Free State senior Chrision Wilburn (10) draws a foul on Lawrence High senior Fred Brou, left, as Wilburn drives the lane between Brou, Kobe Buffalomeat (50) and Jackson Mallory (31) during their game Friday evening at LHS.

The high school basketball City Showdown will have a different look this year.

For the first time, Free State and Lawrence High basketball teams will play their non-conference matchup, on Dec. 16, at Allen Fieldhouse. The girls will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the boys at 8 p.m., the schools announced in a press release Wednesday.

“I approached (KU Athletic Director) Dr. (Sheahon) Zenger about a year ago, because neither of our gyms can hold all the fans who want to attend when our schools play each other,” said Mike Hill, director of athletics at Free State. “We know that every kid who grows up in Lawrence dreams of playing in Allen Fieldhouse. We really appreciate Dr. Zenger and Kansas Athletics helping make our kids’ dreams come true.”

Both schools play against each other twice per season — once in December and again at the end of the regular season, alternating home venues. The two schools will return to Lawrence High for their conference game on Feb. 24, which counts in the Sunflower League standings.

For the past few years, both Free State and Lawrence High boys basketball teams played at Allen Fieldhouse during KU team camps over the summer.

“The rivalry games are great,” Free State senior Jacob Pavylak said. “It might be a little different because we’re so used to playing at Free State and LHS and having no room left in the gym. I think it’s going to be a great opportunity. It’s going to be really fun for all the fans, players and coaches. It’s going to be cool.”

Most of Lawrence High’s girls basketball players have never played in Allen Fieldhouse. The Lions played at team camps at Wichita State and Emporia State in the summer, but are looking forward for their first opportunity to play at KU.

“It’s really a cool opportunity because it’s somewhere that’s really big and somewhere the city of Lawrence can all come watch,” LHS sophomore Hannah Stewart said. “I’m excited. I think everyone is really excited.”

This is the first time the City Showdown basketball games will be played at Allen Fieldhouse. In baseball, both schools play each other in one rivalry game at KU’s Hoglund Ballpark.

“We have really good teams, but most of these kids would never have gotten the opportunity to play in the greatest basketball venue in the country,” LHS athletic director Bill DeWitt said. “It’s special for the schools and for the city of Lawrence.”

Stewart added: “It’s like everyone is already super excited for the season to start, but then this is kind of the cherry on top.”