2026 Reunion

Run It Back

August 28–30, 2026 · Lawrence, Kansas

Reconnect with fellow Jayhawk debaters, celebrate our shared history, and support the next generation of Kansas Debate.

RSVP for Run It Back View Schedule Support KU Debate Parking Lodging

KU Debate team with trophies in the squad room, circa late 1970s

Trophy room celebration

Schedule of Events

Run It Back 2026 — initial schedule. Some locations and details are still being finalized; RSVP to stay updated.

5:30 – 6:30 PM
Squad Room Kickoff: Registration, Check In & Hanging of the Banners
Squad Room, Bailey Hall, KU Campus
1440 Jayhawk Blvd.
7:00 PM
Kickoff Party
Maceli's Banquet Hall
1031 New Hampshire Street

9:00 – 11:30 AM
Optional Morning Activities
Feel free to participate in any that interest you. RSVP may be required for some activities — indicate your interest on the RSVP form.
9:00 AM
Coffee & Pastries with the Squad
KU Debate Squad Room, Bailey Hall, KU Campus
1440 Jayhawk Blvd.
Uplift Coffee's truck will be parked outside Bailey Hall with coffee and assorted pastries.
9:00 AM
Recreation with Squadmates: Basketball and Pickleball
Robinson Health and Physical Education Center
1001 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
We will have a few basketball courts and a pickleball court.
9:30 AM
Campus Coffee & Power Walk
Starting at Bailey Hall and walking around campus.
10:00 AM
Spencer Research Library Rare Books Tour
Spencer Research Library, KU Campus
1450 Poplar Lane
RSVP required. Number of attendees limited. Bailey Hall is next door — grab coffee and pastries at the food truck.
12:30 PM
Lunch and Program
Jayhawk Welcome Center
1266 Oread Avenue
2:00 PM
Jayhawk Debate Network
Jayhawk Welcome Center
1266 Oread Avenue
Launching the inaugural Jayhawk Debate Network, an optional program open to all attendees. Breakout groups for those interested or active in Academia, Business, Law, and others.
2:30 PM
Audience Debate: British Parliamentary Demonstration Debate
Jayhawk Welcome Center
6:00 PM
Dinner
The Jayhawk Club
1809 Birdie Way, Lawrence, KS 66047
Happy hour from 6:00–7:30 PM, with dinner at 7:30 PM.

9:30 – 11:30 AM
Brunch
The Oread Hotel
1200 Oread Avenue
Parents of current KU Debaters cordially invited.

Parking Instructions

Where to park for each Run It Back event.

5:30 PM
Banner Hanging — Bailey Hall
Parking is available along Memorial Drive (the road in front of the Campanile) just down the steps behind Bailey Hall. If you have mobility issues you can drop off in the lot immediately behind Bailey Hall (accessed off of Jayhawk Blvd between Snow and Strong Halls).
6:30 PM
Maceli's
There is free street parking along New Hampshire in front of Maceli's. KU parking enforcement ends after 6:00 pm.

9:00 AM
Squad Room, Walking Tour & Spencer Library
There will be a food truck with coffee and pastries parked behind Bailey Hall starting at 8:30. If you are doing the KU squadroom, the walking tour, or the Spencer Library tour, the parking instructions are the same as for the Banner Hanging ceremony.
9:00 AM
Basketball & Pickleball — Robinson Gymnasium
Park in yellow lot 90 across Naismith Rd from Allen Fieldhouse. There will be a door propped open at the top of the metal staircase on the west side of Robinson immediately across from the Field House.
12:30 PM
Luncheon — Jayhawk Welcome Center
You can park in the Union parking garage or the open parking lot next to the Union. There is a small charge for parking in the Union lot. There is also some street parking along Jayhawk Blvd toward the Oread Hotel.
6:00 PM
Dinner — The Jayhawk Club
The Jayhawk Club has a large parking lot at the club.

9:30 AM
Brunch — The Oread
Use the same directions as for the Saturday luncheon. The Oread also has valet parking available.

Lodging Details

Book early for reunion weekend. We have a room block at The Oread Lawrence and are working on additional hotel blocks.

Reunion Room Block

The Oread Lawrence

$189 per night

Call (785) 843-1200 and reference “KU Debate” when booking.

Tru by Hilton Lawrence

$110 on a recent search

510 Wakarusa Drive · (785) 371-0600

StoneHill Hotel Lawrence

$113 on a recent search

6101 Rock Chalk Drive · (785) 330-9520

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lawrence

$100 on a recent search

200 McDonald Drive · (785) 841-7077

Formerly the Holidome; made famous at World Cup by the Algerian Team’s selection of the DoubleTree. Pet friendly with a swimming pool.

Stay Connected

Ready to join us in Lawrence? RSVP now and we will keep you updated as reunion details are finalized.

RSVP for Run It Back Support KU Debate