Rock Chalk Jayhawk: A Night at Allen Fieldhouse

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Disclosure: This post and giveaway is sponsored by Kansas Athletics; however, all opinions are those of the author.

We hopped in our van, as a family, on a Wednesday night and chased the gorgeous fading Kansas sunset, all the way to Allen Fieldhouse.

Once inside, we peered inside the glass cases holding championship memorabilia. We posed for a picture in front of a huge piece of the previous gymnasium floor (see below). Our three young boys couldn’t wait to shed their coats and play the games in the “Fun Zone” before the KU vs. Creighton women’s basketball game started. The Fun Zone kids play area included inflatable games, a photo booth, and a sign making and coloring area. And bonus, all free of charge. My boys successfully depleted a little of their energy before we headed to our seats for the game.

We sat down and quickly learned that we were surrounded by kind, smiling and loyal fans. The kind of fans that cheered but not in a rude, cover-your-child’s ears way. They also didn’t mind that our boys accidentally (and repeatedly) dropped water bottles, signs and souvenir balls into their spaces. Two men behind us all but promised our boys that they would definitely get on the TV or the video board. We chanted along with the cheerleaders “Defense,” “Kaaaaaaaaay-Uuuuuuuuuu.” I added my own cheer, too. “Rebound! You’ve got to rebound!” One of my boys sat on my lap while another boy excitedly held his sign above his head. One sat and stood right next to Dad taking in the whole first time experience.

Amelia Allen FieldhouseMy boys watched with enthusiasm and loyalty. They were invested, all in the moment. The experience of it all. Their first college women’s basketball game. We eagerly watched, clapped and cheered as the Jayhawk women came from trailing Creighton to capturing the lead and keeping it until the final buzzer. Victory. A win for the players and the fans!

Throughout the game, we danced to the songs the band played, watched in amazement as the cheerleaders did back handspring after back handspring and we all even got on “The Smile Cam.” Huge ear-to-ear grins filled all three of my boys’ faces as they looked up onto the giant screen and saw themselves. What an awesome way to spend a family night out. As we walked to our car, a couple came over to us. I held our four year old and our seven-year-old twins repeatedly bumped into each other. They told us that they had two boys that were all grown now. Then, the woman said in a genuinely caring tone, “Believe it or not, you will miss this stage one day. And soon, they will be in college.”

We loved the opportunity to hang out together, as a family at an exciting and fun women’s basketball game. It’s an equal opportunity type of family fun outing, a fun environment for kids of all ages. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, too!

Giveaway
Check out a game and enjoy the time spent cheering, dancing and smiling together. You can win your own game day experience including Junior Jayhawks Kids Club memberships by entering below! As a member, you’ll receive e-mails about special events available to Junior Jayhawks only. These events may include unique experiences such as cheering with the spirit squad, behind the scene tours of KU’s state-of-the art facilities, special invitations to watch practice and more!

Giveaway package includes:

  • Four (4) tickets to single home game of the your choice in January or February
  • One (1) $25 gift card to KU concessions for dinner or snacks
  • Two (2) Junior Jayhawks Kids Club memberships, a $90 value (includes admission to all WBB home games)

Enter to win here!

ameliar
I am Amelia. I am a wife and mother to three energetic, fun, and lovable boys, twin 8 year olds and a 5 year old. We love going to parks, playgrounds, and new kid-friendly places all around Kansas City. My boys generally have their shoes off and have mad skills in climbing up the slides. I struggle when it comes to keeping up with laundry. I would much rather write or post about it than actually fold it and put it away. I have been a Certified Child Life Specialist for twelve years. My work experiences impact the ways I mother my boys, for both the good tendencies and the over-paranoid ones. I think the connections we create when we genuinely and honestly relate to one another, especially as moms, help make life beautiful and meaningful. You can follow my blog at: www.somethingsburning.net