Border War in KC Gets Extension

Four More Years of Concrete Hell

It's all over the papers this morning. The Jayhawks and Tigers will battle four more times at Arrowhead stadium (exactly in the middle of nowhere). No word as to whether or not the 2013 game will be played at the Kansas Speedway.

I think the problems with the game at Arrowhead have been pretty much detailed and agreed upon. Still, this was inevitable. We're playing against Texas, OU, Nebraska and A&M in the football world, so this type of event is the only way to make a significant attack in that never-ending war. The number one question I have is why couldn't we sign the deal next week? We've heard all about how they've solved the logistics problems. I'm not so sure. Why not play game two and evaluate before inking another four years?

Here's the thing, it's a money-maker now, but you kind of got a skewed look at the event last year with both teams in the national title hunt and College Game Day on hand. Ultimately, fans will decide this issue. And I think your casual KU fan better be able to feel something positive out of this event pretty soon or attendance in blue could trend quickly to dismal. If a hardcore guy like me has to go through a two-week mental pep talk to get up for this game, then I can't imagine how the bandwagon Jayhawk fans are approaching this.

So I guess ... this may actually come down to the KU football team. They could really bail out Lew on this one, because we'll see  tomorrow morning how the players feel about Arrowhead. If they vote yes for Arrowhead with their play, then KU fans will change their attitude in short time.

I should also add that there is one big positive I think we can all cling to -- hey, we may never have to go to Columbia again.

Bill Mayer Lays It Out

Probably one of the better pieces I've read from Bill today on the Arrowhead Border War. Putting the wonderful experience of engaging with real live Mizzou fans into a legitimate print publication is something you don't see everyday. I also liked his take on this:

Little wonder fans scream when the KU-MU-Arrowhead totalitarians give first preference to Kansas City Chiefs season ticket-holders. Why the hell do they deserve such a handout?

Clay Center Correspondent Weighs In

Upon hearing about the Arrowhead extension, our kindly old Hawk Digest correspondent from Clay Center, Kansas decided to announce plans for a new t-shirt line. The shirt says, "I don't want your loyalty, I just want your money."

Just to clarify, this was said in jest. He's no t-shirt maker.

Comments

[fabio]

So does your buddy from Clay Center have a problem with Orange Bowl and NCAA trophies? Lew is the most successful AD in the history of this university. You might think twice before going after someone like that just because you don't agree with a decision he has made. It really hurts ones credibility.

[DJ]

Well first off, the older generation just has a different take on the overall business of college athletics. Complaining about parking costs and ticket prices is really pretty much part of the DNA for that age group. Throw in the point system and you can really whip them up. However, you've accurately pointed out the flaw in the expectations. Win, but do it at your own costs. Luckily, younger earners generally come in a pick up the slack. At times though, I think we all wonder how this money/facilities arms race in college athletics ends.

Secondly, it doesn't look like I did a good job of representing it, but the t-shirt line was just a joke. It was just an offhand comment made that I thought was kind of funny. You won't really be able to be find a shirt with that slogan.

Overall, my take on the Border War in Kansas City is conflicted. In concept, it is exactly what our program needs -- from a recruiting standpoint and a national impact as a rivalry event. In practice, KU fans need something to feel good about with the game in KC as we are the ones giving something up by letting the game live just across the state line. Splitting the parking lots and the stadium this year could certainly help, but it will all depend on how outnumbered we are. Winning the game would help the most.