Facelift rejuvenates Fieldhouse as KU hoops returns

A freshly painted Allen Fieldhouse opened its doors, and the KU Basketball season has officially begun. Recent improvements, made possible by the Ward family, include interior and exterior cleaning, new lighting, windows, scoreboard, sound system and playing floor.

The University of Kansas men's basketball team opened up its 2005-06 campaign in a newly refurbished Allen Fieldhouse with a 96-62 exhibition victory over Fort Hays State on Wednesday evening in front of a sellout crowd in Allen Fieldhouse.

Center Sasha Kaun led the team with 23 points and 10-of-11 shooting. The sophomore from Melbourne, Fla., connected on his first nine attempts from the field. In the first game of his collegiate career, freshman Brandon Rush exploded in the second half to finish with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The new scoreboard with video screen displayed the ceremony honoring the Ward family for their generous gift of a refurbished Allen Fieldhouse. Addie and Tom Ward were flanked by Coach Bill Self, Athletics Director Lew Perkins and Associate Athletics Director John Hadl.

The women's team opened its season with a 90-65 exhibition victory over the Pittsburg State Gorillas. The Jayhawks pulled away in the second half with a 24-2 run. Five Jayhawks scored in double-figures, and KU forced 28 Gorilla turnovers.

The new scoreboard with video screen is one of the highlight of the Fieldhouse’s refurbishments. In this photo workers are installing the scoreboard above a brand new playing surface, freshly painted surroundings and new windows.

Construction of the Booth Family Hall of Athletics continues to make progress. The Hall, which is being built on the east side of Allen Fieldhouse, will feature displays and memorabilia celebrating more than a century of KU athletics programs. It will also house the Naismith Room for receptions and a store. The new terrazzo floor, featuring a large Jayhawk in the middle, was recently put into place.