With the selection of Turner Construction Co., announced Aug. 7, the University of Kansas is moving forward with a $335-million modernization of its nearly century-old football stadium in Lawrence, coupled with construction of a new hotel, a meeting hall and related amenities. KU intends the Gateway Project to serve as a visitor entrance into the campus in the northeast corner, where a welcome center opened this year.

Plans by architect HNTB in partnership with Kansas City, Mo.-based architect Multistudio call for outfitting the 47,000-seat David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium with modern amenities, redesigned seating and club seats and suites. The stadium will also be renovated with expanded concession areas and restrooms, increased accessibility and improved concourse circulation.

The project also includes construction of convention space, a hotel and related development, plus streetscape and infrastructure improvements. 

KU plans to fund the work in part with a $50-million Kansas Dept. of Commerce grant, $35 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds approved last year by state lawmakers and $150 million in donations. 

Turner has already provided construction management services for 25 projects at KU, including 16 for Kansas Athletics. “We are excited to work with a firm that we have such a great relationship and trust with,” said Sean Lester, KU's deputy athletics director for administration, in a statement. 

The work, scheduled for completion in September 2026, is expected to create 2,600 construction jobs.