Kansas forward Jamari Traylor (31), forward Cheick Diallo (13) and forward Carlton Bragg Jr. (15) react to an and-one bucket by guard Devonte' Graham (4) to tie the game during the second half, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016 at Allen Fieldhouse.

A pair of Kansas University v. Kentucky basketball tickets being auctioned on eBay for a good cause went for $1,000 this week to a Lawrence businessman.

The seller of the tickets to the big game was Steve Ozark, owner of a Lawrence-based talent company and an advocate for the homeless and affordable housing. Ozark said while the ticket sale won’t solve the city’s housing needs, it will be a little boost for the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund — and hopefully help raise awareness about the issue by getting people thinking, “what can I contribute?”

Bobby Stephens, background right, the driver of the ESPN College GameDay bus for 13 years tells stories to visitors inside the bus Thursday where the bus was parked at Theatre Lawrence. The ESPN College Game Day event will air live from Allen Fieldhouse beginning at 11:00 a.m. Saturday before the 6 p.m. KU vs. Kentucky men's basketball game.

“There’s an even more important game in town than Kentucky v. Kansas,” Ozark said.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund needs money, he said. The fund started with $500,000 and created numerous affordable homes throughout the community, he said, but thus far, lacking dedicated revenue streams, has dwindled to $102,000.

Rick Renfro, owner of the Lawrence Johnny’s Taverns, bought the basketball tickets on eBay after hearing about Ozark’s effort in the news, Ozark said.

“I think it’s a terrific idea to create permanently affordable housing in town – it’s a win-win for everyone,” Renfro said, in a statement provided by Ozark. “I’ve got staff that struggle to pay their rent, they can’t begin to think about buying a home and settling down here … We gotta get together and see this through.”

Ozark, who splits his season tickets with a friend, said he won’t miss Saturday night’s game — but he’ll be watching it on TV.

Don’t have a ticket?

You can still get into Allen Fieldhouse (and maybe make it on TV) Saturday morning, when ESPN College GameDay will telecast there for the seventh time, according to KU Athletics. It’s free, and doors open at 6:30 a.m., with the show from 10 to 11 a.m.