To the editor:

A recent Saturday Column criticized the decision of Kansas University officials to continue holding the annual Kansas-Missouri football game at Arrowhead Stadium. The writer specifically cited the negative impact of the move on the Lawrence community.

I found myself thinking about the positive impact that KU has on the Lawrence community each and every day. Jobs drive any economy and those generated by KU, both directly and indirectly, exceed any other industry in Lawrence.

Let’s consider the argument that many opponents to the Arrowhead game make: “It’s about the money.” If the money generated by holding the game at Arrowhead allows the program to better succeed, we all benefit. We currently wear both the Orange Bowl and NCAA basketball crowns. Like it or not, this type of success requires capital. The success of the athletic programs can then be leveraged to support improved research, faculty and academic programs.

One game a year at Arrowhead generates significant capital. Many of us can remember when our football program was not so strong as it is today; home games typically generated 25,000 attendees. Now, with a nationally recognized football program, we regularly draw twice that number, which effectively doubles the economic benefit.

In focusing on the economic benefit, the pride and the overall positive impact that KU brings to the Lawrence community at large rather than a singular decision, perhaps we can all be part of building a cooperative town-gown relationship instead of tearing the relationship apart.

Cindy Yulich,
Lawrence