Local Expert: Curtis Marsh

Your Jayhawk Trivia Go-To Guy

Curtis Marsh came to Lawrence as a music and vocal performance student at the University of Kansas in the early 1990s. He fell in love with the University and community, and has been here ever since. His love for sports and the University, plus his roles managing KU Info and directing The DeBruce Center, have equipped him with all kinds of knowledge that he’s eager to share. If you’re ever in the same room with Curtis, go ahead and try to stump him on KU Trivia… our money’s on Curtis!

Check out our interview with Curtis about Kansas basketball on the blog>

Curtis

Curtis's Top 5 Local Spots

allen-fieldhouse

ALLEN FIELDHOUSE & BOOTH FAMILY HALL OF ATHLETICS

What it’s known for: Allen Fieldhouse holds the Guinness Book of World Records for loudest indoor stadium. Many argue it’s the strongest home-court advantage in college basketball. It’s a bucket-list stadium for any college basketball fan. There’s nothing like the sound of the Rock Chalk Chant echoing through the building. The adjacent Booth Hall of Athletics is full of KU sports memorabilia and includes interactive exhibits to see how you measure up against some of KU’s most beloved athletes.

Why he loves it: It’s the crown jewel of campus (in my biased opinion).

Insider tip: Stop by during open hours to browse for free. Tickets are now on sale for 90-minute behind-the-scenes guided walking tours.

Link | Link | Tripadvisor

the Campanile & Potter Lake

THE CAMPANILE AND POTTER LAKE

What it’s known for: A memorial to war dead and a working concert bell tower, the Campanile stands at the top of what is known as “The Hill” with a sprawling green lawn and view of campus, including Potter Lake, a historic picnic and relaxation spot for students across the decades.

Why he loves it: There are many beautiful spots on the KU campus, but this location is an absolute favorite for me.

Insider Tip: Memorial Drive is a great way to experience Marvin Grove, The Campanile and Potter Lake. If you’re a military history buff you’ll love a walk down Memorial Drive. It highlights the campus’s memorials for WWI, WWII, the Korean War and finally—next to the Chi Omega Fountain—the Vietnam War memorial which is the first such memorial placed on a college campus.

Link | Youtube | Tripadvisor

The DeBruce Center

THE DEBRUCE CENTER

What it’s known for: A shrine to basketball and a celebration of University of Kansas sporting tradition, The DeBruce Center houses and displays James Naismith’s original rules of “basket ball”. Open to the public with a café section, the center is a popular gathering space and adjacent to Allen Fieldhouse and the Booth Family Hall of Athletics.

Why he loves it: In no other place can you fully grasp Dr. James Naismith’s creation of the game of basketball, and the role the University of Kansas had in making it the popular sport it is today.

Insider Tip: Don’t forget to sit and take a picture with the James Naismith statue which sits on the lawn of the DeBruce Center. It’s a favorite spot for an Instagram pic!

Facebook | Twitter | Tripadvisor

Women's Volleyball Team

COFFIN SPORTS COMPLEX

What it’s known for: The rich athletic tradition of Haskell Indian Nations University boasts a history of creating champions such as Olympic gold medalists Jim Thorpe and Billy Mills as well as a modern, thriving program that brings together student-athletes representing dozens of Native American nations.

Why he loves it: One of the best places to witness living history is Coffin Sports Complex, the home for the basketball and volleyball teams. Tickets are affordable and available at the door—the atmosphere is electric,

Insider Tip: While you’re on campus go check out the historic Haskell Football Stadium (the first lighted stadium in the Midwest and WWI Memorial Arch.

Link

Curtis's Event Recommendations

KU RELAYS

For much of KU history, the biggest sporting event on campus was the annual KU Relays track and field event. With a history of athletes who went on to Olympic success, the KU squad continues to compete at the highest levels, and this annual showcase of talent is a delight to watch at the new Rock Chalk Park on the northwest edge of town (a complex that is also home to KU Softball and KU Soccer teams).

APRIL 2020

ROCK CHALK ROUNDBALL CLASSIC

Each year former basketball stars return for a charity game, VIP dinner, and golf tournament. All dedicated to raising funds for local families whose children are fighting cancer. This is a great way to enjoy time with KU talent and support a meaningful cause.

JUNE 2020

KU HOMECOMING

The football game is still a centerpiece, but the weeklong KU homecoming events are a chance for KU fans to gather at a series of public and alumni-invite events celebrating the past and future of KU with everything from a food festival, alumni mentoring sessions and the downtown homecoming parade.

SEPTEMBER 2020

RIM ROCK FARM HIGH SCHOOL XC CLASSIC

Nestled in the rolling woodlands of Lawrence, the University of Kansas’ Rim Rock Farm is a customized running course that takes runners through covered barns and across beautiful and challenging scenery. This picturesque location is open each fall for a premier national high school cross-country event and a chance for spectators to enjoy the scenery and cheer on the young racers.

SEPTEMBER 2020

LATE NIGHT IN THE PHOG

Every KU basketball season begins with a one-of-a-kind celebration at Allen Fieldhouse, featuring scrimmages, musical performances and a good share of cheesy costumes. It’s a chance for the athletes to greet the audience before the rigors of the season and a chance for the fans to see a personal side of each team member. Late Night in the Phog is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Local Expert: Curtis Marsh

Your Jayhawk Trivia Go-To Guy