded to the stage and praised the loyalty of the fans, as well as the stellar performances of the band and sprit squads, but also spoke to the importance of the fan base in rebuilding a successful football program.
“This thing is going to be done in the way that we raise children and we’re going to do it with a village,” Beaty said. “It’s going to take a great fan base like all of you Jayhawks and we thank you for your unwaning support through all of the rough times. You’re going to have something to be proud of really soon. We are excited about that.”
Beaty then turned the stage over to Smithson who reiterated Beaty’s gratefulness to the congregation and also provided a first-person perspective to how hard the Jayhawks worked in the offseason to have success. Kansas’ senior safety also tossed high praise to his teammates who flanked either side of him on the stage.
“We had a tremendous offseason through winter conditioning, summer conditioning and also fall camp,” Smithson said. “These guys right here who play wide receiver (Charlot and Gonzalez) make it really tough on me. Then Dorance, he makes my job easier on that defensive end getting to the quarterback.”
Prior to exiting the stage and mingling with fans, Beaty left the group with a parting message as he received a loud applause after expressing his excitement for the preseason to come to an end and week one to arrive.
“There comes a time when the talking stops and you have to get out there and show where you’re at,” Beaty said. “We are excited about doing that for you. We’re sick of hitting each other, so we’re excited to bring Rhode Island in next week and put this thing to the test for the first time. You all have stuck with us and the future looks bright.”
Kansas is set to begin the 2016 season on Saturday, September 3, as it plays host to Rhode Island. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., from Memorial Stadium with a live broadcast on the Jayhawk TV Network and ESPN3.
Season tickets for the six-game home schedule are now on sale for as low as $115. The Family Season Ticket Plan, which includes two youth and two adult general admission tickets, is $400.
Kansas Athletics is offering a new Pick 2 Flex Pack ticket package for Jayhawk football games for the 2016 season. As part of the Pick 2 Flex Pack ticket option, fans can choose any two of KU’s six home games, with Pick 2 Flex Pack plans ranging in price from $105-$120.
For additional information regarding Kansas football tickets contact the Kansas Sales Team by calling 800-34-HAWKS or in-person at the Allen Fieldhouse ticket office. Tickets can also be purchased via KUTickets.com.
Kansas Athletics will also be offering group discounts and unique fan experiences to Kansas football games for any group, business or organization of 15+. To inquire about bringing your group to Memorial Stadium, please contact the Group Sales Department at 785-864-6221 or dpaul@kuathletics.com.
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