Blue October in the Phog?

As you all know, the Kansas City Royals are in the postseason for the first time in 29 years. On Friday, the Royals play in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Baltimore Orioles. The game happens to be occurring during Late Night in the Phog.

Royals fans headed to Late Night should not fear, though. KU Athletics will be showing parts of the game at Allen Fieldhouse to keep fans entertained during breaks during the Late Night festivities. Here are the details from KUAthletics.coM:

The annual Kansas Basketball “Late Night in the Phog” event, presented by Hy-Vee, along with Game 1 of the American League Championship Series between the Kansas City Royals and the Baltimore Orioles will provide the perfect storm that the KU Information Technology staff was looking for to test the newly installed Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) inside of Allen Fieldhouse as a result of the campus’ partnership with AT&T.
The multi-million dollar installation, at no cost to the University, for several new 4G LTE antennas will provide a more efficient management of wireless capacity in heavily-trafficked areas. DAS has the ability to provide enhanced, more consistent wireless coverage to customers allowing them to keep tabs on the Royals while getting their first glimpse of the 2014-15 Jayhawks.

In addition, during “Late Night,” highlights and live footage of the Royals game will be played on the video board during breaks in the schedule. Prior to the start of “Late Night,” the 2008 NCAA National Championship game will be replayed, along with pre-game Royals footage to entertain the fans.

The 2014 “Late Night in the Phog” will run from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. Admission is free and will remain a ticketless, first-come, first-served event; re-entry will not be granted.  Doors will open at 3 p.m., and children 12 and under will not be admitted without an accompanying adult. A list of prohibited items can be found here.

Kansas Athletics has announced it will take extra steps to ensure the fun and safety of all attending fans:

·         KU and Lawrence Public Safety personnel will provide an increased presence.
·         Kansas Athletics will open the Allen Fieldhouse entrances early if warranted by a large-enough crowd of fans waiting to enter.
·         Kansas Athletics will increase its communication with fans throughout the day, using social media, conventional media and on-site communication.
·         As on game nights, KU students will enter through their customary separate entrance on the northeast side of Allen Fieldhouse.

In anticipation of the construction of the DeBruce Center at the northeast corner of Allen Fieldhouse, workers have installed fencing that restricts access to some sidewalks adjacent to the Fieldhouse.  The best way for students to access their entrance, therefore, is to approach that entrance from the west side of the parking garage.

With school in session Oct. 10, university parking lots will be restricted by permit until 5 p.m., with the exception of Lot 90 located across Naismith Drive from Allen Fieldhouse; that lot will be available for public parking at no charge starting at noon. Public parking will also be available in the parking garage just north of Allen Fieldhouse for Late Night in the Phog after 5 p.m.; cost will be $5 per vehicle.
As is the tradition at Late Night, fans are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items, which Kansas Athletics will donate to “Just Food” of Douglas County. Just Food will also be outside Allen Fieldhouse taking cash donations for those not able to bring a food item.