"If you've never been to Lawrence, you're in for a big surprise. I grew up in Lawrence and its where I plan to retire. One of the best college towns in America."
This is very true. I was there for a conference in September 2011. I arrived a day early and walked all around the campus, wearing RU gear of course. When I went by the football stadium, which the OP accurately described as a dump, I ran into a couple of the assistant coaches heading to practice. They saw my RU hoodie and started talking to me, saying they were hoping to join us in the Big East, which at that time, with UT, TT, OU, and OSU looking like they were heading to the Pac 12, seemed like a real possibility (it was discussed on this board quite regularly). But, two days later the news broke that Pitt and SU were heading to the ACC, and all bets were off. Happily, things worked out well for RU but KU is still stuck with TX and a 10 team conference.
One of the highlights of my campus tour was a visit to the KU bball fieldhouse, which is also quite an ancient, no-frills facility but one loaded with character. It reminded of the U. of Penn Palestra on steroids. And right next door or beneath it KU has a very nice museum showing the history of its athletic programs. Obviously, basketball was most prominently featured but IIRC, KU also has a great tradition in track and field.
Glad to hear that OP enjoyed his visit.
