Move over, pigeons. The Jayhawks are set to reclaim Memorial Stadium.

Thousands of football fans are flocking today to Kansas University to watch the Jayhawks take on Northwestern University. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

And Cody Quintero is ready.

The Kansas University freshman from Dodge City will be rooting for the home team in the season-opening game.

“I think it is going to bring people’s school spirit out,” Quintero said Friday. “It’s a good way to start the school year. I believe if our players and our school have enough spirit, anything is possible.”

Crews on Friday were putting last-minute touches on Memorial Stadium, sweeping the field and making sure concessions were ready.

Brad Nachtigal, director of facilities for the athletics department, said pigeons were among the obstacles to bringing the stadium out of its summer hibernation.

“We have a flock of pigeons that like to call it their home, and they like to put deposits in there,” he said. “We have to wet it down and do lots of hosing to get the stadium ready. They’ll be anywhere they can.”

Weather shouldn’t stand in the way of a nice evening at the stadium. Ross Janssen, 6News chief meteorologist, said temperature at kickoff would be 77 degrees.

Justin Foster, Topeka, who works for Star Signs, installs new banners in Lawrence's downtown area. The banners went up Thursday in honor of Kansas University's football opener today at Memorial Stadium.

“It’ll feel pretty good, I think,” he said. “I don’t think it’ll be raining at game time.”

As of Friday afternoon, about 26,000 tickets had been sold for today’s game, KU officials said.

“If we catch a break and it’s a nice day, it could be up to 33,000 or 34,000,” athletic director Lew Perkins said.

Perkins, in his first year at KU, said he was hopeful today’s game could be the start of exciting times in the university’s football program.

“Winning does a lot of things,” he said. “I’ve been pushing that we need to support all our teams. We need to be pumped and be enthused by our football program.”

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“People are excited about our football program and Mark (Mangino, head coach) and what he’s already done, ” he said. “It’s going to take us some time.”

Tailgating

This will be the third year alcohol consumption is allowed in designated areas near Memorial Stadium for three hours before kickoff.

Ralph Oliver, director of KU’s Public Safety Office, said he was comfortable with the alcohol policy.

“Ninety-nine percent of the people we come in contact with are informed of the law and university policy and immediately comply with it,” he said. “People are out there to have a good time, and we’re not out there to interfere with that.”

Last year, KU issued 24 citations for alcohol violations, mainly for drinking in nondesignated areas. The state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control issued another four citations to minors in possession.

In 2001, KU issued 15 citations and the state issued 11.

“We don’t put that much manpower on that,” Oliver said. “If you have 35,000 or 40,000 fans around the stadium, we’re more concerned about safety and medical response and security and traffic control. Despite popular belief, alcohol consumption is not our No. 1 priority.”

State law prohibits alcohol consumption on state university campuses unless it’s part of a fund-raising event. Volunteers will be hawking football programs, with $1 of the proceeds split between three charities — KU’s Korean War Memorial, the marching band and KU’s sports clubs.

Last year, the fund-raiser netted $4,573.

Head football coach Mark Mangino talks with his players after a practice at Memorial Stadium. Jayhawk fans will flock to the stadium for tonight's season-opener against Northwestern. Kickoff is 6 p.m.

Traffic

Oliver reminded fans and other Lawrence drivers that traffic would be one-way heading away from the game on many streets surrounding Memorial Stadium.

“It usually takes us about 20 or 30 minutes of directing traffic until the stadium empties,” he said. “It’s been that way forever.”

Parking is available for Williams Fund members in the lots directly surrounding the stadium. Public parking costs $5 along Memorial Drive and $10 in the Mississippi Street parking garage.

And there undoubtedly will be dozens of residents near the stadium who will be willing to offer a spot in their yard or driveway for a fee, usually about $10.

If you don’t want to mess with the traffic, Johnny’s Tavern, 401 N. Second St., will offer its shuttle bus to and from the game. Owner Rick Renfrow said the bus was scheduled to leave 30 to 45 minutes before kickoff.

“I try to stall it, so they’ll stay as long as they can and have one last beer,” he said. “It sort of depends on the traffic.”

Andrew Bruns, a junior from Overland Park, said he was torn by today’s events. He wanted to go to the KU game but had to go to Omaha, Neb., for a Labor Day event.

“I’m excited about seeing some wins this season, ” he said. “I’m confident Mangino knows what he’s doing. I’m tired of people not having faith. Look at the Royals. You just have to stick with it.”

— Staff writer Abby Mills and 6News reporter Mike Rigg contributed to this report.