Fans file through the doors of Allen Fieldhouse past the statue of Phog Allen in this file photo from Monday, Oct. 27, 2014.

Lawrence High senior guard Braden Solko had already circled the basketball City Showdown on his calendar.

That was before he found out that he would have the opportunity to play the rivalry game at Allen Fieldhouse.

“When you’re growing up in Lawrence,” Solko said, “you just dream of playing in Allen Fieldhouse — the actual atmosphere and how historical it is. I’m very excited.”

It’s the first time the LHS vs. Free State basketball games will be played at the fieldhouse. The girls’ game will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday and the boys will follow at 8 p.m.

Free State boys basketball coach Sam Stroh said he discussed moving the City Showdown game to the fieldhouse with athletic director Mike Hill in the last few months. It was originally scheduled for Free State’s main gymnasium before they could make the announcement a few weeks ago.

The Class 6A state tournament was played at Allen Fieldhouse from 1984-87, plus a few years in the 1960s and ’70s.

“Eventually we were like, ‘Let’s just give it a shot,'” Stroh said. “Best court in America and there hasn’t been a high school game there in a long time. Let’s get everyone in the gym that wants to watch the two teams in the city. It should be exciting.”

Both of the boys basketball programs have played on the Allen Fieldhouse floor during KU team camps during the summer. But that doesn’t include the atmosphere of a rivalry game.

The second edition of the City Showdown will be played at Lawrence High in February, which counts in the Sunflower League standings.

“You can’t describe it,” Solko said of the crosstown rivalry. “You walk in the gym and it means something different than any other team. You know it’s an important one.”

Along with the chance to play at Allen Fieldhouse, there’s just something different about the City Showdown that usually brings out the best between all of the teams involved. The boys’ rivalry series is split 20-20 since Free State opened in 1997, but the Lions have won six straight games.

“We, of course, want to win so we want to change it,” FSHS junior Simon McCaffrey said of the LHS winning streak. “We’re working hard. I think we can change it.”

The Firebirds (2-1, ranked No. 9 in 6A) have several returners from last season and said the crowd is the toughest adjustment compared to most games.

“It’s just seems like there’s one half that loves you and the other side just hates you and doesn’t want you to succeed,” FSHS junior Jalan Robinson said.

Lawrence (3-1) players said they haven’t discussed the winning streak, choosing to focus on the future instead of the past with many new faces in the varsity lineup.

“You can look back on the history of the games and the majority of them have been good, tight basketball games,” LHS boys basketball coach Mike Lewis said. “That’s the way I try to prep our team. Just prepare for a wild atmosphere.”

Allen Fieldhouse ticket and parking information

• Ticket prices: $7 for an adult; $5 for students. Everyone must buy a ticket. No student activity tickets, staff IDs, senior passes or season tickets will be permitted for this event. Fans can purchase tickets in advance at both high schools, Lawrence Hy-Vee stores or buy them at the door.
• Free parking is available in lots near the fieldhouse. It will cost money to park in the garage. The lot directly south of the fieldhouse is reserved for buses, game workers, officials, KU staff and high school administrations. Fans must enter through the east doors, which open at 5:30 p.m.
• High school student seating will be behind the goals: Free State on the north and LHS on the south. Fan seating is restricted to the lower two levels of the fieldhouse.