To the editor:

In response to the disgruntled locals who complain of the money-hungry Kansas University athletics officials, I ask them: Do they wish for KU to be in the top flight of the Big 12 in all sports, facilities and coaches? Or do they concern themselves solely with the lost business from the KU-MU game?

Football is the driving force behind funding in an intercollegiate athletic program. More revenue for KU Athletic Corp. equates to better facilities, better coaches for ALL sports. How many realize that KU Athletic Corp. must pay the university for the scholarships that they offer student athletes? These scholarships and facilities must come from revenue generated from high-profile sports, primarily football.

A more successful athletic department leads to more tourism and business at restaurants, hotels, and shops in Lawrence. While the immediate loss of business may sting the local business community, the long-term gain will benefit the businesses in Lawrence. As a Lawrence resident, I would have loved for the game to be played in Lawrence, but I realize that college sports have become a business.

Next year, when KU and MU play at Arrowhead, KU will make a substantial amount of money for an “away game.” Arrowhead is a much shorter drive than Columbia, Mo., making it easier for KU fans to root on their team. Support KU and Lawrence, and remember that if KU benefits, Lawrence benefits as well.

Matt Jones,

Lawrence