This Month in Lawrence History: A New Home for the Jayhawks

Fall Saturdays and Jayhawk football have been part of Lawrence life for generations. This month marks 105 years since an important milestone: the dedication of KU’s Memorial Stadium on October 29, 1921, during a game against Kansas State. The stadium honored 130 KU students who lost their lives in World War I.

Getting it built took a remarkable community effort. Earlier that year, more than 4,000 students and faculty gathered for “Stadium Day” to tear down McCook Field, KU’s aging athletic venue. They finished the demolition in just one hour and 18 minutes, then enjoyed a university-sponsored barbecue. Construction moved quickly, and the new stadium was ready for its dedication that October, although still partially completed.

McCook Field had its own October history: the Jayhawks played their first game there on October 27, 1892. Its earliest grandstand held just 800 spectators, and children sometimes climbed trees outside the fence to watch games.

From those modest beginnings grew a Lawrence tradition that continues to bring neighbors, alumni and visitors together each fall.