A Guide to Late Night in the Phog 2022

Everything you need to know to enjoy Friday's festivities. Plus, Shaq!

It's that time of year again where Kansas fans get pumped for the upcoming basketball season.  With so many of us distracted by the amazing start of Lance Leipold's football team, the details of Late Night might have been lost in the shuffle.  Luckily, we here at Blue Wings Rising have you covered.

The 2022 edition of Late Night in the Phog starts this Friday at 6PM, but as per usual with Allen Fieldhouse, getting there early is a basic requirement. Plus, for those arriving early, PhogFest, featuring inflatable games for kids and food trucks for all ages, will take place on the grass in front of the arena starting at 2PM.  There will also be giveaways and the like there, so if you can't get into the event but want to experience part of the fun, attending the fan fest could be a good alternative. Gates to Allen Fieldhouse open at 4:45PM for students and 5PM for everyone else.

And if you don't have your ticket already, I'm not sure what to tell you. The dates for picking up your tickets has passed, but maybe you know someone or someone is giving them away. All tickets outside the student section are reserved seats. If you were unable to get tickets, you can watch selected portions of the festivities exclusively on the Kansas Athletics app. 

Once the activities officially begin, there is a lot to look forward to.  Of course there are the usual Late Night highlights of skits and scrimmages from both the men's and women's team like there always is, but this year features something we haven't seen since 2008, a banner unveiling. Yep, this will be the first official time to feast your eyes on the 2022 National Championship banner.  Plus, players returning from that natty team will receive their rings on Friday.  Maybe we'll see some guest appearances too? For me, I can't wait to see the banner, but I also can't wait to see the accompanying hype video.  You know that's gonna be fire.

And what better way to get the crowd revved up for the videos and unveiling and ring ceremony than the amazing unedited rapping of Snoop Dogg the DJ stylings of Shaquille O'Neal. Yes, you heard that right, DJ Diesel as he's known in the DJ world will be in the house.  It should be interesting and this isn't just a "I'm famous, watch me do music" kind of thing from Shaq.  He has been doing DJ sets at festivals all summer. I'm also hoping they've convinced Shaquille to participate in some of the skits because that due is hilarious. I guess we'll have to wait to find out.

As usual, the KU cheerleaders and dance team will be there, and various KU celebrities will most likely attend as well.  And if you're one of the two lucky fans in attendance to get selected to take a half court shot, you've got a chance to take home $10,000 of Bill Self's money. 

But most importantly, KU is encouraging fans to bring non-perishable food items for those in need.  All food will be donated to Just Food of Douglas County, helping in need families in Lawrence and beyond. Enjoy the festivities, get teary eyed when they show the boy's hoisting the trophy, and give to a good cause. Let's get this title defense started!

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