Late Night preview, KU football update
The 110th season of Kansas basketball tips off Friday, Oct. 12, with the 22nd annual "Late Night in the Phog" celebration in Allen Field House. The traditional season-opening celebration will feature performances by national entertainers and the KU Spirit Squads, as well as an offbeat look at the 2007-'08 Jayhawks.
Jayhawk fans are surprised by Late Night every year. Whether it's Alonzo Jamison breaking a backboard with a slam dunk, Scot Pollard proposing to his girlfriend, Bonnie Henrickson arriving in a Ferrari, or Brandon Rush dancing the tango, fans always leave with lasting memories of their favorite 'Hawks.
As always, the highlight of the evening will be scrimmages by the men's and women's teams that provide a sneak peak of the excitement to come during the season.
Programming for Late Night in the Phog will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free and fans are encouraged to arrive at Allen Field House early.
A special guest this year will be Jayhawk football legend John Riggins, who played at KU from 1968-'70. Riggins will become the 15th player to have his name placed in the Memorial Stadium's Ring of Honor when he is recognized during KU's game against Baylor on Saturday, Oct. 13. During the season opening victory over Central Michigan, Willie Pless, c'67, became the 14th player added to the Ring of Honor.
Riggins went from KU football standout to Super Bowl MVP and on to the NFL Hall of Fame. He rushed for 11,352 yards and scored 116 touchdowns in his NFL career, which included stints with the New York Jets from 1971-'75 and the Washington Redskins from 1976-'79 and 1981-'85. He ranks 13th in NFL history for total yardage, and eighth for touchdowns.
The Baylor game is the Big 12 home opener for the Jayhawks after an open week on Sept. 29 and an away game with Kansas State on Oct. 6.
This week the Jayhawks conclude their non-conference schedule as they host Florida International in Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. Remember, the game is KU Alumni Association Day! In recognition of your KU Alumni Association membership, you can purchase tickets to the Florida International game for just $25 (regularly $35). Buy your tickets online now by entering the promotional code "KUAA" or present your Alumni Association membership card at any ticket window on game day!
