photo by: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Fans tailgate in the parking lot outside Arrowhead Stadium before the start of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo.

The Kansas athletic department announced on Wednesday the details of its long-discussed busing service that will transport students to and from KU football home games in Kansas City this fall.

KU will pick up students from two locations in Lawrence, one on the west side and one on the east side of campus. Using the Corq app or Rock Chalk Central website, students can reserve seats on buses departing in specific time slots.

The first buses will leave Lawrence about three hours before a game begins; according to a press release, “The goal is to provide transportation for at least 1,000 students per game, but that could fluctuate depending on demand and bus and bus driver availability.”

Athletic director Travis Goff said in the release that the goal of the busing initiative is to help create a home-field advantage for KU in its adopted stadiums. KU is hosting two football games at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas (against Lindenwood on Aug. 29 and UNLV on Sept. 13), and four more at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri (against TCU on Sept. 28, Houston on Oct. 19, Iowa State on Nov. 9 and Colorado on Nov. 23).

“Over the past couple of seasons, our students have risen to the occasion and their attendance and passion will make an even greater difference this fall,” Goff said. “This well thought out and robust busing program provides a safe and efficient option for students to attend our games in full force. We are challenging our student body to make a strong statement of support while also enjoying a one-of-a-kind chance to cheer on their Jayhawks in two iconic Kansas City venues.”

As an additional enticement for students, KU also announced that free food will be available in the Mazuma Plaza at Children’s Mercy Park and in Lot M at Arrowhead Stadium, along with other giveaway opportunities.