Construction won't hamper annual Red Dog's Dog Days / LJWorld.com

Archive for Thursday, May 31, 2007

May 31, 2007

Construction near Kansas University's Memorial Stadium won't disrupt the summer session of Red Dog's Dog Days, which starts Tuesday.

Crews are digging the foundation for a three-story building as part of the $31 million Anderson Family Football Complex southeast of the stadium. The work has closed some parking lots near the stadium.

"It's great that KU is allowing us to continue to use the stadium during construction," said Beverly Gardner, wife of Dog Days' founder Don "Red Dog" Gardner. "We want to say a special thank you to KU."

But the construction could cause some inconvenience.

"Be patient and get there early," Don Gardner said.

Dog Days participants are asked to park in Lot 94 northeast of the stadium or Lot 91 southeast of the stadium. There also is parking available near Joseph R. Pearson Hall. Participants should enter at either gate 31 or 32 at the stadium's northeast side.

The Dog Days summer schedule at Memorial Stadium is 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 5 to June 28; and 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday from July 2 until Aug. 9.

Saturday sessions at the Lied Center parking lot are at 7 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. from June 9 until Aug. 4.

Participants must sign an insurance waiver to take part.

A T-shirt giveaway day for those who participate in at least 26 workouts is at noon Aug. 10.

What started 24 years ago as a summer workout for Lawrence High School football players has grown into a community workout program for more than 500 athletes of varying degrees of ability.

Several KU coaches will speak during the summer session to provide motivation or running techniques.

"This is an opportunity for youngsters to meet some of the coaches and get tips that can make them better athletes," Don Gardner said.