The cold, dreary weather blanketing Kansas City’s Power and Light District Thursday didn’t keep many Kansas University fans away.

Mike Crosby, a Bonner Springs resident, received tickets to KU’s Thursday contest against Texas Tech on Wednesday afternoon. He spent the rest of the day trying to make sure he and his wife could get off work.

Success. Crosby’s wife was able to leave work early, and Crosby, who owns a plumbing company, said he had a good thing going with his job. “One of the guys I work with, he’s not a basketball fan,” he said. “So whenever there’s a game he kind of holds down the fort.”

Crosby, like many KU fans crowding the space heaters on the District’s live block, said he and his wife often make the 40-minute trek to Lawrence to catch home games and have never missed a Big 12 tournament. “I’ve been a Jayhawk fan since I was old enough to realize I needed to pick a team,” Crosby said.

Chad Mitchell shows his affinity for KU basketball in a similar way. “I can’t honestly remember a time I’ve missed a big game,” Mitchell said.

The Tonganoxie native arrived in Kansas City, Mo., in time to catch the Jayhawks beat the Red Raiders, 80-68.

Mitchell said he usually checks the KU game dates in advance to make sure he can avoid any scheduling conflicts. “I just make sure I’m always available,” he said.

The Jayhawks take on Texas A&M at 6 p.m. today.