The Story of Allen Fieldhouse
Construction of Allen Fieldhouse. Photo courtesy of University Archives, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, KU.
In the history of American college athletics, few stories resonate with the passion and perseverance embodied by Dr. Forrest C. "Phog" Allen and his quest to build a temple to basketball at the University of Kansas (KU). The story begins in the late 1920s, in Lawrence, Kansas, where Allen, already a figure of considerable repute in the basketball world, envisioned a grand arena that would not only serve as a stage for the sport he loved but also as a beacon of pride for KU and the entire state.
1955: Phog Allen in the fieldhouse that bears his name. Photo courtesy of University Archives, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, KU.
This vision emerged at a time when the concept of dedicating substantial resources to athletic facilities was met with skepticism, if not outright opposition. The University of Kansas, like many institutions of its time, grappled with financial constraints that prioritized academic needs over athletic ambitions. Allen’s dream of a massive field house seemed, to many, a flight of fancy, especially as the country edged closer to the economic abyss of the Great Depression. Throughout the 1930s, the dream of a new athletic center remained just that—a dream, as the country’s financial woes rendered such ambitions seemingly unattainable.
The Journey Towards Construction
Construction of Allen Fieldhouse. Photo courtesy of University Archives, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, KU.
The narrative took a dramatic turn with the end of World War II, as the United States experienced an unprecedented economic boom. This period of prosperity rekindled the dormant aspirations of KU’s athletic department and its most ardent supporter, Phog Allen.
The need for a new field house was more apparent than ever, with the existing Hoch Auditorium no longer able to accommodate the growing fanbase and the physical demands of modern basketball. The auditorium's concrete floor, lacking the resiliency necessary for safe athletic performance, epitomized the inadequacies of the existing facilities.
The view of the basketball court in Hoch Auditorium in the 1940s. Courtesy - KU.
The push for a new field house gained momentum in the late 1940s, bolstered by a combination of factors including a burgeoning student population, the practical needs of the university's athletic programs, and the symbolic importance of maintaining parity with rival institutions.
Construction of Allen Fieldhouse. Photo courtesy of University Archives, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, KU.
Despite an initial legislative rebuff in 1947, the university's persistence paid off. By strategically navigating the political and social landscape of post-war America, KU officials garnered the support needed to realize Allen’s vision. The selection of a site for the field house, after much deliberation, symbolized a tangible step towards the realization of a project that had, for so long, seemed an impossible dream.
Opening Night
March 1, 1955: The Dedication of Allen Fieldhouse. Photo courtesy of University Archives, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, KU.
The night of March 1, 1955, marked the culmination of nearly three decades of unwavering commitment to a singular vision. The dedication ceremony, set against the backdrop of a riveting basketball game, was imbued with a sense of historical significance. It was a celebration of not only the physical structure of the field house but also the legacy of basketball at KU and the sport's foundational figures, James Naismith and Phog Allen. On that opening night, the Jayhawks defeated their in-state rival Wildcats by a score of 77-66.
In the aftermath of the dedication, Allen Fieldhouse quickly established itself as a cornerstone of KU’s athletic identity and a coveted destination for aspiring basketball talents. The recruitment and debut of Wilt Chamberlain in 1956, a towering figure in the literal and metaphorical sense, underscored the field house's magnetic appeal and its role in elevating KU’s basketball program to national prominence.
The Legacy of Allen Fieldhouse
Construction of Allen Fieldhouse. Photo courtesy of University Archives, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, KU.
Today, Allen Fieldhouse stands as a monument to the power of vision, the importance of perseverance, and the unifying force of collegiate sports. It is a venue steeped in history, filled with the echoes of past triumphs and the promise of future glory. The journey from Phog Allen's initial dream to the construction and dedication of the field house is a narrative of overcoming adversity, fostering community, and achieving greatness against the odds.