Section B · Page 8
The University Daily Kansan
Friday, October 20, 2000
Homecoming crowd brings cash, sales to local businesses
Bv Andrea White
Kansan correspondent
University of Kansas alumni are not just bringing their school spirit back with them for Homecoming; they are also bringing their checkbooks.
KU alumni will return this weekend to see the football team face off against the University of Colorado and to see old friends and classmates. The Alumni Association could not estimate the number of visitors coming to Lawrence for the weekend, but class reunions, fraternity reunions and a pregame buffet sponsored by the Alumni Association are expected to draw people into the area.
Judy Billings, director of the Lawrence Convention and Visitor's Bureau, said this weekend would likely be a Big Blue Weekend — one in which people spent at least $1 million in Lawrence.
"It will bring visitors into town who will spend money and generate local spending as well," she said.
She Lawrence residents would join alumni and visitors in spending money for tailgating and parties.
Hotels and restaurants are among the many Lawrence businesses expected to benefit from the extra visitors.
"We will definitely be full homecoming weekend," said Steven Horton, general manager at the Holiday Inn Holdome, 200 McDonald Drive.
Billings said there would be little difference from any other weekend with a home football game.
"Homecoming doesn't boost the impact any bigger than the K-State game or Parent's Weekend." Billings said. "There is only a finite number of hotel rooms and such."
Horton said he agreed with Billings.
"for most of the football games, we will be sold out." he said. "This one will just be earlier."
Along with the added business came added traffic, said Det. M.T. Brown of the Lawrence Police Department.
Department There is an increased crowd at any home football game, but it is a bit more than normal for homecoming with the alumni," he said.
According to Brown, the majority of the police force would be out tomorrow directing traffic, issuing parking tickets and looking out for people who consume alcohol in an irresponsible or illegal manner.
"Because there are more people, there is also a likelihood of more accidents," he said.
Brown said that people should allow plenty of travel time because of the increase in traffic.
- Edited by Erin Adamson
Katie Bushouse, Lawrence resident, walks into the Jayhawk Spirit, 935 Massachusetts St. Jayhawk Spirit and other stores on Massachusetts Street will have one of their biggest selling days tomorrow because of the homecoming festivities. Photo by Christina Neff/KANSAN
Downtown shops gear up for game
By Alexzia Plummer
Kansan correspondent
Homecoming atmosphere not only dominates the University of Kansas campus and Memorial Stadium, but it also spills into the shops that line Massachusetts Street.
Stores that feature KU clothing and memorabilia attract more fans during football weekends.
"It's probably one of the biggest selling days," said Willie Wilkerson, manager of Jayhawk Spirit, 935 Massachusetts St. "If they're winning, we packed."
Stores selling KU merchandise are not the only ones preparing for a busy weekend.
Josh Shepler, women's clothing manager at Urban Outfitters, 1013 Massachusetts St., said the store would have additional employees working to handle the crowd.
"It's a big event and people plan for it and want to look good," he said. "People come in from out town for the games and they shop."
Some stores' homecoming preparations also include the
outside of their buildings.
He said several merchants decorated their windows in a contest. Kansas football coach Terry Allen or one of his advisers will choose the best display tomorrow.
"Last year we decorated our windows for the game," Wilkerson said. "We painted wildcats burning in a tailgate cookout. This year, we'll use Colorado scenery."
Some stores will feature special sales and promotions to attract more customers this weekend.
Other stores will not have sales that cater specifically to the homecoming weekend.
For example, Wilkerson said Jayhawk Spirit would have sales on KU sweatshirts.
Eric Mater, manager of 7th Heaven, 1000 Massachusetts St., said the store had sales throughout the entire month of October.
"We call it Rocktober and we have stuff on sale from different departments," Mater said. We do it every year to clear out for Christmas."
— Edited by John Audlehelm
HOMECOMING EVENTS
Tedav:
2:30 p.m. — Homecoming parade along Jayhawk Boulevard from the Chi Omega Foundation to the Academy Alumni Center
Following parade — Past parade party at the Kansas Union Plaza
Chi Omega Fountain to the Adams Alumni Center
**Followup parade — Past parade party at the Kansas Union Plaza**
Following parade — Post parade party at the Kansas Union Plaza 5 p.m. - KJHK 90.7 FM will announce parade winners at the Union Plaza and on the air
6:30 p.m. — Class of 1960 40-year reunion dinner
7:30 p.m. — University Theatre presents Angels in America, Part 1:
Millionium Announcements at Cradle-Perveen Theater
8 p.m. — SUA presents Tim Reynolds in concert at the Lied Center. Tickets will be available at the SUA box office, Level 4, in the Kansas Union
Tomorrow:
8:30 a.m. — Pre-game buffet at the Adams Alumni Center; cost is $14 for adults
for adults
9 a.m. — School of Education open house, Joseph R. Pearson Hall
11:30 a.m. — Homecoming game, Kansas v. Colorado, Memorial Stadium and broadcast live on ABC
7:30 p.m. — Angels in America, Part 1: Millennium Approaches at Crafton-Preyer Theatre
Sunday:
2:30 p.m. — Angels in America, Part 1: Millennium Approaches at
Crafton-Preyer Theatre
Just one more way KEEPERS to show your 'Hawk pride
Did you check off Tradition Keepers on your optional campus fees card?
If you signed up, it is time for you to start reaping the benefits of membership. Your Tradition Keepers benefits package can be picked up at the Adams Alumni Center Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Just when you need a home-cooked meal and are stressed out at finals time, your membership entitles you to a complimentary dinner at the Adams Alumni Center along with fellow Tradition Keepers. You will also receive:
Discounts at local area merchants.
- A Hail to Old KU glass
- Tradition Keepers T-shirt
- Social events and activities
In addition, there are special networking opportunities for members through our Hawk-to-Hawk mentoring program, and membership updates via e-mail.
If you forgot to check off Tradition Keepers, it's not too late to join! Simply call 864-4760 or login at www.kualumni.org
The Kansas Alumni Association has strengthened loyalty and commitment to the University of Kansas for more than a century. Tradition Keepers is a level of membership in the Kansas Alumni Association designed especially for current students. Membership in Tradition Keepers will enrich your years at KU with special activities and opportunities for members only.
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