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Kansas to begin building home for Dr. James Naismith’s ‘Rules of Basket Ball’ May 2

naismith

In 2010 Dr. James Naismith’s original rules of basketball were auctioned off, with Kansas alumnus David Booth paying more than $4.3 million for the two-page document that’s the basis for the game we love today. And given the amount of money Booth and his wife Suzanne shelled out for the rules, there was a need for a home to preserve the “Rules of Basket Ball.”

Kansas announced plans for a display to be built at the northeast corner of Allen Fieldhouse, and on Friday it was reported by the Lawrence Journal-World that groundbreaking for the new facility will take place May 2.

The facility, to be named the DeBruce Center in honor of Kansas alumni Paul and Katherine DeBruce (they gave the monetary gift that made this possible), will house not only the rules but also other amenities Jayhawk players and fans will be able to take advantage of.

The building will also consist of a 320-seat student activity center, which will include retail dining, cafe seating, a new training table setting for both the KU men’s and women’s basketball teams and a catered event space.

There will also be exhibits for both Dr. Naismith and Phog Allen, the great coach for whom the Fieldhouse is named.

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