It’s hard to recall a time when Kansas University opened its football season with a greater sense of anticipation.

Today’s opening game against Northern Colorado is hardly a marquee contest, but the game officially sold out of tickets on Thursday. According to KU athletics officials, it was the first time that a season opening had sold out two days before kickoff. Gone are the days of securing tickets simply by stepping up to the ticket window on game day.

The start of football season always is a fun time. Thousands of fans will stream into Lawrence for today’s game. With them, they bring energy and enthusiasm, as well as a financial boon to local businesses that provide food, lodging, retail shopping opportunities and other services to the crowd.

The weather forecast looks near perfect, a little cooler than usual for a season opener, but that shouldn’t trigger any complaints. The Marching Jayhawks are ready to entertain the Memorial Stadium crowd that hopefully will be equally entertained by a fun football game and a Jayhawk victory.

Welcome to all the Jayhawk fans in Lawrence today and good luck to the KU football squad. It’s a great day to be a Jayhawk.