Late Night in the Phog to Coincide with KU Exhibition Contests

The University of Kansas is changing the format for its annual Late Night in the Phog event. Instead of a standalone celebration, the 2026 edition now pairs with exhibition games for both the men's and women's basketball programs. Allen Fieldhouse will host these combined events throughout October.

The men's team kicks off the schedule on Friday, October 16, against Pittsburg State. Phog Fest will precede the main event starting at 2 p.m. on the arena lawn, featuring food trucks, games, and music for fans. The men's squad will later host Louisville on October 21 for their second exhibition game of the season.

Kansas women's basketball takes center stage on Thursday, October 29, when they face Washburn. This event features team introductions and fan activations on the concourse. The team also hosts Northeastern State on October 22 as part of their preparation for the regular season.

Both programs are keeping the traditional elements of the celebration alive through team introductions, giveaways, and pre-game fan interaction. The organization Just Foods will be on site at both dates to accept food and monetary donations from attendees. Tickets for these games are included in season packages, with single-event sales starting later. Community Cares tickets remain available for local groups as in previous years.