Kansas basketball teases Jayhawks fans with preview of Allen Fieldhouse renovations

Allen Fieldhouse is undoubtedly the most historic college basketball arena in NCAA history. Some of the richest traditions in the sport lie within "The Phog," which was built nearly 70 years ago. There is a reason why opposing players and coaches often call it the most difficult environment they have ever played in.

Last year, Kansas Athletics began a $50 million project on the fieldhouse to complete various renovations. They announced that renovations for Phase II were wrapping up on Oct. 10. The school unveiled some of the upgrades on its social media page, but fans were not too pleased.

New Allen Fieldhouse renovations receiving mixed reactions

The most significant change is the central video board that is supposed to enhance the fan experience. However, AD Travis Goff's idea hasn't been well received by the Jayhawk faithful. This is KU's official statement from July:

"Concourses on the top two levels of the venue will be completely renovated and overhauled, updating the areas with a more accessible and modernized layout. Allen Fieldhouse will feature a new center-hung videoboard that boasts two under screens that will make it easier for fans at lower levels to see the action and information on the scoreboard. There will also be two corner videoboards added, allowing for more statistical information throughout the game in partnership with ShotTracker's innovative technology."

To add the video board, premium seating, and other features, Allen Fieldhouse's capacity shrunk from 16,300 to 15,300. Most of the seats removed were corner bleachers near the upper level. Fans also pointed out the blue and poorly painted plywood on the railings, which many people were unhappy about.

Downsizing the stadium for these components seems unnecessary, especially with the other obvious upgrades the Fieldhouse could use. However, Jayhawk supporters can first see the renovations on Friday, Oct. 18 during Late Night in the Phog.