To the editor:

Having recently moved to Lawrence, I was excited to be invited to join with the group from the Lutheran Student Center for their Allen Fieldhouse cleanup fundraiser after the KU-Iowa State men’s basketball game on Jan. 14. For decades I have heard about this historic, hallowed arena being such a special place, one which showcased excellent basketball, great sportsmanship and dedicated fans!

However, as we began the cleanup, I was amazed to see that these great fans were also such slobs! Spilled pop, mashed hotdog buns, pizza drippings and half-empty popcorn bags spilling on the floor filled almost every row. Is there no respect for this legendary arena? Are fans who crowd around the concession stands before the game unable to carry out their own trash at the end of the game and place it in the recycle bins or trash barrels located on each concourse? Can we not show how much we honor this beautiful place?

Sure, cleanup people need these jobs, but their work would be so much easier and quicker if the fans would take some responsibility for caring for the building. Let’s encourage each other to “clean up our act” at all the events at Allen Fieldhouse so we can be a good example to others and remain proud of this amazing venue!