Jayhawks to host NCAA Regional

For years, through limited opportunity, people have wondered what Kansas might do if ever given the chance to bring postseason baseball to Hoglund Ballpark.

In five days, we'll finally get our chance to see it.

Truth be told, the vision of what KU can and will do to ready its home field for an NCAA Regional started to show up late last week. The left field wall came down. A chain link fence went up in its place and the area behind ballpark in left field was earmarked for a new standing-room-only area.

Nicknamed "The Backyard," the area behind left field will add both added seating and a completely new view of the action, as fans in The Backyard will watch the game through the fence instead of above it.

KU crews were busy adding red and blue padding to the fence throughout the weekend, and while it will look different, the cohesive aspect of the fence with the area behind it should make for a nice bit of added charm and character rather than looking odd to the eye.

The whole thing will be tied together by the red padding along the top of the fence, which will match the red padding at the top of the wall surrounding the rest of the field.

While the Jayhawks' Big 12 tournament title win over the weekend spoiled the surprise — while adding another amazing chapter to an already-insanely cool story for Kansas baseball that also featured their first regular season conference title since 1949 — KU hosting its first NCAA Regional in program history became official on Sunday night, when the NCAA announced on its social media channels the location of the 16 host sites for regionals.

Nothing more was revealed on Sunday night, including where the Jayhawks are seeded in the top 16 or who they would potentially match up with in a Super Regional should they advance.

That will all come at 11 a.m. central on Monday morning, when the complete bracket is revealed on the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.

In all, the changes put into place at Hoglund Ballpark will up the venue's capacity by about 60%, from 2,500 to 4,000. In addition to The Backyard, which will have its own gate for entry and will welcome lawn chairs, there will be standing-room-only area down the third base line and into left field. New netting has been put up in that area to keep spectators safe.

Here, from a KU press release, is a quick look at how things will go next week when the Jayhawks make history on their home field.

DATES/SCHEDULE
The Lawrence Regional will run from Thursday, May 29 through Monday, June 1. There will be a maximum of seven games played at Hoglund Ballpark in a double-elimination format. The full schedule with teams and game times will be announced on Monday.

EXTENDED CONCOURSE & AMENITIES
With an increased capacity, the concourse has been extended into portions of the parking lot on the first and third base sides surrounding Hoglund Ballpark.

There will be additional restrooms located in the extended concourse on the first and third base sides as well as in left field for The Backyard.

Additional concessions and food trucks will be implemented in each of those areas. All concessions and food trucks will be credit card only. No cash will be accepted.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for the Lawrence Regional will be sold on an all-session or single-game basis. All seating within the grandstands of Hoglund Ballpark will be reserved. Tickets will be on sale to the general public beginning on Wednesday, May 27 starting at 10 a.m. central on KUAthletics.com. Season ticket holders and active donors will be emailed ticket information.

Single-Game Tickets:
Please note tickets will not be valid for all games played in one day. Fans planning to attend all games played in one day must purchase both single-game tickets. The Backyard will be a first-come first-served seating area in left field beyond the fence of Hoglund Ballpark. Fans purchasing tickets in The Backyard will potentially have an obstructed view. This area will be standing room only with the ability to bring in lawn chairs. Tickets in The Backyard will not have access to the grandstands.

Ticket Prices
• Reserved Chairback: $50
• Reserved Bench: $45
• Reserved Standing Room: $35*
• The Backyard: $25

*The reserved standing room only section down the third base line is not expected to be available to the general public. Any remaining ticket inventory will be put on sale to the general public.

Fans with a reserved bench ticket will be permitted to bring their personal seatbacks to Hoglund Ballpark. Personal seatbacks must be 2.5 feet or less in width to account for seating capacities at the Lawrence Regional. Seatbacks will not be sold on-site.

STUDENT TICKETS
Students will continue to have a major presence at Hoglund Ballpark in postseason play as they have all season. The first 130 students with a valid KU student ID can pick up a ticket for free at the Allen Fieldhouse Ticket Office. After the 130 tickets are claimed, students can purchase tickets for $10, based on availability. Seating options for students include the bleacher areas and The Backyard. In order to have opportunity to secure tickets, students should arrive to the ballpark early.

Student tickets can only be claimed for the game KU is participating in on the day of the game. If Kansas is playing in the second game, the first 130 students cannot claim their free ticket until gates open for the second game. The Allen Fieldhouse Ticket Office will open two hours prior to the first game each day.

PARKING
Free parking will be available in lots 72, 90, 93, 112, 113, 116, 125, 127. A map with the nearest parking lots to Hoglund Ballpark can be found here. Pregame tailgating is permitted in Lots 90 and 127 prior to games.

Be aware that traffic routes around the ballpark will be adjusted and there will be no thru traffic behind home plate of Hoglund Ballpark.

CRIMSON CLUB
The Crimson Club inside Allen Fieldhouse will be open for fans to watch the games. Entry to the Crimson Club is free and a ticket to the game is not required to enter. Fans are free to come and go through Gate 13 as they please.

Concessions and beverages will be available to purchase inside the Crimson Club. Purchases will be credit card only and no cash will be accepted.

GATES
Gates will open two hours prior to first pitch of the first game each day. The stadium will be cleared between games and reopened approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the first game.

Crimson Club will also open two hours prior to first pitch of the first game each day. The Crimson Club will stay open until 30 minutes after the second game has concluded. Fans are encouraged to visit the Crimson Club in between games for additional food options and a controlled climate.

TAILGATING
Fans looking to upgrade their gameday experience can purchase a tailgate tent through REVELxp. The tailgates will be set up in left field outside of The Backyard. More information can be found by clicking here.

— For tickets to all KU athletic events, visit kuathletics.com