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Allen Fieldhouse’s capacity will be 15,300 after renovations, plus more KU Athletics news

LAWRENCE — Allen Fieldhouse, home to Kansas’ men’s and women’s basketball programs, will have a new capacity following the renovations underway at the arena.

According to a KU release that focused on the availability of season tickets, the building’s new capacity will be 15,300. The previous listed capacity was 16,300.

Multiple phases of construction, which are set to be completed ahead of the 2024-25 seasons for those programs, have been funded “through a $50 million project funded by generous Kansas Athletics supporters.” Among the changes coming to Allen Fieldhouse, are a new look to its top two levels, a new video board, 1,100 new chair-back seats for its West side and more.

“There is no other venue in sport with more history and energy than Allen Fieldhouse,” Kansas director of athletics Travis Goff said in the news release. “Going forward, we are incredibly excited for our supporters to couple the building’s tradition with an unrivaled game-day experience. Extensive scrutiny, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail have gone into the renovation plan and we are very confident our fans will enjoy the enhanced amenities and experience, while continuing to appreciate the aura they have always loved about Allen Fieldhouse.”

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Here’s more that’s been happening around KU Athletics recently:

Sharon Lokedi qualifies to represent KU at 2024 Paris Olympics

Sharon Lokedi, who competed for Kansas’ track and field and cross country team from 2015-19, has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics. According to a post on the KU program’s account on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, her event is the women’s marathon. She’ll represent Kenya.

Kansas men’s basketball’s The Basketball Tournament alumni team names Sherron Collins as head coach

The Kansas men’s basketball alumni team, that will compete in The Basketball Tournament, has named Sherron Collins as its head coach. Collins was a member of the Jayhawks’ national championship team in 2008. As of now, the roster includes power forward Dedric Lawson, point guard Frank Mason III, power forward Jamari Traylor, power forward Kevin Young, point guard Lagerald Vick, shooting guard Malik Newman, small forward Mario Little, shooting guard Sam Cunliffe, power forward Silvio De Sousa and center Thomas Robinson.

Kansas women’s basketball promotes Morgan Paige to associate head coach

Kansas women’s basketball head coach Brandon Schneider promoted assistant coach Morgan Paige to associate head coach. Paige has been on Schneider’s coaching staff as the Jayhawks reached the NCAA tournament in 2022 and 2024, and won the 2023 postseason WNIT. According to a KU release, her duties as recruiting coordinator are now going to be shared by Karyla Knight and Brock McGinnis — two assistant coaches on Schneider’s staff.

“Morgan's infectious energy and enthusiasm make an instant positive impact on every environment she's part of,” Schneider said in the release. “Our players greatly respect her ability to teach the game and cultivate relationships. She is a terrific mentor and role model for our young women, and we are all excited for her promotion to associate head coach.”

Paige added: “I am grateful to Coach Brandon for this opportunity to continue growing in my coaching career. He has always supported personal growth and goals, and I am so fortunate to have him in my corner as a mentor. I look forward to the new challenges and expanded role in the continued success of Kansas Women's Basketball.”

Kansas basketball fans cheer during the second half of the game against Baylor on Feb. 10, 2024 inside Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas basketball fans cheer during the second half of the game against Baylor on Feb. 10, 2024 inside Allen Fieldhouse.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Allen Fieldhouse's new capacity will be 15,300 after renovations