LAWRENCE, Kan. — Students, alumni and Jayhawk fans of all ages returned to the ultimate nest at Allen Fieldhouse as they welcomed the men's team for the 42nd annual Late Night in the Phog.
Unlike previous years, this late night did not have a musical guest. It also isn't filled top to bottom with the standard late night traditions. Instead, it's combined with the team's first exhibition game against Pittsburg State University.
"I'm still really excited that we get to have the fun team intro's and I'm just a big basketball fan, I'm here for the basketball so I love that we just get to have an exciting first game," Amelia Knopp, a KU senior said.
In previous years, the team would play a brief scrimmage against each other near the end of the night. Zander Zeff is a sophomore at KU. He says that he prefers the new format because it allows him to see an actual game on top of the late night energy.
"Last year we only saw the team for a certain amount of time because it was just a scrimmage. This year we get to see them for a whole game," Zeff said. "I think it's a good way to see all the players play and get to meet everybody."
Allen Fieldhouse is widely known as the mecca of college basketball. KU freshman Olivia White says she can't believe she finally gets to experience all the hype surrounding it.
"I love basketball," White said. "I played in high school, so I'm just so pumped. I love basketball games, and I've heard that these are just like a new level so I can't wait."
As for seniors, this is their final Late Night in the Phog. While they still have a full season of KU basketball in front of them, it's hard to believe the ride is almost over.
"This is especially bittersweet for me because I'm from Lawrence, so I've kind of grown up with this, so it's kind of crazy this is my last one," Arbor Mulligan, a KU senior said.
The women's basketball team will have their Late night in the Phog on Thursday, October 29. It will include an exhibition game against Washburn
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