Fittingly, KU's New Arena Finally Named After Phog
When KU's shiny new arena was dedicated March 1, 1955, it was appropriately named after Forrest Allen. But not without a battle. There was a school policy prohibiting buildings from being named after a living person. But, according to Blair Kerkhoff's book, "Phog Allen: The Father of Basketball Coaching," there was too much sentiment in Allen's favor.
The previous year KU named its new physical sciences building for former chancellor Dean Malott. Former governor Harry Woodring, current governor Edward Arn and other dignitaries all pleaded with the state legislature.
Missouri coach Sparky Stalcup and Wichita State coach Ralph Miller both publicly supported Phog. The KU students voted in Allen's favor, 924-10, to name the building in his honor. Finally, the regents relented.
Construction of the facility was slow -- it was scheduled to open prior to the 1954-55 season -- so the building wasn't dedicated until March 1, 1955 when the Jayhawks played Kansas State.
Allen did not coach in the game, turning the reigns over to assistant Dick Harp instead. KU, which was 9-9 and had lost the final game in Hoch Auditorium, won it for Phog, 77-67.  Every former Kansas player that could make the journey to Lawrence was on hand. A Cadillac was given to Allen at halftime.