The Kansas City Parade of Hearts has unveiled a special heart to honor the 2022 National Championship-winning Jayhawks, and it’s now on display outside Allen Fieldhouse.

Designed by KC-area artist Megh Knappenberger, the front of the heart features the signatures of all the Jayhawks and coach Bill Self. The back’s design is a 1941 Jayhawk, and the base of the sculpture features a quote from Self’s father: “Don’t worry about the mules, just load the wagon.”

The Parade of Hearts is a “public arts experience” and fundraiser, according to the website.

“In spring 2022, communities from across the Kansas City region will show the world why we are known as America’s Heartland and why we have the biggest hearts,” according to the Parade of Hearts website. “We fabricated 5′ heart sculptures and asked local artists to design them to create an unprecedented art experienced rooted in hope and unity. The hearts will be on display from March to the end of May.”

There are 156 hearts placed around the region. The championship one is the final addition. The hearts will be auctioned off in June to support some KC-area organizations.

“It was such an honor to create the National Champs heart!” Knappenberger said, according to the website. “I wanted it to personify the joy of watching KU bring home a National Championship.

“For all the Jayhawks in Kansas City, it was a night we’ll never forget. The post-game locker room scene of water bottles spraying everywhere inspired me to include lots of bright splatters of ink. Almost like the heart had been there in the room with them.”

The National Champions heart will be on display at Allen Fieldhouse “until early June,” according to an Instagram post from Knappenberger.

Find a map of all 156 hearts and more information on the Parade of Hearts website.

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